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

[Tae]

Hey gang,

This is my first post, on X5World, and I’ve just put a deposit for the purchase of an ’08 E70 X5. My wife and I just had our first baby, in July, and as seems to be the trend…. New Baby = New ‘Big’ Vehicle. We’re currently shuttling around in an 06 Audi A4, which we have discovered is now just too small for our daily needs.

We shopped around for all SUV\SAV’s in the same class and pretty much narrowed our choices down to the Q7 and X5. Long story short, my wife and I fell in love with BMW’s offering and decided to place an order for an ’08 3.0si that is well equipped.

All was good, up until the point I asked the dealer to test drive the 4.8i model recently. The 4.8i’s engine sound and acceleration just blew me away. As it's not too late in the process, now, I’m debating whether to replace my original 3.0si order for a ‘less’ equipped 4.8i X5.

As I have to keep a budget in mind, if going with the 4.8i, the one major option\package that I would be giving up is the Sports Package.

If you were in my shoes, what would you go with? A well equipped 3.0si or 4.8i sans Sports Package?

Just for reference, here’s a breakdown of the model\options packages that I currently have in consideration:

4.8i

Exterior Options:
Space Gray Metallic

Interior Options:
Black w/Nevada Leather with Dark Bamboo Wood Trim

Packages/Options:
Premium Package
Cold Weather Package
Rear Climate Package
Technology Package
Heated Rear Seats
Third Row Seating
Running Boards
iPod/USB Adapter


3.0si

Exterior Options:
Space Gray Metallic

Interior Options:
Black w/Nevada Leather with Dark Bamboo Wood Trim

Packages/Options:
Sport Package
Premium Package
Cold Weather Package
Rear Climate Package
Technology Package
HUD
Comfort Access
Heated Rear Seats
Third Row Seating
Running Boards
iPod/USB Adapter


I am very interested in receiving some feedback from the seasoned x5 enthusiasts.

Thanks in advance!

Cheers,
Tae

[RLee371]

In my opinion the 4.8 without the Sport Package is pretty worthless. The added acceleration and "oooomph" if you will can't be appreciated without it.

[trueX5er]

:xoutpost: and congratulations on your daughter.
While the 4.8i you configured has all the options I would ever want, I would probably get the 3.0si becuase it has some great options that make up for the "lack" of power. I own a 3.0si, and have never felt the need for more power in day to day driving, even though it would be fun to have more. Also, you probably won't speed as much as you would in a 4.8i if thats a "safety feature". I think comfort access would be an option you need, if you are constantly opening and closing doors and going back to get stuff, etc. Everybody here who has HUD loves it. Running boards, while they do look cool, have a learning curve because it is easy to accidentally drag your pant leg on them and get those dirty, although I could see the benefit if you are trying to adjust your daughter in back. I would try it out at the dealer.
Otherwise, either way you are getting a great vehicle. Good choice on color too, black leather is my fave.
Keep us updated

[Tae]

Thanks TrueX5er! I do agree with what you say..... in every day driving, the 3.0 is more than adequate for my family's needs. Plus, with a baby in tow, I will not be speeding around like a demon.

I do have to agree with RLee, in that I would probably miss the Sport Package in the 4.8i config. Also, considering I have a budget in mind, the 3.0, better equipped, is probably the most practical solution.

This is really tough.... I knew I shouldn't have test driven that V8 model.

In any event, I'll be sure to keep everyone posted. Thanks everyone for your feedback\responses!

Cheers,
Tae

[lbear]

I'd rather getting 4.8 with sport package. dropping several options such as 3rd row seat, HUD and comfort access or even running board. I live in California, I don't need cold climate package and rear heated seat but I do need rear climate package.

[X5FX]

I am very pleased w/ my 3.0 and would not go w/o the options...but thats just me I really enjoy all the technology, especially on road trips. I have never "needed" more power (I have over 9000 miles on the E70). Sometimes I wished I had a 4.8, but never really needed it.

[MD11F]

I too made the mistake of test driving a 4.8 when my intention was to buy the 3.0.. I also was glued on all the bells and whistles.. I bit the bullet and got both, the 4.8 and the options.. but if I HAD to choose, I'd probably do a 4.8 sport and do without the HUD, Rear DVD, Dynamic Steering, etc...

[Aimster]

3.0 si.

4.8 without sport package is not worth it IMO. It would be like driving a Jeep SRT-8 with 5 fat adults in it.

-i've never drove a 4.8 without sport package-

[Monksgirl322]

Originally, I didn't see the point of spending so much for the 4.8, and I tried to convince DH to go for the 3.0. Once he test drove the 4.8 there was no changing his mind, and after I drove it, I had to agree. It's a blast, and I'm so glad we didn't get the 3.0.

Of course, we live in Germany, we travel a lot, and we get to enjoy it on the Autobahn...if we were living in the States, and only comuting to work each day the 3.0 would (probably) be fine. Right now, I love the 4.8 so much, it's hard to be objective.

FYI: the new issue of Bimmer magazine has a review of the E70, and the author prefers the 3.0.

[jamesboags]

Originally Posted by Aimster

3.0 si.

4.8 without sport package is not worth it IMO. It would be like driving a Jeep SRT-8 with 5 fat adults in it.

-i've never drove a 4.8 without sport package-

Nothing like an informed opinion IMHO !! LOL