Thinking Of Updating To Newer Vehicle. Any Major Benefits?
 

I'm thinking well in advance. Setting a good 5 year plan in effect this year. I bought my 2004 a year ago. I haven't had any real major problems with it (door carrier, tie rod ends, control arms, cv boot). I LOVE the way it drives. I thought about getting a E70 but those just don't have any "soul". Too refined for me (if that makes any sense). So I was thinking of just getting a 2006 4.8is. I plan on keeping it permanently. Out of the 17 cars I've had, this is the one I absolutely love and want to make it a staple. I have about 92k miles on mine. I saw one that has about half that. What I would like to know is if there are any significant improvements made between the two years that would warrant updating?

Thanks

As with many of the forum members that haven't created a signature that includes their e53's info (model/model year/build date). Is your 2004 a 3.0i. 4.4i, or 4.8is?

he has a 6 speed 3.0 if i remember correctly

My bad. Just updated my signature. It's a 4.8is.

All major changes were made by the 2004 model year, as far as I know. After that, a few minor things that were options became standard (or added to a package) but none of them were very significant. If you want to get a newer one for lower mileage, better condition, and less headaches, that makes sense. But it'll be pretty much the exact same car.

No reason to upgrade to a newer year.

Only valid reason to change (IMO)....
lower mileage
different color combo
better maint history
pricing advantage

I have about 92k miles, this one has 47k.
I love the color I have, so it's the same.
Don't know about the maint history. I could check it out.
It's going for $28k.

Depending on how much you are into your current truck for, it may make more sense to put the extra money into your truck. Have you thought about that option? Upgrade the weak points, add some mods, and maybe save a few bucks from this new truck.

Not sure about IL, but I know MN took me for almost $900 in sales taxes and fees when I got my truck. Something to think about, too.

Yeah. IL will get their money. This state is thirsty!!! Other than a years worth of payments, I may have put about $3k in it. But I got a lot of stuff done in that, including new tires. Nothing major though. My mileage mostly came from a stint of driving about 80 miles a day for about two months. Then I did a 2600 mile road trip during Thanksgiving. Only had 74k when I bought it last Jan. Of course it has a couple of little parking lot dings. But other than that, it's good. I'm thinking of just paying it off and keeping it till it falls apart. My main reason for thinking about it is mileage. I know that doesn't guarantee nothing will go wrong with the newer one, but ya know.

Also I was thinking of adding a turbo or SC if I can find one, or someone to do it. Would rather it be on a fresher engine and trans.

In my mind, the 92k miles on yours is really just "breaking in" and besides the timing chain guides, cooling system, valve cover gaskets and valley pan gaskets... you are unlikely to see a complete engine failure.

What I meant by "what you have into" your X5... original purchase price, taxes, maintenance, mods, etc.... Take that total and subtract your sales price when you sell it. That will give you the total dollar amount lost on the sale.

Or are you trading in your 4.8 on the lower mileage 4.8?