4.4i (Have) vs. 4.8is (Want)
 

So I have a 2006 4.4i. I've got it put together to just where I want it, and it's great. But the consensus here has always been so high on the 4.8is that I've kept my eyes open for one, and thought...maybe if the right thing comes along.

And a beautiful 2006 4.8is has just come on the market locally, with about 75,000 miles. So of course I had to go see it and take it out on the road. It's really nice, and in great condition. Want it.

But here's the thing...when I wound it out and hit it hard, I wasn't so blown away. There's a louder engine and exhaust note, but it's not screaming "damn" to me compared to my 4.4i when I give it the gas.

So maybe I expected more than I had a right to here - but what do you all say about the relative merits of the one I have vs. the 4.8is? Am I missing something here?

Well on paper, the 4.8is is "only" about ~12% more HP, 315HP vs 355HP? Of course, not having owned or driven either this is purely "specification-talk"..:cool:

On another note, I drove a Silver/Blk '03 4.6is (104K) yesterday and although it is fast it wasn't like "oh my gawd"!! Bear in mind I have owned 3 540i's all 6 speed and a 6 speed '02 M3, so I am familiar with BMW's.. Of course, there could be a multitude of reasons for that, lack of a good tune, etc., etc, and it was missing the gas cap, hmm!!! It did have a nice exhaust note and looks badass!! I guess it would be more evident at highway speeds?

In the same timeframe I also test drove an '06 X3 MSport (100K miles) and it felt nice, although obviously not nearly as fast, 115HP+ deficit on the 4.6is!..

I am actually leaning towards the X3 (I know not really "manly", lol), decent gas mileage, comparable to my 2001 Honda CR-V, just as much room if not slightly larger and a lot nicer..

Anyway, sorry for the minor threadjack.. We return you now to your regularly scheduled programming.. :thumbup:

As BMRSEB said on paper the 4.8is does not make that much more power than the later model 4.4's. IMO the draw of the 4.8is is the look and is the sharpest looking E53 out there (maybe even the E70 generation). If you've been wanting one and can afford it I say go for it.

4.8iS would be equipped with all the options (except rear side air bags and rear loading floor, which mine had) Unless your 4.4i has all the available options, the 4.8iS would be much better equipped.
If you were closer or ever come to Atlanta area, I'll let you drive and hear my DINAN 4.8iS and you can decide :D

I am close I wanna hear and drive!! :):stickpoke

in my view
you do see a BIG difference on 4.4i versus 4.8is...you get the power indeed its only couple hp difference but hp is hp...it doesn't matter if its 10hp or 1 hp...not only that, you don't have to convert anything from 4.4 to 4.8is ..and trust me i went through all that to just make my 4.4 a 4.8is cuz they just look so damn good,MPG does not matter both o them get almost the same maybe 1-2mpg difference....


here is a video of them both.
Baby Ninja - YouTube

if you are into retrofitting, then there will be minimal retrofitting available with 4.8is as most things are already there... whether you need it or not... lol...

Sure thing. Whenever you're ready :D

Will def take you up on that one of these days - will PM you..

It sounds like a 4.8 will make you happy. For that reason alone, go for it! :)