x5 4.6is or 4.8is?
 

Hi guys!!! I'm new member from NY.I really enjoy this forum here and I need help about these 2 models.I drive a m3 06 smg coupe and I want to sell it and to purchase an x5.How is the gas mileage? Do they have any mechanical problems or transmission problems? :thumbup:
Thanks
Zanni

Not to turn you completely off this, but have you driven an X5 before? It's going to feel like a pontoon boat compared to your M3.

youd be a fool if you took the 4.6 over the 4.8.

:D I drove the x3 and it was like a boat.I can imagine the x5. You right bro but you know we waiting for our 1 baby this month.:drinking:

The 4.8is is my first option of course bro :2thumbs:

I suggest test driving them both if you can. If the financial circumstances permit, the drive should convince you. I've driven both but own a 4.6is...there is little power difference, noticeable at higher speeds. The 4.8is has some upgrades over the 4.6is and feels a bit more refined. The 4.6is is less tamed, more like the wild stallion of the bunch.

Whichever you decide, you won't regret :thumbup:

:thumbup:You're right on the 4.6is is less tamed.

M5?

Witch one? The e60 or the e39? I like both bro but they are not good in the winter and my wife she don't know to drive cars with stick.

Both will be fine if you have a set of wheels with winter tires.

You're going to need a second set of wheels and tires with the 4.8 or 4.6 as well. They come with summer tires, but even with all-seasons on those big wide wheels you'll have a very tough time.

We got an X5 for the kids, but over time I've realized there's not that much room in the X compared to something that's not an SUV. Love the X5 but if you want something a bit more practical how about a 5 series wagon? There's some great deals on 540i wagons and they actually have a bit more rear storage than the X5. The new models are also Xdrive if you need the winter traction.

Great idea :thumbup:

i have a 03 4.6is and i love it i had no problems at all i also drove a 4.8 and yes it is a little more tamed. but it is your decision so good look they are both a great SPORT SUV. How much you want to spend is what it boils down to.But you will be have with any one.

Guys, what about the gas mileage?Anyone knows about that?
Thanks for all the reply's

Here's what my wife and I have learned, after having kids. We now have a 3 year old and a 1 year old, we've always been fairly "cool", up to date types of people, and when we shopped for vehicles, we didn't want to make any compromises (read, no minivan yet). My wife got an X5 and I was driving an 05 Xterra at the time. With one kid, no big deal, when it came to two, well, practicality started winning out. It's hard to be "cool" with kids in tow, and with a sporty, sophisticated vehicle, nothing sours the experience more than spilled juice, shoe marks on windows/doors and seats, and vomit. I am constantly cleaning my wife's car with our poor choice of a sand interior. I traded my Xterra in but couldn't bring myself to minivan status yet, and got an Armada. There are a lot of great vehicles to drive, even with kids, but after a while, it's all about the comfort and safety of the family. If you can swing it, having 3+ vehicles is great, but if you want to go the route of a high end SUV, just know that it's a headache with young kids. I have friends with Range Rovers, Cayennes and whatnot, but with kids, if you're fanatical about your car, get a kid friendly vehicle and get yourself the fun car. SUV's are cool but not the most family friendly in my opinion, for everyday use due to size, fuel economy, and maintenance. I'm a big wagon fan, love Subarus, Audi avants, BMW wagons and think they're great. It all comes down to personal preference, but I've learned now with 2 kids, there's a lot of compromise! That's why my wife made me sell my Jeep Wrangler... : ( Good luck in the search!

IMO there isn't much anyone can reveal to you about gas mileage that you can't find in an online review. It will vary per individual and their driving habits...but you're considering purchasing a performance SUV/SAV, gas mileage will obviously be much worse than your M3.

Happy hunting... :D ...

Mileage is going to depend on how you drive as well. I have a 4.6 and have a heavy foot, getting like 13 mpg. I can't seem to keep this thing below 90 mph on the freeway.

I also took the 4.6is over the 4.8

For me a large part of my decision was styling, but that's all user preference. I agree that the 4.6 feels less tamed, I wonder why? Roughly 200 lbs lighter, 5 speed vs 6 speed, and no valvetronic engine?

What really makes the 4.8 shine over the 4.6is is steering. They basically have opposite steering systems. In the 4.6is the steering is lighter at low speeds, meaning you have to turn the wheel a greater amount to turn, and have less road feel. In the 4.8 the steering is sharper at low speeds, and goes a bit lighter at higher speeds (sorry if I'm remembering incorrectly). The suspension also feels more balanced and comfortable(to me).

MPG should go to the 4.8is due to it's valvetronic system, but as others have said it will really depend on your ability to resist the urge to mash the throttle.

Overall I think you get more car with the 4.8is, and rightfully so as it comes with a heftier price tag.

we got an X5 before we had our twins. it is way too small. if we were to do it over again I would go with a big armada or sequioa. having said that, you seem really concerned about gas mileage. go for a 5 series touring, xdrive if you can find it.

and yes, get a second set of rims off craigslist for the winter. don't let the fools compromise your safety and tell you all seasons are ok...

That's why I went with an Armada, for third row as well. If you have two car seats in the X, which is tight, no way you can fit another person in the car. I'm also only about 6'0" and with a rear facing car seat behind me, my legs get squashed, interior space feels cramped. Plus, add to the fact that with a kid, you have strollers, bags, etc, and the rear storage capacity of the X is glaringly tiny. With all our stuff, it's hard to go out to shop and have room for stuff (forget about Costco).

As far as real world mileage, our 3.0 driven by my wife averages 16-17 which is so-so, and if you fill with premium all the time, it adds up. I get about 14-15 in my Armada. But for pure driving enjoyment, the X is great! handles awesome and is just the right size without feeling too big.

both the 4.6is and 4.8is have the same suspension and steering systems, the only difference is trim, facelift, and engine, trans/case.

not true, the 4.6is has servotronic, while the 4.8 has BMW's "Active Steering" system.

The E53 never had the active steering or active roll options, you must be thinking of the E70 4.8....

so your telling me they both had servotronic? don't they feel differently?

There is no difference in steerin between the cars. Both have SWERVotronic which is controlled by the gm. Active steering is not available on I-bus vehicles.

Elaborate?

Is it true the $.6is are more rare that the 4.8is?

I believe so, I remember seeing somewhere that only 3000 or so were made. I think the 4.8is had more sold units. I would love to know the rear production numbers of each... Maybe someone like lemansX5 or JCL can dig up that info?

....... I personally like the more sporty/agressive driving manner of the 4.6is more than the 4.8is. The only thing I wish the 4.6is had that the 4.8is does is x-drive. I mean sure the facelift is nice, but for straight driving pleasure I personally like the 4.6is better. (and yes, I do drive 4.8is often, remember where I work :D)

Looks like I need to find a 4.6is to try out!

I've test driving both 4.6is and 4.8is but ended up taking the 4.6is. I feel the 4.6is feel more connected. Sorry, that just me.

the owner of a local BMW by my place has a red 4.6is with 15k which he says will never trade for a 4.8is / but he refers to the front end.. he just likes the frony of the 4.6is better then the 4.8is...

i called him nutz..

Reports From Around The World - Popular Mechanics

Thanks for the info Chilli.