Any regrets getting a 3.0i instead of a 4.8i?

[IamSMC]

Sorry if its been asked already.....

Search doesn't seem to yield any results.....

Any members regret getting a 3.0i instead of a 4.8i?

Does your 3.0i satisfy your HP needs?

[jago]

well judging by the other cars in your stable, i bet you would feel underpowered in the 3.0, unless you accept it as a vehicle for different uses.
our 3.0 is a family hauler and although its a little revvy i think the power meets our reasonable needs. runs great on the hwy with the step in M mode too.

[rh71]

I test drove both and chose the 3.0si because the 4.8i wasn't worth the extra $8k+ in my opinion. On top of that I would've skimped on some options. It certainly had a lot of go to it but that's where it ends. The difference in fuel economy and the premium wasn't worth what I experienced. They are essentially the same car except the engine obviously... and I'll be hauling a kid around anyway.

Now if it were the 3.0si vs. 3.0sd, I'd pay up to $4k for the difference. Better fuel economy too.

[drod]

test drove both... no regrets whatsoever!!

power is more than my previous landcruiser and E53... good pickup, strong on freeways, quiet, and very stable... no complaints there..

change to the titanium griles and 4.8 exhaust tips and it's perfect!

[X5audi]

Originally Posted by rh71

The difference in fuel economy and the premium wasn't worth what I experienced.

Is that so?

3.0si: 15/21 MPG

4.8i: 14/19 MPG

I feel the exact opposite... the 3.0's mileage is already terrible, so why not go all the way for the extra performance? If we truly cared about fuel economy over performance in our SUVs, we wouldn't be in a BMW X5 forum, would we?

[JCL]

Originally Posted by X5audi

Is that so?

3.0si: 15/21 MPG

4.8i: 14/19 MPG

I feel the exact opposite... the 3.0's mileage is already terrible, so why not go all the way for the extra performance? If we truly cared about fuel economy over performance in our SUVs, we wouldn't be in a BMW X5 forum, would we?

No dispute on the performance difference, but I don't think it is realistic to compare those mileage figures. I assume those are the published consumption figures. Yes, I know that the figures are designed to help consumers. However, if they are the published figures then they are run on a dyno, using pre-set (very slow) acceleration rates. To get those comparable mileage figures in the real world, you would have to drive the cars identically, accelerating at the same rate each time, or in other words, never use the power of the V8. That is what doesn't seem realistic, and the purchasers of the 4.8i that are getting 11 mpg may agree. They are also likely enjoying the power under their right foot.

Using test figures other than the EPA test that is used in the US, there is a 10% difference in the city, and 15% on the highway, between the two engines. Even those deltas are conservative IMO.

Just my $0.02

[rufusdedog]

Originally Posted by X5audi

Is that so?

3.0si: 15/21 MPG

4.8i: 14/19 MPG

I feel the exact opposite... the 3.0's mileage is already terrible, so why not go all the way for the extra performance? If we truly cared about fuel economy over performance in our SUVs, we wouldn't be in a BMW X5 forum, would we?

They both suck gas. But my 3.0 sucks a little less than the 4.8 (about a quart of gas every 5 miles).

But then again, if I wanted a gas saving skateboard, I'd have bought a Prius.

[rh71]

Originally Posted by X5audi

Is that so?

3.0si: 15/21 MPG

4.8i: 14/19 MPG

I feel the exact opposite... the 3.0's mileage is already terrible, so why not go all the way for the extra performance? If we truly cared about fuel economy over performance in our SUVs, we wouldn't be in a BMW X5 forum, would we?

I already drive a 13.75 mpg SUV (fresh calculation today). The bottom line is I don't feel the extra push the 4.8i had (and it did have plenty) was worth $8k plus whatever I'm already paying to keep my current car. I'll take some relief while having a brand new X5 too. The difference is just the engine and some cosmetics. And the 3.0si likely gets 17mpg in the long run while the 4.8i gets closer to 14mpg... if you wanted to do the math. I won't be needing the power often enough to justify it plus the premium. Again, not worth it to me... that is, unless money grew on a tree out in my backyard.

Face it, we'd all have better vehicles if we really didn't care to prioritize our spendings. You have to have a cut-off for what you will and will not spend on. Right now, $2-3k is all I'd pay for the extra I experienced. The U.S. gimped version of the SD, I'd pay no more than $1-2k for.

[Hunter]

Originally Posted by rh71

... if you wanted to do the math. I won't be needing the power often enough to justify it plus the premium. Again, not worth it to me... that is, unless money grew on a tree out in my backyard.

I thought both engines required premium. Could I be using reg. or mid. grade in my 3.0?

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by Hunter

I thought both engines required premium. Could I be using reg. or mid. grade in my 3.0?

The short answer: No.

The technical answer: not the best for your motor. It'll take it, but won't like it. Would you feed an athlete only canned foods?