3.0 vs 4.8 help/advice needed...
 

Hi. I don't post here but have been lurking. I was hoping for some help/advice. We just sold our 325 so the search for our X5 begins. My question is the durability of the 3.0 vs the 4.8. Can anyone enlighten me as to any concerns or issues I should be looking for? I'm also concerned abot tranny issues as well. Thanks for any help. Btw, I'm leaning toward the 4.8.

I've been told by a BMW advisor that 3.0 is more reliable. You may ask for a quote for an extended warranty and compare the costs for 3.0 vs. 4.8. That's another indicator. Obviously, it has less power than 4.8, but a test drive will tell if it's worth it.

The 3.0 is hands down more reliable than the 4.4/4.6/4.6....but ohh, the power difference so makes up for it.

We test drove both yesterday. 3.0 w/o sport and a 4.8 loaded. The 3.0 was very smooth, quiet, and well mannered. The 4.8 had tons of torque and hp and was significantly faster and had a louder exhaust note. We have an M5 and our 325 had the sport package so we are somewhat use to the firm ride. We may need to tow a jet ski once in awhile so the 4.8 would probably be our choice. The mpg difference doesn't bother us as we don't put too many miles on our cars.

Well, if one ignores the power difference and simply looks at the design, function, and reliability, the BMW six is an Absolutely Fantastic engine, while the V8s are Excellent engines.

But if you want the power...

Why not consider the 35d? You get power like the 4.8. Plus the 4.8 isn't as smooth from a cold start. Even after software updates, my passengers still always complain about my car.

Diesels are known to be very reliable. Though there is the factor of the turbos that does add another item that could possible have break down in the long run. Don't forget that 2011 should be the facelift for the X5's and that would add turbo to current 3.0.

I wouldn't worry about reliability as much. With the 3.0, 4.8, 35d, I'm guessing it's pretty much the same across the board. BMW's aren't the most reliable cars. But they are great performance cars that are not poorly built either.

You should drive all three models and decide for yourself. IMO most posters will favor their model (after all that's what they bought) or wish they had gotten the bigger engine (35d or 4.8).

I favor the 4.8

I agree you need to look at the 35d if you're considering the 4.8. You get the power of the more expensive engine and better MPG than the I6 for about the same price as the I6 with the ECO credit. Less when you consider the $1800 tax credit the diesel brings to the table.

I may be partial here since I have the d, but I'm not sure what the V-8 offers that would make it worth the extra money and crappy mileage other than an exaust note and performance above 90-100mph. I may be strange on here, but Ive been above 100mph on public roads only a handful of times. I just dont think the V-8 is worth it unless you just have to have it for bragging purposes or have money to burn and only want the high end of everything. If you're considering the I6, then I count you out of this last group.

But the I6 can certainly tow a water toy and should not be dismissed as incapable for that duty. It still has a 6,000 lb towing capacity.

Point well taken. Our jetski with trailer is around 1,000 lbs, not a problem for an I6. Where I start to become uncomfortable is when towing a 4,000 lb + payload. Our intentions are to purchase a boat next year and I think it will put a strain on the I6 when trailering. I suppose my philosophy is more power is better than less when towing.

If you are going to tow anything that heavy, why isn't the 420 ft lbs 35d your obvious choice?

Because we are currently looking for a used 2007. We don't want to buy new because it will sit outside all of the time and it won't be our dd. Our M5 and SL 500 occupy the garage.

Thousands of dollars of price difference
Ridiculous amounts of depreciation from buying a brand new vehicle and driving it off the lot
Higher insurance premiums of brand new vs used

If this isn't going to be his primary car or daily driver, which it sounds like it isn't, then why take the huge hit. I'd get the 4.8, run it for a few years, then maybe get the X5 35d after they've been around for a bit, worked out all the bugs (remember, this is a BMW) and then get the diesel at a substantially lower price.

Hell, if you want a vehicle to park outside, drive once in a while, and tow a boat, why not just get an American pickup? It'll cost less than half of a used X5 and tow better than the two non-diesel models. IMO, I'd buy a cheap truck and a bigger/nicer boat. I'm partial to the Mastercraft X-Star but then I'm mid-20's and like wakesports and the bangin tower speakers.

My garage and driveway would be insulted if it had nothing but BMW's in/on it ;) That's why I park my American beater on the side of the house w/ the trailer and hide it behind the fence so we don't get funny looks. I'm trying to increase our curb appeal and resale value :thumbup:

The X is for my wife. We are over 50 and don't want a pickup. We can afford a new X but for practical purposes, we are going used. My wife wants something with enclosed storage and I want her to drive something nicer than a pickup. The pickup is logical but it would only seat 3 because an extra cab won't fit anywhere.

Fair enough. All good reasons to go with the X. I was thinking it was going to be a straight tow vehicle. Good luck with your search.

Thanks. It will probably be used as a long hauler from the Bay Area to San Diego a few times a year as well. If it were a straight tow vehicle, I'd probably buy a beater pu and keep it up at our cabin. Then, I probably wouldn't care what happened to it as long as it could tow when I needed it to.