4.8is or 4.4i??

[boom]

Hi guys,
I'm looking at a used X5 and have two options currently that i'm considering. They're both 2005 with 60-70K miles and all of the options I want. The big difference is one has the 4.8L for 355 hp and the other is a 4.4L with 315 hp. the price difference is about $3K for the 4.8is. I'd really appreciate any advice on either. I've never had an X5 before. Are there any issues I should be aware of? transmission, engine, differential, etc? THanks in advance.

[M3Speeder]

Personally I'd never buy any BMW with 60-70K miles. Past 50K BWM's are not as reliable as, say, Hondas or Toyotas. You're gonna be prepared to reserve some cache for reparis if you plan to buy such a vehicle.
If I were to choose between 4.4i and 4.8i, of course I'd choose 4.8i because of better performance, but I must admit to me $3K difference is not much but it may be to other people. This is why it's really difficult to recommend.

[roadkillrob]

you get a bit more with the 4.8is, obviously the bigger motor, but you also get all the sport package options, stiffer suspension, bigger wheels, sport seats etc. As for reliability, haven't seen any major differences between the 2 engines. Are either of the cars CPO that can be transferred to you or are both fully without any type of warranty?

I would pay a good indy mechanic to take a look at both and give you an idea of what your getting into, I would also budget on both for a transmission fluid change, that seems to help them survive past 100k, where not changing the fluid is really asking for it. Also change the diff fluids, brake and coolant fluids etc if you can't find a receipt for it being done in the last year. Other than that, the mechanic would be your best help, but at that mileage, things like suspension components, bushings, drive shafts start to show wear and can need some work. All electrical/electronic things on older BMW's get a bit expensive when they go, so the less toys you have the less they cost long term!