Which X5?

[ozam]

I have to choose between the following certified vehicles in same color combination. Is the 4.8 worth the extra money? Thoughts....

1. An 07 4.8 with 20,000 for $52,500
2. An 07 3.0 with 12,000 for $47,000

Both have:

Ventilated Seats
Navigation
Premium Access
Premium Sound
Rear Climate
Heated Front Seats
Comfort Access

The 4.8 also has:
Sports Package
Heads up Display
Rear Entertainment
3rd Row
Active Steering
Heated Rear Seats

The 3.0 also has:
Ipod Connector
Satellite Radio
spare tire

[autoque]

It's totally up to you and depends on what you think is important. I advise you to consider test driving both models to see if the power of 3.0 is enough for you and whether you want the active steering in the 4.8.

For just 5 grand more, most people will tell you to go for the 4.8. Only con for the 4.8: fuel consumption.

But try to see if 4.8 had had a rough history with problems compared to the 3.0. You'll be able to determine which model you're gonna have better luck with in terms of reliability in the long run.

[Thunder22]

I think it comes down to MPG and how much HP you want.

[ozam]

those seem to be my thoughts too:

1. the 3.0 seems a little underpowered (perhaps relatively speaking)
2. sport Package elimates any roll to the vehicle which is nice, although not that important in day to day driving (for my wife)
3. the other options are nice but not essential in any way
4. the extra $5k isn't the end of the world for the extra power and options but you hate just to piss away an extra $600 a year in gas!!

I've seen the 4.8's history report and nothing out of ordinary (it was a BMW corporate vehicle so you would think problems would have been fixed quickly). Are the 4.8's that much less reliable? Her prevous car was an 01 740il...that was a royal pain in the butt and cost an absurd amount to maintain.

For some reason, this is not really that easy of a decision.......

[rh71]

#4 above is what you have to decide upon in my opinion.

And you must test drive it thoroughly (it's an 07 and bugs may still exist). I know you said it was a corporate vehicle but in some cases you never know if someone just got sick of small issues and got rid of it.

[ozam]

what bugs??

[golfer4life]

And you must test drive it thoroughly (it's an 07 and bugs may still exist). I know you said it was a corporate vehicle but in some cases you never know if someone just got sick of small issues and got rid of it

Exactly.

Keep in mind also that the 4.8 has almost double the mileage. Corporate vehicles also mean it was driven by several people who doesn't give a crap about the car since they don't own it.

My thoughts, if you can afford a $52K car, why not go for a brand new 08? Brand new warranty, new car smell and you're not inheriting somebody else's problem.

[Thunder22]

the '01 7's had many inherent problems, no need to worry on X5's.

[motordavid]

No one commented on the stlr's "price", but in these current days,
I'd lowball, really lowball, your offer price and hold firm; see what
they do. There are lots full of E70 X5s out there in greater ATL,
I'd bet...

If it's primarily a go-to-work/grocery getter, I'd opt for the 3.0 even
w/out the sport susp.
GL,mD

[ozam]

Suprisingly there are not many X5 available in Atlanta, especially 07's. You might find them here and there but not in the color combo I want and with the "right" options. I suspect we will see alot more in the coming months as they come off lease, but unfortunately i need to buy now. The price reduction in the fall should be substantial.

I'm leaning towards the 4.8. Its is a BMW after all and it would bother me knowing my vehicle was underpowered. I drive a 330i and every time i get a loaner I feel like I have to mash the accelerator to get the car moving!! Also, this 4.8's added feature set may offset, at least partially, the recent lack of desirability for v-8s, when i go to sell years from now.