Quote:
Originally Posted by Skyline
Let's get a few things straight here. There are not now, nor were there ever, V6 BMWs. The BMW sixes are Straight sixes.
Second, there was NO 4.4i in 2008. You would have to have a 2006 (or earlier) E53 to have a 4.4i. The E70 was introduced in 2008, and the V8 model was initially a 4.8i. The 50iX models DO use a turboed 4.4L but that comes later.
Third; there's no replacement for displacement. The E70 X5 is a heavy car; I had my 2008 V8 4.8i on a scale recently and it was 5,400lbs, including me and a full tank of gas, (I'm 190lbs). Not sure how much lighter the 3.5i is, but it must still be in the 4,900-5,000lbs range. The only way to really answer your question is to drive both cars; the 5.0i will be much more fun. You will also have bigger gas bills and maintenance costs. A V8 X5 is perhaps one of the WORST vehicles you can buy in terms of maintenance; but is also one of the best driving SUVs you can buy.
Finally, there's the issue of towing. If you plan to tow anything more than 2,000lbs for more than a VERY short distance, you must buy the V8.
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Skyline
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.
|
+1 - agree with all of this
To mammac80210 - I have a 2012 50i w/ 55K miles. With this vehicle I like to differentiate reliability & cost of ownership, though they reside in each other's orbit. Mine has been very reliable overall, but the few times repairs have come up, they're expensive. I always ask my SA, would it be less if I had a 35i, and it's almost always a 'yes.' I've been told most things on the N63 4.4L V8 are difficult to access vs. the N55 I6 in the 35i, therefore increasing labor costs. Thats not the only reason, just an example.
I'm currently having the valve guide seals ($9K at dealer) and upper oil pan gasket ($3K at dealer) replaced, however it's all being good-willed by BMW, even though my CPO had just expired (long story). I'm fortunate that BMW is stepping up here, however these repairs spooked me out, so I just purchased an aftermarket warranty - 3 years/24K miles, for $2550. The warranty came highly recommended from fellow X5 owners. I figure in 3 years, I'll be ready to move on.
Regarding the 35i vs. 50i and what you've posted, sounds like you need a 50i
They're both great vehicles, I drove several 35i's back in the day, but once I drove a 50i I knew, for me, it was the motor I wanted. Power/performance ranks ahead of reliability for me, so that's the route I went. Stock vs. stock you get +100HP and +150TQ, and the sound is awesome.
I'd also read up on packaging/options and get familiar with a BMW VIN decoder if you aren't already. These vehicle came equipped a million different ways. There's certain stuff I consider must-haves, and don't believe any X5 ad that says 'loaded' or 'fully loaded' - I've still never seen one with every available package/option and I've decoded 100's of E70's. And 'Skyline' above is correct, even though 50i's are not as common as 35i's, you'll find them with better packaging/options on average. Heavily optioned 35's are not that common.
Good luck!
12-11-2017, 04:13 PM
Threaded Mode
