2006 4.8is vs. 2008 4.8i???
 

I need some opinions folks...

My wife and I test drove the 2008 4.8i today...As expected, it drove great! The question is this, which would you buy?

2006 4.8is
5016 curb weight
355 hp
369 ft-lbs
27000 miles
$47000

2008 4.8i
5335 curb weight
350 hp
350 ft-lbs
0 miles
$57500

So the 2006 version is most likely going to be faster having less weight and more engine... But can you justify a $10k+ difference in price with the 2006 one having 27000 miles? Of course, with the 2008 model, we get to spec it out the way we want - colors and such. And it would have that "brand new smell". But for $10k+ difference?

Well, I've done a little more researching and realized that I wasn't comparing apples to apples.... The 2006 4.8is has A LOT more standard features than the somewhat watered down 2008 that we were considering. Here are the specs for the 2008:

Black Sapphire Metallic $0
Tobacco Nevada Leather $0
Light Poplar wood trim $0
Cold Weather Package $900
Premium Package $1,750
Rear Climate Package $900
Heated rear seats $350
Running boards $300
18" standard wheels (Yuck! But I'm having a hard time justifying $3600 + $995 for the 20" wheels) with dinky 255/55mm tread - my Boxster S' tires are wider than that!
Standard 12 speaker stereo (the upgrade is for 16 speakers... when would it be enough?)
Destination & Handling: $775
Total MSRP as Built $59,475
MY PURCHASE PRICE = $57,500 or roughly 5% over invoice.

The 2006 we are considering has these ON TOP of above:
Navigation
Self Leveling Rear Axle (I wonder why this was removed as an option?)
Adjustable Ride Height (Again, I wonder why this was removed as an option?)
20" Wheels with 275/40mm and 315/35mm treads
Sports Suspension
Retractable Load Floor
Park Distance Control
Premium Hi-Fi DSP Stereo
MSRP for this car was $74,128

So we are comparing a $59,475 MSRP car vs a $74,128 MSRP car.

This is the ACTUAL ebay car we are considering. There are others there with 16k miles and 27k miles. I can get this car to have the 100k CPO warranty added especially since it's still under warranty now. I figure I can probably get them for about $45k

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ksid=p3907.m32

So we went to the dealerships again today. We did sit in the 2006 car and it did feel less comfortable than the 2008 in the back. The rear seats of the 2008 were more comfortable. We didn't notice much difference on the front seats.

One other thing is that we drove the 2008 WITH the sports package. Of course, we loved it. But it's not the car we will end up ordering. If we suck it up and get the sports package, we still only end up with 19" wheels 255/50s. We drove the 2008 WITHOUT the sports package and honestly, we really coudn't appreciate the difference.

So the bottom line is, the 2006 X5 4.8is is pretty much "fully loaded" while the 2008 X5 we are considering is a little watered down. The $10kish difference is actually more if I decide to fully load the 2008 (i.e. - sports suspension, NAV, etc. - same options that the 2006 4.8is comes with).

Can folks share their opinions, please?

Thanks in advance...

that 06 4.8 looks practically brand new. My vote is for the 06

If you go for 2006 than better go with a CPO from dealer.

:iagree: The 2006 is in mint condition and it is fully loaded also looks very aggresive. I go for the 06.:thumbup:

I always question almost new used cars,especially on Ebay; hear is thread on a 2006 that you should consider
http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...tml#post432934

I dont normally suggest used cars. but I bought a 06 4.8is and the thing is animal!!! a very refined fast aggressive animal!!! I love the thing infact the only thing I would replace it with is
the New BMW M version of the X5 or
the Porsche Cayenne GTS OR
the Porsche Cayenne Twin turbo.
the 06 4.8is right now is the favorite.
Its just the best vehicle for the family I have ever had.
You WILL need WINTER tires wheels for this vehicle-the Diamaris are worthless in the snow.
Let us know how it goes and GOOD LUCK!!! CPO 4.8iS!!!!

06 4.8....HANDS DOWN THE WINNNER LEMANS BLUE

weird, i thought i was the only one....lol, after hearing it from you guys, definitely got for the 06. And most girls that i know, they prefer the look of the 06 than the 08.

At 27000 miles...
 

Her engine has just been broken into and Naples is mostly highway mileage. 2006 is the king amongst the X5's...that is until the new "iS" comes out :thumbup:

go with the 4.8is, the thing is amazing

2006 4.8i, definately...I have one and love it to death!

Personally I like it better than the new E70 4.8, the 2006 is better looking, sportier, more features, and has a ton of options I love!

Made any decisions yet?

I'd take a 2006 4.8is (w/CPO) over a 2008 4.8i any day.

Me too

(M - we have to stop agreeing like this - only a few weeks for baseball ;) )

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

06 for me also!

I've always adored the 4.8is.
Actually, kind of keeping my eye open for one...
And Le Mans blue no less.
06 gets my vote as well.

If you get 2006 make sure it is CPO and if possible buy 100K full maintenance. This will assure worry free FUN for quite a few years. Brake job alone on 4.8is will justify the extra $ you invest upfront.

I did a back to back test drive of the 06 to the 07, both 4.8.. The choice was clear, the 2006 4.8is is the way to go...

:iagree: Use some of the money you will save (I mean "not spend") and buy a 100K mile warranty and you still come out cheaper.

5,300 lbs??? Wow!! The E70 is a pig!!

in the future, there might be a higher engine upgrade for the current year x5, maybe thats why the price went 20,000$ lower, and 5 hp less.
the 2006 is a beast. It looks much better too.

Well, I'm not going to agree with everyone else :nanana:

I considered a used 4.8is but once I saw all the new features in the E70, I had to have one! I have been VERY happy with my 2008 E70 4.8i.

FINE Go ahead and disagree. But MY chihuahua LOVES our 4.8is and really didnt care for the 4.8i!!!!


Just kidding

:rofl:
thats the funniest reply so far!

Brian
where did your chihauhua Killer go? now my post aint that funny!!

Thanks Brian and I respect your decision.

[quote=M3Armand]I need some opinions folks...

So the 2006 version is most likely going to be faster having less weight and more engine...

Yes the e70 4.8 is heavier, but only has a few hp less than the 4.8is. BMW has made significant changes to the e70, which make it a very good performer. BMW made the chasis significantly stronger than the e53, the center of gravity is lower, the track is wider, the trans is now a six speed (BMW states is 40%-50% faster shifting), and the front suspension has been completely re-worked to a more car-like set up. Here is quote from an article I read

"Another key part of that new chassis, the X5’s new front suspension represents a break with a 45-year-old BMW tradition: It’s a double wishbone multi-link design with upper A-arms combined with double-pivot lower links—the first non-strut design since 1961. The company’s departure from its traditional dual-pivot strut front suspension was dictated by customers’ increasing expectations for ride and handling. Combined with a longer wheelbase, wider track and BMW’s revised 4-link Integral rear suspension, the new front design sets new standards for on-road ride and handling, as well as improved all-road ability".

Although, the 4.8is is a little faster in a straight line, the new 4.8 similar with regards to performance in a track type setting as the old 4.8is.

"On to the new E70 chassis. Chassis rigidity has been improved, it’s 15% higher now at 27,000Nm per degree. As a reference to show you how good this is, the old e30 M3 race car fully equipped with a roll cage has 22,500Nm per degree chassis rigidity, that’s less than the new E70 2007 BMW X5! Drag coefficient is also better, it is now 0.33cd compared with the old X5’s 0.35cd. Translating the numbers onto the track, the new BMW X5 4.8 does the Nurburgring North track in 9 minutes, that’s 10 seconds faster than the old X5 4.8 time."

One article I read said faster than the 4.6is and one said the 4.8is. Even if it is just the 4.6is, it is still 10 seconds faster than it, which should put it fairly close to the 4.8is on the ring.

Having said that, if you are comparing a non-sport package 4.8 to a 4.8is, it is a no-brainer. The 4.8is would be my pick 100%. Now if you were talking about a sport package e70 4.8 that is a little tougher.

However, you talk about the comfort of the back seats in the e53 and that you couldn't tell a difference between the non-sport package e70 and the sport package model, which make me think you may not really want the 4.8is after all.

Here is my reasoning for picking E53 over E70. It is clear that 4.8 of today is 4.4 of the late nineties. New, poweful, fun to drive, but with introduction of 4.6is it became second best. I doubt there are many 4.4 owners that would not have chosen 4.6 over their 4.4 after just one test drive. 4.8is with all the refinements over its predecessors represented a fully loaded beast of a vehicle, which made it the best of the class. What shocked me was the fact that its gas mileage was not that different from 3.0 model.

When it comes to looks, though some people find E53 dated, you have to admit it could not be mistaken for any other vehicle when it was introduced, and cannot be mistaken now. IMO E70 is just another SUV on the road, too plasticy, too tin-can stamped heneric body style which fails to turn heads as it passes by.

Driving impressions: 4.8is pure seat of your pants experience, 4.8 is like fly by wire control of airplane. I drove E70 3 times and every time I got the impression of being slightly removed from total control. I know a few hundred pounds is not a lot, but you feel it, and lower center of gravity fails to eliminate this feeling. E70 needs 400+ HP to make it sporty. Right now it is just a nice family SUV.

Honestly, I do not like to be in 4.8is as a passenger napping in the back seat. E70 gives a more comfortable ride for the passengers, but passenger comfort was not my personal preference.

My advice: Drive them both, analyze your future family driving habits, and ask yourself if you want the best of the class, or you will be willing settle for second best, because current E70 4.8 is destined to be just that.

Good luck.

Thanks for all the input folks... As we did drive the following: 2006 4.8is, 4.8i nonsport, 4.8i sport.

"He said": wow... the 4.8is runs like my M3...but I'm hearing rattles in the back....I'm in a bouncy ride while sitting in the back.
"She said": wow...the 4.8is reminds me of his M3...the seat is just as uncomfortable to me as his M3

So with the other cars in the fleet: E36M3 supercharged with Koni coilovers, A4 with race suspension (her car), 997 Boxster S....

We are getting the E70 4.8i WITHOUT the sports package. Honestly, I couldn't bring myself to spending an extra $3600 and we don't even get the 20" wheels with that. The 20" wheels adds another $1000.

Thoughts?

It sounds like you have the sporty car thing covered with the M3, A4, and Boxter S in your garage. The new e70 without the sports package should be about the most comfortable ride you can get in an X5 so it may be a nice change for you. It should also give you more storage and passenger room over the e53 as well, BUT since you asked I would personally make the sport package a must have option if I were purchasing any X5. It doesn't seem to be a popular opinion here, but after seeing a few e70 sport packages on the road I think it is a beautiful looking car. It looks much more aggressive and purposful than the standard e70 model and easily as nice as a 4.6is or 4.8is. Just my 2 cents though.

I noticed that a lot of the folks that picked the 2006 4.8is did so with the caveat that it should be CPO. I have to second that. I honestly don't know if I would risk an eBay non-CPO with that big of a cash outlay.

At the very least you should get the VIN# and get the service history from BMW. It should be in their database. That way you can see if it's been serviced on a regular basis, as well as check for show-stoppper problems (engine, tranny).

There's also another company where you can use the VIN# to check the accident history. I forget their website. It's a beast of a vehicle, but do your homework!

I would agree with you on the 4.8i. If you like sporty, you need the sports package. If you're concerned about it looking too much "like another SUV on the road" (which I do NOT), then look at the Aero Kit... And add the 20" (or larger) wheels. I know, it all adds up... :(

Interesting point. I am about to purchase a used 2006 X5 from a private party. The X5 has less than 20K miles and still has the remainder of the factory warranty. I got it inspected by the local BMW dealer and it passed their point inspection (i was told it is the same as the inspection done for CPO). Is it possible to buy an extended warranty for the X5 if i am not the original owner?

:wavey::xoutpost::wavey:

only the original owner can purchase the extended warranty. CPO is different and must be done by a dealership. but, the warranty is transferable

Hmmmm.... When I was shopping for the 2006 4.8is through ebay, my dealer said they would be very happy to sell me the extended warranty on it so long as the vehicle is still under the original warranty - roughly $2000.

Anyway, my X5 is ordered at 3% over invoice...

Black Sapphire
SADDLE BROWN interior
Dark Walnut trim

I would have waited and ordered the e70 with the new TBed V8. ITs gonna have some serious power.

Yeah, "TBD" is anyone's guess when it would arrive... I think I'll let others be the guineau pig for that...Then I'll purchase it once it's tried, tested and true... Further, I would assume it's going to cost a heck of a lot more than the $56,387 we spent on the current V8...