X5 - 4.4 v 4.6 v 4.8 - Advice Please

[pauloamore]

Ladies / Gents,

I'm looking for a second hand range topping X5 but wonder how much there really is between the 4.4, 4.6 and the 4.8.

Anyone have much experience in the differences between the models?

Any key options standard on the 4.8.

(A friend of a friend just traded an 18 month 4.8 (don't know miles) and got £27 from a BMW dealer. Yikes. Hopefully an opportunity for us bottom feeders).

Thanks in advance,
Paul

[barney123]

HI,
Rock bottom residuals becuase they absolutely EAT fuel.
When pressed my friends 4.8 did 8-9 mpg.
So I hope you have deep pockets and live near a petrol station.

[M5Dave]

Sound absolutely fantastic though.

[stain]

Go for the 4.8 with as many toys as poss. Mid 30's gets you a nice one. Awesome in every way and averaged 17mpg in our hands.

[DoctorD]

barney123 said:

HI,
Rock bottom residuals becuase they absolutely EAT fuel.
When pressed my friends 4.8 did 8-9 mpg.
So I hope you have deep pockets and live near a petrol station.

No they don't. I just sold mine after nearly 3 years and I always average between 17 and 19 mpg. On a longer motorway cruise I would get between 21 and 23 mpg.

There's absolutely no doubt that the 4.8is is leagues ahead of either 4.6is (which I also used to own) or the 4.4i. The 4.8is is the best X5 and a whole lot of fun to drive. Did I mention that it sounds awesome. I sold my latest one for £35.5k after 19 months.

[sjn2004]

pauloamore said:

Ladies / Gents,

I'm looking for a second hand range topping X5 but wonder how much there really is between the 4.4, 4.6 and the 4.8.

Anyone have much experience in the differences between the models?

Any key options standard on the 4.8.

(A friend of a friend just traded an 18 month 4.8 (don't know miles) and got £27 from a BMW dealer. Yikes. Hopefully an opportunity for us bottom feeders).

Thanks in advance,
Paul

Make sure its got the panoramic sunroof(really nice) and communications pack. Some have horrible coloured wood trim which is best avoided. The engine note under acceleration is fantastic on the 4.8, guess that accounts for the heavy fuel consumption with some owners.

Even at the main dealers check very carefully. Was looking at a car (4.8) a month or so back, was ready to buy then noticed after the test drive that it had overspray on both the front and back bumper areas. Closer inspection revealed filler under the rear light clusters and this car was meant to be clean, no history and passed it 120 or whatever point check! I walked.

Your main difficulty with a 4.8 is finding one in the colour/spec you want as there are never that many for sale and you may end up travelling to the other end of the country.

[pauloamore]

sjn2004 said:

[quote=pauloamore]Ladies / Gents,

Make sure its got the panoramic sunroof(really nice) and communications pack. Some have horrible coloured wood trim which is best avoided. The engine note under acceleration is fantastic on the 4.8, guess that accounts for the heavy fuel consumption with some owners.

Even at the main dealers check very carefully. Was looking at a car (4.8) a month or so back, was ready to buy then noticed after the test drive that it had overspray on both the front and back bumper areas. Closer inspection revealed filler under the rear light clusters and this car was meant to be clean, no history and passed it 120 or whatever point check! I walked.

Your main difficulty with a 4.8 is finding one in the colour/spec you want as there are never that many for sale and you may end up travelling to the other end of the country.

So, go with the 4.8, get a sunroof and i'll love it! :-)
Thanks for the advice!

paulo