4.6 vs 4.8... Worth $7k extra?
 

Hey guys, I'm looking at picking up an x5, an have it narrowed to a 4.6 or 4.8

The 4.6 I'm looking at is interesting. It's a 2003 model, mileage is a little high (75k) but the car is in immaculate condition, and the price is certainly great too ($18k). It's got the comfort seats too which is always nice. Iirc, it recently had a cooling system overhaul and new tires.

I initially had my heart set on a 4.8, but I can't find one for less than $25k... With most of them being closer to 28k. I don't really have a problem affording that, but it's hard to justify with the 4.6 being so much cheaper.

Does anyone here have experience with both cars? Are the extras of the 4.8 (air ride, panaromic moonroof, adaptive HIDs, 6-speed, xdrive, and 10hp) worth a ~50% price increase?

Thanks in advance.

You really need to drive both tbh. The 4.8 may not seem it but is a different beast altogether. The engine pulls far better than the 4.6

I do see where you're coming from though.

Yea, that is the best advice possible. Dont rely on anyone's opinion. Drive both and decide for yourself. BUT if you really want my opinion though I would say the 4.8 is the way to go. Im on the hunt as well. Be patient and you'll find the perfect truck for you.

There's a silver 4.8is in the for sale forum. Great owner too, immaculate condition.

I definitely intend to drive both, though these cars are rare enough that I don't think I'll be able to drive them back to back. I'm not going to rush into this, but sooner would be better since I really could use the extra car


I saw that - it is a great looking car. If it wasn't in Cali, I'd definitely be checking it out

I've driven both. My mom has a 4.6is and my best friend has a 4.8is. I drove the 4.8is to Florida, awesome car and really has a better exhaust note IMO. But, the 4.6 is also a beast--fun to drive and had been reliable thus far. The small differences are leather quality, steering wheel thickness/quality. panoramic roof, and facelift.

I think a 4.6is in great condition would do very well for you.

I would do the 4.6is. A lot cheaper (for a very similar car) and the engine is built by Alpina.

i would go with a 4.8. just make it an 05 or better.

Just curious, what are comfort seats, I have a 2002 4.6is, I thought they all came with sport seats.

comfort seats were an option. Something like $1200 option I believe. Mine has them and I really like them a lot better than the sport seats. Comfort seats come with NAPA leather, not sure if all 4.6is have NAPA as standard. It's a lot nicer - softer, more supple and holds up better.

IMHO it's hard to beat the 4.6is for value compared to a 4.8is. Exactly why I got one, although in my case I was looking at +$10K for a decent 4.8is (2 years ago) and really couldn't afford it since I was paying cash. I couldn't be happier with my 4.6is. I'm sure the 4.8is is better in some ways and it's newer too. But the 6 speed trans seems to be more problematic generally vs. the 5speed, and the 4.8is air suspension is another expensive item that often seems to fail. Looking at magazine tests, 0-60 is close to 0.4sec faster with the 4.8, which is fairly significant difference and since only +10hp that means the bigger motor has a fatter tq curve. But seriously the 4.6is is no slouch and hits 6.1s in the 0-60 run which is pretty stout for a SUV.

It's also nice to have a fresh cooling system - I just did mine and spent about $600 and that was just for parts. 120K miles on mine - looks like new!
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