Trading in/selling 01 X5 4.4 for 07/08 which engine?
 

I have a 01 X5 4.4 which I think I got a lemon and if you read all my posts on here I'm sure you would agree, however, I'm either trading it in or selling it to a friend that will sell it at auction. I have to have some type of SUV, I have a big 130 pound 27" protection dog so have to have a car for him to fit in. I looked at every suv out there when I bought my first X5 and I don't think there is another suv that comes close to the X. From the way they look, the power, the drive, everything. Even though I have a lemon I'm not jaded from it, lol. So I want to get either an 07, 08 and I have to have the sports and premium package. My question is about the 3.0 versus 4.8. I know in the older models the difference is huge, there is no way I would own a 3.0, they just don't have the power or the feel of the 4.4. When I talked to the dealer (I know) he said the new 3.0 are totally different and they have a ton of power. As I'm writing this I know that if I drove the 3.0 and then the 4.8 I'm taking the 4.8. Just wondering if anyone has compared the two and how much of a difference there is in power. Thanks you are all so helpful. I love this forum by the way.

I can't comment on the new engines (I have an e53) but unless you get a ridiclous deal on a used '07 you are better off getting the 0.9% financing on a new '08. The interest you are paying on a used one will probably give you the same payment on a new at the 0.9% plus you will have it new from day 1. If you buy an '07 you are taking a risk of it having possible problems being it is the initial year of it. Just my $.02.

Well, deending upon how much of a hurry you are in, the diesel version will be coming out later this year and is expected to be somewhere in-between the current six and eight, particularly in "real life" usage due to it's excellent torque.

But frankly when it comes to power, they only way to tell is to test drive it -- what's underpowered to one person is excellent power to another person. Power and acceleration is really one of those things that vary significantly from person to person.

The 3.0 has enough power, especially if you floor it - it's there when you need it but of course it labors in getting all that weight moving from a standstill. It's great passing on the highway. I test drove both and while the 4.8 was more than sufficient, it was not worth the extra $10k (with the same options) - especially because I was paying cash in full. If money is no object, by all means - and don't forget the fuel consumption too. My recommendation is to test drive the 3.0si and see what you think first and foremost - maybe you'll find it lacking or maybe you'll find it more than enough. I'm coming from a 175hp 1995 SUV so the 3.0si is perfectly fine for my needs. I'm not looking to race the thing - absolutely no need to spend an extra $10k+ except for bragging rights if I chose to.

I know. My ex-husband hated that about me. I did spend the extra 10 grand to get the 4.4, not for bragging rights, I actually removed the 4.4 from the car. Unless you know the way to spot a 4.4 vs 3.0 like the exhaust pipes no one would know the difference and I don't race it around or drive like a maniac but i do live up a canyon and It bothers me to have a car that I can hear laboring to get up that hill. I had a loaner x5 3.0 when mine was in the shop and couldn't believe the difference.. Also I didn't know BMW is offering that 0.9% fiinancing on the 08. That is the way to go for sure and I do need to test drive both models, I heard they did improve the horse power on it. Thanks everyone, as usual very helpful

Yes, the new e70 3.0si is more powerful than the e53 3.0i; keep in mind, however, that the e70 is also bigger and heavier.

I could not bring myself to buy the 3.0. I'm a lead foot, and the 3.0 simply did not have enough power for me. I ended up buying the 4.8. It's a gas guzzler, I tell you... but it's got the power I like.

Test-drive both -- one right after the other, and decide. Who knows, maybe the 3.0si is enough for you? :dunno:

Juan

I've had/have a 2004 4.4i, a 2004 4.8is and 2007 3.0si and a 2008 4.8i...so I am qualified to answer this post :) Yes the old E53 3.0i was somewhat underpowered, but the new E70 3.0si didn't feel sluggish at all. While it doesn't have the raw power & throaty engine growl of the 4.8i, the 2007/08 3.0si is a well powered car. Both E70 engines seem to get Much!! poorer fuel economy that the E53.

You also mentioned you live up a hill. Be warned that a lot of the 4.8i engines don't do well up hills, and many transmissions shift around for the proper gear, or hold on to a lower gear at high RPMs. Not only does this sound horrible, but the mpg is schocking. BMWNA is hoping to have yet another softward update in the Fall 2008 for the transmission problems. Just remember after 3 years, the 7 Series' transmissions with similar problems, have not yet been fixed.

Drive both, and see what works for you. Maybe the extra $10k isn't necessary for the 4.8i. Be warned....A LOT of times my 4.8i delivers about 10mpg!!! Yeah, 10mpg! Good Luck!

While I was reading your post and you said the 3.0 doesn't have the "raw power and throaty engine growl" of the 4.8 you got me... I was thinking oh its the 4.8 for sure, raw power and engine growl.. I love that cause I love power. There is nothing like being behind the wheel of something very powerful, lol. But 10 mpg? wow.. Also I didn't know that about the transmission and the fact that they struggle going up hills. I live up a canyon and it's obviously a hill the whole way up. It never seems to struggle or shift unnessarily but I was just told that my service enging soon light is on due to either my torque converter and excessive slip in transmission. I wonder if that's from driving home for the last 2 years..

with a lead foot, MPG of 4.8L is around 8, i can only get around 12 or 13 if I accelerate real slow or using tip tronic shifter. But thats because most my driving is city driving, on highways it does get 20/25/ 29 on cruise if there is no up hill mpg often if there is no traffic.

I have to admit its also does a good job passing at highway or city speed especially if you use the tip tronic, downshift and give it some gas.

Also it does growl, a lot of times my wife knows when I get home from the sound of the engine.

You will find V8 fans and 3.0 IL 6 fans here. Fwiw, our old 2001 3.0
IL six cylinder has been climbing our ver steep mtn roads for 7 years,
and has never blinked.

Imo, test drive both, (more than around the block), and make your
choice...too bad your current X is such a dawg. Hope you off it
successfully.
GL,mD