Cost of 4.8i vs. 3.0sd in 2009 & towing with the 3.0si

[bimmer_buachaill]

I'm trying to predict the price of the 4.8i V8 vs. the 3.0sd twin turbo I6 for the 2009 MY in the USA. Does anyone know the price in Europe for one vs. the other (trying to match options) so I can see what the savings are on the diesel? I'm looking for a percentage difference. I'm guessing that it will be more than the 3.0si but less than the 4.8i.

Since I'm looking for an X5 to tow, I'm looking between the 3.0sd and the 4.8i. Perhaps I should consider the 3.0si too - any comments on towing with the twin turbo gas engine?

Thanks in advance.

[sirees01]

here you go

Prices and specification Print these details Range overview
The prices shown are on the road costs including delivery, number plates, first registration fee and BMW Emergency Service. April 2008

Front | Rear
Model OTR Price Fuel BIK (%) CO2 (g/km) Combined fuel consumption (mpg) Power Output (hp) 0-62mph (secs)
X5 SE


3.0si SE £40,200 Petrol 35% 244 27.7 272 8.1
4.8i SE £50,710 Petrol 35% 286 23.5 355 6.5
3.0d SE £40,560 Diesel 33% 214 34.9 235 8.1
3.0sd SE £42,730 Diesel 34% 216 34.4 286 7.0

Front | Rear
Model OTR Price Fuel BIK (%) CO2 (g/km) Combined fuel consumption (mpg) Power Output (hp) 0-62mph (secs)
X5 M Sport


3.0si M Sport £45,270 Petrol 35% 244 27.7 272 8.1
4.8i M Sport £54,065 Petrol 35% 286 23.5 355 6.5
3.0d M Sport £45,630 Diesel 33% 214 34.9 235 8.1
3.0sd M Sport £47,810 Diesel 34% 216 34.4 286 7.0

Figures in () represent automatic transmission

[grover432]

I don't think you'll see the diesel option at more than $2,000 above the 3.0si. I could be wrong, but if the diesel is priced to high, people will do the math and pick another engine (or maybe an ML).

Having said that, the sd will outperform the ML and the 3.0si, so who really knows. I think there will be more information in a month or so.

[mtech8]

I think $2000+ is very possible. Main reason being the additional cost of the turbo, plus the fact that it does get better MPG.

Look at Lexus and their hybrids. (I believe Mercedes's diesel cost more too, can't confirm or remember exactly). People are always saying that the additional cost is not worth it (takes too long to recoup), but as gas prices continue to rise, the savings accumulate much faster.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by mtech8

I think $2000+ is very possible. Main reason being the additional cost of the turbo, plus the fact that it does get better MPG.

.....People are always saying that the additional cost is not worth it (takes too long to recoup), but as gas prices continue to rise, the savings accumulate much faster.

I vote $1500 premium for the diesel over the 3.0, likely the same price premium as the twin turbo 3.0 petrol when it comes out. Options that are included or not included in each base model may shift the actual premium.

As fuel prices continue to rise, the payback lines diverge, ie there is the potential of no payback. Ever. That is because diesel is going to continue to cost more than gasoline, until the US gets new refineries that produce a higher percentage of diesel for every barrel of oil than the current refineries do. Increased demand for diesels with new models like the X5 will only make it worse.

Nice torque though.

[grover432]

Every one compares the cost of diesel to regular gas prices. The fact is, BMW, Mercedes, etc. all require premium fuel. In Canada, diesel costs about the same as mid grade gasoline, which is a bit above regular grade and a bit below premium. In some places it sells for the same as premium.

Even with diesel prices above premium, there is still an arguement to be made for diesel (as long as the diesel option isn't too expensive) similar to the arguement made for hybrids.

In any case, I'll lease my next vehicle with a fixed residual and take a wait and see approach. If diesel continues to ride faster than premium fuel, then when it is 30% higher in cost, operating costs (fuel) will be a wash with a gas powered vehicle. In the mean time there is a substantial savings.

In addition, I just feel better knowing that I am consuming lelss fuel than the same vehicle with a gas engine.

As to the option cost, this is really anyone's guess. In the Mercedes, the diesel option returns performance similar to the ML350 engine. In the X5, the diesel option actual provides an improvement in performance over the 3.0si. BMW may tack on an extra premium for the increased performance. Mercedes kept the premium at a minimum becuase you are trading fuel efficiency for reduced performance. With BMW, it looks like we would be getting a double benefit.