I’ve made the mistake of test driving a 4.8i and now I’m stuck with a MAJOR dilemma..

[Ajogu]

I think your decision should also be partly based on the performance your current car has. I mean, I personally would not want my next car to have worse performance. Thats why I would wait until I could get a well equiped 4.8.

[Ferguson]

Are those your only two options, i.e. are you buying off the lot?

With one kid, depending on if you have other needs, I would loose the third row seat. It's been a while, but as I recall the amount of stuff you have to carry is inversely proportional to the kid's age, and the big open back area is better in my opinion, plus the utility of the seat as seats is questionable. With a lot more, older kids maybe.

I have the 4.8, and test drove the 3.0. The 3.0 was just fine until as you did, I drove the 4.8. My wife still says the 3.0 was just fine (says it and says it and says it). I'm glad I got the 3.0.

I'd also agree, get the sport. Or at least get the upgraded seats that come with the sport, I had a friend who had both, and that was his one immediate recommendation amongst all others when I said I was looking at the X5.

If I had to choose -- well, my wife would choose the 3.0 instantly, and if I could not do both I think I might as well. It's got enough power. And your gas mileage will be better. Probably insurance. And you do have the college fund to start putting money into.

But if you are ordering, maybe just swap around, loose the running boards, HUD, 3rd row -- maybe you can pay for enough to get the 4.8 and sport both.

[Tae]

Originally Posted by Ferguson

Are those your only two options, i.e. are you buying off the lot?

With one kid, depending on if you have other needs, I would loose the third row seat. It's been a while, but as I recall the amount of stuff you have to carry is inversely proportional to the kid's age, and the big open back area is better in my opinion, plus the utility of the seat as seats is questionable. With a lot more, older kids maybe.

I have the 4.8, and test drove the 3.0. The 3.0 was just fine until as you did, I drove the 4.8. My wife still says the 3.0 was just fine (says it and says it and says it). I'm glad I got the 3.0.

I'd also agree, get the sport. Or at least get the upgraded seats that come with the sport, I had a friend who had both, and that was his one immediate recommendation amongst all others when I said I was looking at the X5.

If I had to choose -- well, my wife would choose the 3.0 instantly, and if I could not do both I think I might as well. It's got enough power. And your gas mileage will be better. Probably insurance. And you do have the college fund to start putting money into.

But if you are ordering, maybe just swap around, loose the running boards, HUD, 3rd row -- maybe you can pay for enough to get the 4.8 and sport both.

We're actually placing an order for an '08 model, as it makes more sense since we'll be purchasing. I am, for the most part, absolutely happy with our 3.0si order, but thoughts of the 4.8 keep creeping up in the back of my mind. Plus, a vin # has not yet been assigned, so I don't believe it's too late for me to modify my existing order.

As for the third row, we do, from time to time, haul some extended family around. Although not the most comfy solution, the extra row would allow some flexibility on short trips. Plus, I'm sure a thrid row would not hurt the resale later.

BTW: I do have the clarify..... In selected options list, under the 4.8i, I had removed the Sport Pkg, HUD, and Comfort Access in order to bring the price down to the 3.0's level. I know I can live without the HUD and Confort, but feel that I'd really miss not having the Sport Pkg.

My wife also thinks that the 3.0 is more than adequate.... and for the most part, I would have to agree. The only difference between the 3.0 and 4.8 was that I came back grinning after the short stint in the V8 model.

Arggh.... this one's going to be a toughie... and I think we're probably going to stick with the 3.0 unless I can make a convincing argument, to the wife, for us to break our 'self-imposed' budget. Decisions, decisions....

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses!
Tae

[Ferguson]

Originally Posted by Tae

I know I can live without the HUD and Confort, but feel that I'd really miss not having the Sport Pkg.

You will also miss comfort access. not because it is really needed, but it is (comparatively) so stupid to have to put the key in that silly slot and then push a button. It's one of those things that are the opposite of HUD -- I never think of it really as I never had it and nothing to remind me (except reading here). But Comfort Access you get redminded every time you have to do two things in a car obviously designed to do one (key + button vs. button).

But it is pricey.

[MD11F]

BMW really makes it tough with all of the options I know! I wish they could just bundle most of them in and make the price only a bit higher! But they'll never go for that!

[buschy]

I would go with the 4.8 and lose some options. however, not the sport.
Sport Package
Premium Package
Rear Climate Package
Technology Package
Comfort Access


maybe something like this oculd get you closer to your budget.
you can always add ipod, running boards, etc later on. you cant add the 4.8 later.

[RTZX5]

Originally Posted by Ferguson

You will also miss comfort access. not because it is really needed, but it is (comparatively) so stupid to have to put the key in that silly slot and then push a button. It's one of those things that are the opposite of HUD -- I never think of it really as I never had it and nothing to remind me (except reading here). But Comfort Access you get reminded every time you have to do two things in a car obviously designed to do one (key + button vs. button).

But it is pricey.

I understand your point, but would take HUD over Comfort Access a thousand times over. For the last twenty or so years, I have had to put a key in the ignition and turn the key, so it kinda still works for me. On the other hand, HUD is really nice, for one very simple reason, the navigation integration. I absolutely love the fact I never have to take my eyes off the road.

When I was choosing options, I had to choose what I could live without and found Comfort Access took a backseat to safety. Now had CA cost $500 like it should have, I may have got it as well.

[Craig]

I'm waiting for the 3.0 SD twin turbo diesel. It won't be out until March. I think it's worth the wait...

Good luck!

Craig

[rodberg007]

The 3.0si is adquate enough - I drive a 3.0i sport and and it has plenty of horses under the bonnet to cruise along and knowing the extra power is there if you need to put the foot down. The 4.8i without the sports package would not be an proper SUV/SAV so my advice to you is.. unless you can raid the piggy bank for the extra dollars to have the same spec as the 3.0si on the 4.8i - I would be very happy with an 08 E70 with all the options you want. Maybe in a year or two you could upgrade to the 4.8i when the budget is bigger!!

[golfer4life]

Congrats with the new baby. They're such a blessing.

IMO, I would never get an X5 without the sports package. With the new baby, the 3rd row seat is something "nice" to have. I have 2 kids right now, the youngest 16 mos old. Back when I only had one child, there are so many times that I wish I have 3rd row seats on weekends when we have family, friends and out of town guests. I just hate taking two cars because there's not enough room to haul everybody on short trips, going to dinner and such. The E70, has enough room for a stroller and little baby stuff even when the 3rd row seat is up. Now that I have 2 kids, the 3rd row seat is a must. You should also consider future addtions (you'll never know). With that in mind, I ordered a fully loaded 3.0 because I have a limited budget. It would be nice to have a fully loaded 4.8 but I just cannot justify paying over 70K for a vehicle when I have to worry about other important things in life such as kids college funds, retirement etc. With my 3.0, I'm able to get the options that I "need" without breaking the bank and still able to afford a very luxurious and safe vehicle that turns heads.

So to sum it up. If you were to change it to a 4.8, my recommendation is not to drop the sports package and 3rd row. If you're keeping the 3.0, good for you!

Hope this helps. Good luck. Hope you're getting enough sleep (with the baby and the decision making on the E70)