Is 4.6 performance worth premium over 4.4? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Kevmmm · 4th June 2003, 00:32

Considering both vehicles, is the performance of a 4.6 X5 worth the premium cost over the 4.4 X5? Also, will the 2004 X5 be a 4.5l, diminishing the hp gap between the two models? And finally, will the 4.6 X5 be upgraded for 2004 (ie Alpina engine)?
Appreciate your comments.

Bonte · 6th June 2003, 11:33

the following X5 could well get that 4.5 engine from the 7 and the new 5, but I doubt the X5 will get an alpina engine

RELAX Kev · 10th July 2003, 21:49

Quote:

Originally posted by Bonte
but I doubt the X5 will get an alpina engine

the X5 already has an alpina engine, the 4.6

MEnthusiast · 23rd July 2003, 19:29

the answer to the engines seems to be:

the revised X5- due out here in October will have the V8 from the 7, but making a few less HP- to 320.

it seems that they will grab the Alpina 4.8 from the Alpina Roadster for the 4.6 successor.

personally, I dont think its really "worth" it over the 4.4, but I look upon the 4.4 as more of a family hauler than sports truck/car. I know a couple of people with 4.6is and they love them.

dNA3D · 24th July 2003, 11:12

Did they retune the engine for more torque, or simply downgrade it??

Kevmmm · 4th September 2003, 00:18

I recently took a test drive a X5 4.6is, and found that it was a very nice handling vehicle (at least on the smooth roads here). It felt sporty and responsive, as if I were in a "tall" 5 series.

When I asked my sales consultant about the diferences between the two vehicles, he responded that the 4.6is has the following over the 4.4i: stiffer suspension, larger brakes, 20" wheels, aero package, available Imola and Estoril exterior paint schemes, power fold seats, alcantara headliner, sportier exhaust, sport tuned 5speed automatic transmission, and of course the enlarged engine 4.6liter engine yielding 50hp/26tq more than the 4.4liter.

The X5 4.6is is really a "M version" of the X5 without the "///M" badge, high reving engine, and manual transmission, however, this is still an impressive and exclusive vehicle.

MEnthusiast · 4th September 2003, 06:57

just some more info.

the fold down seats are available on the regular X5s and the 4.6 is now discontinued. rumor has it no "is" models will be made in model year 2004.

Bonte · 4th September 2003, 08:23

Quote:

The X5 4.6is is really a "M version" of the X5 without the "///M" badge, high reving engine, and manual transmission, however, this is still an impressive and exclusive vehicle.

i didn't think the 4.6 is has a manual...?

Kevmmm · 5th September 2003, 03:01

Quote:

Originally posted by MEnthusiast
just some more info.

the fold down seats are available on the regular X5s and the 4.6 is now discontinued. rumor has it no "is" models will be made in model year 2004.

I heard the same informating regarding the 4.6. I also heard that with the stop of production of the X5 4.6, Estoril Blue as an exterior color may no longer be available, even through the individual program.

DaveS · 8th September 2003, 23:53

Quote:

Originally posted by Bonte
i didn't think the 4.6 is has a manual...?

That is what he said. the 4.6 is an M car but without the Manual trans and high revving engine

Bonte · 9th September 2003, 04:15

sorry, misread it ...

Fin535dA · 14th September 2003, 17:59

will the 4.8is replace 4.6is? hopefully so.

whoa there, i'm too stupid. of course it's going to replace it. why else would BMW had presented it in IAA?

Kevmmm · 5th October 2004, 21:48

Well, I test drove a slightly used, 4.6is X5 last week. It was loaded as all 4.6's are, lacking only the retractable load floor, and navigation (which was a negative in my books for car that costs $60K).

Driving impressions: This is a fast vehicle, it actually handled better than I remembered when I drove it a new one a year ago. I was able to take it on some twisty country roads, and was impressed with how planted the SAV felt around the bends. The brakes felt much stronger (and I believe they are larger) than the 2004 4.4i X5.

Comfort: Very impressed with how quiet the interior is on cruising, with a healthy growl on acceleration, nice! It was pleasant to just "step-in" to the vehicle instead of "down" (I'm tall, so this was a plus). Heated seats all around and fan speed control for the rear passengers. Standard rear side sunhades and tint means this car is ready to go!

In the end, I passed on this vehicle as financing was not very competative and it lacked navigation, which is important for the trips I sometimes take. In the end I realized that I'd rather own a new car instead. I may go for the 4.8is as I like the fact that everything is pretty much standard and you get the uprated suspension, wheels, brakes and of course, power over the 4.4.

Questions:Is it possible to get the "old" rims on the new 4.8is? I recall the tires/wheel sizes are the same? Does anyone here have the 4.8is? How does it perform?
Appreciate.
Kevmmm