50i vs 35i? Extra HP worth the engine bomb?

[absentmathis]

Originally Posted by boostedX5SAV

I did not say 50i. The 50i is definitely faster than both the 35i or the 4.4i. But I'm looking at the 4.4i NA from 2008 that the OP had and he said was very fast. The 35i 3.0 turbo is just as quick as the 4.4i NA on paper. I have no experience with the 4.4i NA though, but my 35i is pretty darn quick. If the OP is happy with 4.4i performance and wants lower maintenance, the 35i can match 4.4i performance while being cheaper than the 50i to maintain.

There is no 4.4 naturally aspirated e70 (at least not in America). That’s why I thought you were referring to the 50i, which is a 4.4 but obviously not NA. The n62b48 isn’t all that much faster than the 35i based on 0-60 alone, but they drive very differently.


Edit: Skyline beat me to it and with more detail...

[boostedX5SAV]

I'm not too familiar with the NA X5 engines. I just went off with what was said in the OP. But like others have said, the V8 is different and will have better passing power. For regular day to day commuting and driving, the turbo 6 has been well to me. Do I regret not getting the turbo v8? Sure, but I'm glad I didn't when I see all these problems. I think someone said the S63 in the X5M is better than the N63 in terms of reliability. Again, no experience with them, just what I've read.

[macmac80210]

Originally Posted by absentmathis

There are certainly positives to the 35i but to suggest that it’s nearly or just as quick as the 50i is ludacris. The 50i is way faster. I know the above are magazine numbers and are subject to test conditions, but neither of those appear correct from what I’ve seen.

You're 100% right about this, I just think he was comparing the 35i to my previous '08 48i. They're about the same 0-60 (a little under 6 seconds), but the V8 is unbeatable from a sound and driving thrill perspective.

[Skyline]

Originally Posted by macmac80210

You're 100% right about this, I just think he was comparing the 35i to my previous '08 48i. They're about the same 0-60 (a little under 6 seconds), but the V8 is unbeatable from a sound and driving thrill perspective.

Gearing is more responsible for this closeness of 0-60 than the similarity of power figures; the '08 4.8i is still a good bit more powerful than the '12 3.5i, and the 5.0iX is even quicker than the 4.8i by a similar margin. Try flooring both from 65mph and see the difference. In many situations while driving, the 6 will need to downshift and you will need more aggressive use of the throttle to get the job done. The 3.5i is still no slouch.

Another issue to keep in mind is the tendency to get loaded cars with a 6cyl is rare. If you're looking for a "loaded" car with all the expensive options, like comfort seats with A/C, sport package with upgraded wheels, full technology package with the top stereo options, etc; you will find very few 6cyl cars equipped like that, it's a needle in a haystack. Yet you'll find plenty of loaded V8 cars.

[Deftronix]

Is the 35d an option for you at all? If so, would at least test drive one while you are looking at the other two models. I was hitting 5.4sec 0-60 with a stage 1 tune (no bolt ons or emissions deletes, just a tune) and that was with run flat tires / 20" sport package. Mileage is awesome and you may find yourself addicted to the power delivery. These things become absolute monsters if you start going to higher level tunes. Just throwing it out there

[macmac80210]

Originally Posted by Deftronix

Is the 35d an option for you at all? If so, would at least test drive one while you are looking at the other two models. I was hitting 5.4sec 0-60 with a stage 1 tune (no bolt ons or emissions deletes, just a tune) and that was with run flat tires / 20" sport package. Mileage is awesome and you may find yourself addicted to the power delivery. These things become absolute monsters if you start going to higher level tunes. Just throwing it out there

This is actually what I'm about to do. With a tune, I think the diesel can hit 0-60 about as quickly as the 50i. Thanks for the suggestion, I think the engine can also be a lot more reliable and milage is obviously going to be much better.

[ard]

I've never heard of a goodwill AFTER the CPO has ended. After the 4/50, plenty. Never after a CPO. Very lucky/unusual. SA/Tech/Service Manager related to you?

[740iS]

Wow, goodwill for that much? That is GREAT! Last goodwill I heard of was the cluster replacements on the E38's.

[ryan5034]

I have a 50i TT V8. Love the torque, hp and sound. The 35i was not even considered never even drove it.

That said theres a lot going under the hood. If you can wrench on it a bit and are willing and able to google some issues then it’s not bad.

I fix pretty everything on my last 8 cars. (Mostly VW). I’ve got about $3000 in repairs for the last 2 years with this X5. Had a major fix recently had to outsource for $1600.

If I wreck it tomorrow I’m buying another V8. Might consider a N63 TU. At least that engine is a generation newer.

Hope this helps.

Oh yea the BMS stage 1 tuner is great! There’s no way a 35i or diesel will have a chance.

[kaput]

Originally Posted by ryan5034

I have a 50i TT V8. Love the torque, hp and sound. The 35i was not even considered never even drove it.

That said theres a lot going under the hood. If you can wrench on it a bit and are willing and able to google some issues then it’s not bad.

I fix pretty everything on my last 8 cars. (Mostly VW). I’ve got about $3000 in repairs for the last 2 years with this X5. Had a major fix recently had to outsource for $1600.

If I wreck it tomorrow I’m buying another V8. Might consider a N63 TU. At least that engine is a generation newer.

Hope this helps.

Oh yea the BMS stage 1 tuner is great! There’s no way a 35i or diesel will have a chance.

That is absolutely insane. I owned a 2002 M3 with the S54 engine. I didn't put $3K into it in over 7 years. My subframe was fine, VANOS held up. I replaced my SMG pump with a used one (only the motor failed) and did oil changes and tires. I guess with tires, it may have been over $3K, but not by much.

I don't understand how anyone, unless money doesn't matter to them would even remotely recommend that engine to anyone just because torque and horsepower. Like really, $3K in two years? On just engine repair? Wow.

I replaced my M3 with a 35i, 2012 X5. I don't need mad horsepower and torque. It passes things just fine. I get better milage, cheaper maintenance, and its got plenty of grunt for day to day driving.

Up to you really. I've owned BMW V8s before, and everything was twice as expensive, even the little things. I decided to stick with the I6, and enjoy a bit of silent, smooth operation.