Eh, SANguru's ragging on me again, not you.

haven't changed them yet... but will.... no oem oval tips but aftermarkets... some dealers will cut and weld the 4.8 tips (which can be made to fit the 3.0) but i don't think i'm going that route... will post pics later when it's done...

Is that so?

3.0si: 15/21 MPG

4.8i: 14/19 MPG

I feel the exact opposite... the 3.0's mileage is already terrible, so why not go all the way for the extra performance? If we truly cared about fuel economy over performance in our SUVs, we wouldn't be in a BMW X5 forum, would we? ;)

No dispute on the performance difference, but I don't think it is realistic to compare those mileage figures. I assume those are the published consumption figures. Yes, I know that the figures are designed to help consumers. However, if they are the published figures then they are run on a dyno, using pre-set (very slow) acceleration rates. To get those comparable mileage figures in the real world, you would have to drive the cars identically, accelerating at the same rate each time, or in other words, never use the power of the V8. That is what doesn't seem realistic, and the purchasers of the 4.8i that are getting 11 mpg may agree. They are also likely enjoying the power under their right foot.

Using test figures other than the EPA test that is used in the US, there is a 10% difference in the city, and 15% on the highway, between the two engines. Even those deltas are conservative IMO.

Just my $0.02

My dealers here in San Francisco area had many more left over 4.8 07s than 3.0s. Different demographic? One sales manager said that their sales were 70% 3.0 and that the overall mileage difference was 20%. I have not confirmed this with hard numbers it's just what these guys told me.

Even if the difference is 20%, I don't see how fuel economy or lack thereof would play any part in the decision process. The difference is probably at most $500-1000 extra per year in fuel costs unless you are a cab driver or a pizza delivery guy. ;)

> Even if the difference is 20%, I don't see how fuel economy or lack thereof would play any part in the decision process.

I agree; however, I gravitate to the six simply because that generally is a better and more reliable BMW engine than their V8s. Not that BMW V8s aren't good... it's just that BMW's sixes are extremely good engines, being naturally more balanced than a V8, among other things.

I guess alot of it is that if you have to worry about fueling the car you probably shouldn't be getting it. That said, I originally wanted a 3.0 but with the left over '07 4.8s there were some great deals but I couldn't come to an agreement with the dealer. Some here got even better deals on the 4.8s than I got on my 3.0. That said, I am pleased with the 3.0 as it so far has fit my needs. Btw, I do not intend to tow anything, ever.

They both suck gas. But my 3.0 sucks a little less than the 4.8 (about a quart of gas every 5 miles).

But then again, if I wanted a gas saving skateboard, I'd have bought a Prius.;)

I already drive a 13.75 mpg SUV (fresh calculation today). The bottom line is I don't feel the extra push the 4.8i had (and it did have plenty) was worth $8k plus whatever I'm already paying to keep my current car. I'll take some relief while having a brand new X5 too. The difference is just the engine and some cosmetics. And the 3.0si likely gets 17mpg in the long run while the 4.8i gets closer to 14mpg... if you wanted to do the math. I won't be needing the power often enough to justify it plus the premium. Again, not worth it to me... that is, unless money grew on a tree out in my backyard.

Face it, we'd all have better vehicles if we really didn't care to prioritize our spendings. You have to have a cut-off for what you will and will not spend on. Right now, $2-3k is all I'd pay for the extra I experienced. The U.S. gimped version of the SD, I'd pay no more than $1-2k for.