X5 4.8 question if you drive very "conservative"

[Cinnamon]

Hello!

3.0 vs 4.8

I have read several posts about X5 (2007 +) and the gas mileage. I see 16 vs 18 MPG. I also read that a lot depends how you drive? I am torn between the two. My commute is far (40 mins total --20 miles---HALF back roads and half highway). Split.

I expect I will not be driving the X as I did my 325I sadan sport pac. Simply because it is not a "car".

I feel I dont HAVE to have the extra power since MPG is something to consider...but of course, the extra power would be nice for getting on the highway or pulling out in rush hour traffic etc.

My BIL raised the point that if I end up "flooring my 3.0" it would stress the engine more --therefore use more gas. AND that if I had the 4.8 and nursed it, I would be alright on the MPG (and just stomp it when needed).

?Thoughts??? thanks a million!

[ronald_adi]

I assume a 2nd hand diesel is out of your price range? or is there another reason you have not suggested it?

X5 2007 3.0si = 23mpg
X5 2007 3.0sd = 28.7 mpg
X5 2007 4.8i = 18.8 mpg

Actual figures will obviously be less. the 4.8 is a V8, so will always consume more than the Inline 6 even when you drive 'econimically'. So you really need to decide how much you 'like' the extra power. And whether for you it is worth the extra cost.

Best to test drive both to be sure.

[Cinnamon]

Originally Posted by ronald_adi

I assume a 2nd hand diesel is out of your price range? or is there another reason you have not suggested it?

X5 2007 3.0si = 23mpg
X5 2007 3.0sd = 28.7 mpg
X5 2007 4.8i = 18.8 mpg

Actual figures will obviously be less. the 4.8 is a V8, so will always consume more than the Inline 6 even when you drive 'econimically'. So you really need to decide how much you 'like' the extra power. And whether for you it is worth the extra cost.

Best to test drive both to be sure.

Thank you!! I thought the diesel first came out for the new body in 2009??
There is a 2007 diesel? HUMMM.....I need to check on this??? I am open to diesel...don't think i can find one used anyway...

Autotader search 2007 - 2008 diesel showed ZERO USA wide.

[ronald_adi]

ok its good you are open to diesel. You may be right that they were not available in the USA in 2007 but later. Thats why I had stated it may be out of your price range since its from 2009. (in europe of course they have always been available. There are hundreds of them for sale here.

Most people who have chosen the diesel on this site have been happy with the choice. Its just a pity that the American car websites like autotrader have terrible search filters. It is not possible to search by diesel (fuel type).

Are the diesels of 2009 way over your price range? If they are, calculate in that the diesel costs much less to operate and maintain, then see if it helps.

[Vintage]

ronald adi - I love my 2010 X5 35d (diesel) and recommend it to everyone; the gas mileage is great

lgneub - I would go with the 4.8 but the gas mileage is bad; if you nurse it it will still be worse than the 3.0i but not by a lot IMHO

[DaRipper]

lgneub,

I think you need to test drive a 4.8 and compare it to the 3.0, so you can feel what the difference is in power. If you can find 2007 4.8 in your price range and is okay with the lower mpg then I would get one.

I think these numbers are little exaggerated in real world drving habits.

X5 2007 3.0si = 23 mpg is more like 18 -20 mpg
X5 2007 4.8i = 18.8 mpg is more like 12 - 15mpg

- DaRip

[Cinnamon]

I am afraid to test drive the 4.8 bc if I decide not to get it--- and have "experienced it" then I will always have wished...

Way back when, had a choice of a loaded 325I sport or a "base" 330. I never test drove the 330 and just go for the new 325I loaded. I always wondered if that was a mistake (and yes, it was). BOY --I bet that 330 was FAST!!! I always wished my 325 was faster...but having all the options was nice.

I believe driving the X5 will be a lot different than driving a car. When I drive my husbands Durango, I sware it takes me 10 mins longer to get places!! LOL --I dont "jump off the line" to avoid seeing the gas gage drop. KWIM?

This is why I think I will be a "good girl" with the 4.8...but...still....it would be an extra day back and forth to work (so like paying to drive to work 4 more days per month). That adds up.

I think I may need to stay with the 3.0. I know 100% if I test drove them I would want the 4.8 with out a doubt (that is who I am). I need to think smart. $360 more a year in gas is not THAT much but what if gas starts to climb again?

Desiel is the way to go--but cant TOUCH a 2009 -no way. Not even close. Cant wait--sold my 325I and driving that '99 Durango with 130K miles! LOL ....well at least it is the V8!! LOL!

DaRipper--
X5 2007 4.8i = 18.8 mpg is more like 12 - 15mpg
THAT Is what scares me. I do have a lead foot.
I bet your 335 FLIES!!!!

[fun ticket]

I had and '06 X5 3.0 and currently own an '09 X5 4.8. The 4.8 is great but it burns a lot of gas. I am getting about 13.5 in town. The 3.0 did much better in gas mileage. And, the 3.0 was a great motor in my opinion. In fact, when my lease expires I will get another X5 but it will be a 6 cylinder.

[Cinnamon]

Thanks for that info FUN TICKET!! Think I will give up the fantasy of the 4.8 (those rims!!!!!) and just "settle" (LOL) for the 3.0. I will never test drive the 4.8 though, not until I am shopping again NEXT time. Good news is I can test a 330 now that my 325 is gone LOL!

[ronald_adi]

dont test the 330. test the M3!

[Cinnamon]

True!

[richard in NC]

I found the 3.0 to be fine in an '06 X3. Being much lighter, I could get 24 mpg highway. It didn't mind being rev'd and I certainly wouldn't call it stressed when doing so. However, the 4.8 would be much more relaxed and effortless to get up to speed. Of course mileage also depends if your 20 miles of highway is open or crowded interstates.

Here is a simple calc. Assume the 4.8 gets 15 mpg and the 3.0 20. That's probably worst case separation. If you drive 15k miles/year, that means 1000 vs 750 gallons. 250 gallons * $3 = $750/year or $63/month or $2/day. Closer MPG or fewer miles = less difference. Is it worth that to enjoy the power, you decide. Or cut back on a vending machine coke and snack each day (or one pack of cigs), enjoy the 4.8, and loose weight and be healthier at the same time.

[fun ticket]

Originally Posted by richard in NC

I found the 3.0 to be fine in an '06 X3. Being much lighter, I could get 24 mpg highway. It didn't mind being rev'd and I certainly wouldn't call it stressed when doing so. However, the 4.8 would be much more relaxed and effortless to get up to speed. Of course mileage also depends if your 20 miles of highway is open or crowded interstates.

Here is a simple calc. Assume the 4.8 gets 15 mpg and the 3.0 20. That's probably worst case separation. If you drive 15k miles/year, that means 1000 vs 750 gallons. 250 gallons * $3 = $750/year or $63/month or $2/day. Closer MPG or fewer miles = less difference. Is it worth that to enjoy the power, you decide. Or cut back on a vending machine coke and snack each day (or one pack of cigs), enjoy the 4.8, and loose weight and be healthier at the same time.

Are you calling her fat.....did you see the pic she posted...wow.

Just kidding; good analysis.

[X54.8i]

Never go without a V8!

[Cinnamon]

Fun Ticket!! THANKS!! Wink!


Non-smoker but I got your point! Cut out one small thing...

I just think I better stick with the 3.0. I did the same math--but with only 2 MPG per tank difference between the two engines. It was only half of what you calculated. $1.00 a day. Does not sound like much.

All I know is my husbands old Durango kills me how it eats gas. 14 MPG. V8...I am always filling up. PITA. Not sure of the tank size but do know BMW is 22.


I do need to be smart about things. My commute is longer--but what is worse is the DC area "rush hour" stop and go (which is always! LOL)


I am SO mixed up!!

[Cinnamon]

Originally Posted by ronald_adi

ok its good you are open to diesel. You may be right that they were not available in the USA in 2007 but later. Thats why I had stated it may be out of your price range since its from 2009. (in europe of course they have always been available. There are hundreds of them for sale here.

Most people who have chosen the diesel on this site have been happy with the choice. Its just a pity that the American car websites like autotrader have terrible search filters. It is not possible to search by diesel (fuel type).

Are the diesels of 2009 way over your price range? If they are, calculate in that the diesel costs much less to operate and maintain, then see if it helps.

Yah...way out! Two kids daycare= 1700$ month...plus morgage $2,000 month...takes a lot of $ for those two things alone..

[ronald_adi]

I feel your pain!

get a Live-in au-pair from east europe for 800$ per month

[Vintage]

whether the 3.0 or 4.8, it will still drive great either way

[BrunoT]

Let's analyze this.

At the current low gas prices you're talking just $200/year in fuel price difference between 16 and 18 mpg for the miles driven in your commute. If gas goes back up then the spread gets proportionately bigger. Maybe $400/year, tops.

The cost of operating an X5 for 10,000 miles per year is at least roughly $10,000/yr (depreciation, interest, insurance, gas, maintenance and repairs, tag/taxes). The cost of driving a vehicle is a lot more than gas and insurance, the things we notice most.

The 2% difference involved is less important than choosing the right used vehicle, period. If $200/year would even be noticed you might want to choose a more economical commuter vehicle.

Gas almost certainly will be $4/gal or more again within a few years. So keep that in mind. But still, in the big picture of costs involved the small difference in gas isn't a major factor.

I'm sure many here wouldn't be caught dead in a previous generation body style vehicle, but you can get a clean moderate mileage prev-gen '05 X5 4.4 sport for around $10,000 less, btw. That gives you the power you want. It would lower your interest and depreciation costs by about $1500-$2000/year(though repairs/maint costs would rise some to offset part of that).

A new VW jetta wagon diesel would get you to work in a safe reasonably practical German car for around $1,000/year less in fuel costs. Slap some sport springs on it and you'd have a fun to drive car as well. It would cost around $10 grand less, probably depreciate less, and have full warranty (and maint?) for a long period. Overall the VW would run about $2500/year less to operate for those commute miles every year. If you want a BMW just substitute an '07 328i touring for a little less upfront cost but overall roughly the same costs overall.

Last night on CNBC I sat watching shows they run about fairly upscale people with no retirement savings and a lot of debt or those who lose jobs and suddenly can't afford their homes. Buying a used X5 is a step in the right direction, but just be sure you are not buying a boat anchor that saps away wealth you need for other things. You may be wealthy. If so, don't sweat the $200/year and get what you want. But an X5 is probably not the greatest commuter vehicle out there.


Yes, I'm a wet blanket.

[Cinnamon]

Hi Bruce! No wet blanket! I enjoy hearing it all!

Far from rich--two teachers...but far from poor also. Secure jobs. I hear your point though. It is a good one. Daycare is a killer for us. It wont be going away for a while...(Did I say $1700/month daycare). That is my X5M!

We will be paying in all cash so we wont be more strapped with dept (we have ZERO debt acutally, except for the morgage)...however, there is the guilt the money could be used towards the kids college. That is something I have considered --but moved past .

I did ponder the 2006 but...I dont want to take a step back. My 2006 325I was the "new body style". I would like to at least stay equal to that level. If I did do the 2006 I would have $10,000 to pocket!

But....I would always desire the 2007 on up and knowing me, there would be a 2006 X5 for sale in a couple years!! I have learned to get what you want--or wait. We can afford this now. I just didnt want to be so stupid as to get a SUV that would suck gas like mad!!! I need to be as smart as I can be when dumping extra money in "a BMW".

We tested a used MDX 2008 sport. It was just not the same. We decided that we would go ahead and pay the extra $ for the X5 bc of the quality. With my long commute, the 3.0 seems a better match. Of course, the 4.8 would rock my world I am sure but we need to draw that line somewhere. Money is not endless for us. After the lottery I am getting the X5M!!!

Interestingly, I called the insurance co. and the X5 2007 3.0 is $40 less per year than my 325I 2006!! I suppose because the 3 had the sports package. I didnt ask...and I don't care why it costs less to insure. It just surprised me since the X is worth a lot more.

Thanks! Final thoughts are for the 3.0.

[BrunoT]

Good thinking, always best to buy what you really wanted rather than settle and wind up spending more in transaction costs to upgrade in a year or two.

After test driving the the 3.0 and 4.8 I would actually pick a 3.0 with a sport suspension and upgraded wheels over a 4.8 w/o them if it came to it. The non-sport just wasn't crisp handling enough to feel like a bmw, and the smaller wheels don't look as good. Even the 4.8 sport with 20" wheels is not going to feel like a bmw car, though. You really can notice the weight.

I found the transmissions on both not to be as smooth and intuitive as on our previous 3 and 5 series sedans. Sport mode or not, there was more hesitation and lurching than I recall. Not a deal killer, though.

The ride on both sport and non-sport suspension models was FAR smoother and quieter than reviews had led me to expect. My current Infiniti G35 is noisier and harsher than the 4.8 sport with 20" wheels on it! And a 3 series with 18" wheels isn't all that much quieter or smoother that I can tell.

[Cinnamon]

I do wish I got the sport package and prob. could have waited for it. I agree--it does not drive quite as nice. BUT still super glad I got the 4.8 and the options it had.

My husband has a G35 S and it is a great great ride!!! FAST!!!!!

I had the 3 series with the 18" wheels (RFT) and never heard that quite of a ride unless the RFTs were brand new. And I mean smacking brand new!! BOY did that car handle well on corners!!!

In the end, love the X5! I would not skip the sport model in the future though. I am glad it has the comfort seats--figured that was close enough for squeezing in the X that had all other options...but.... I do miss the sport! Too late...next time!

Very glad I got the 4.8. I was back and forth....I think I disgree and I would prefer the 4.8 non-sport vs. 3.0 sport. I do like the tight drive I had with my 3 series sport and do "miss the feel". I can tell. I think for me....power is important. I love that I can drive the 4.8 up hills etc. with no effort at all. I suppose I am just lucky I could afford the 4.8 with near loaded options (minus sport). It was more than I ever thought I could get. Last year I was only able to afford the 2006 (old body).
So....this is a dream SUV...but yah, 4.8 WITH sport would have been even BETTER. No argument there