E93 3 series convertible vs X5 V8.

[Tom_24]

My wife is in need of a new car and one of the ones she has chosen is the E93 320i / 325i / 330i hard top convertible.
We have gone for the petrol as she doesn't do the mileage to warrant a diesel.
The ones we have earmarked are 2008-2010, M-Sport spec, under 60k miles & good service history. Budget is up to £11,000.

Also we have seen a 2006 X5 4.8 V8 well in budget and local too, which with 2 children and a dog would be a more practical solution, yet more expensive to run.
What's the real world MPG with these?

And with both cars what do I need to be asking about and looking for when viewing any potential purchases?
Any weak points or problem areas, work that needs doing at certain mileages etc?

Thanks in advance.

[cerb4.5lee]

Used to have a 2004 X5 4.8is and it was a lovely motor but very heavy on fuel and it used to return 12mpg on my 44 mile commute, about 18 mpg overall.

The V8 engine is prone to oil leaks and the air suspension can give problems although other than an oil leak my X5 was faultless, panoramic roofs can be troublesome too.

Have a E90 330i currently and it's a lovely smooth engine and pretty bullet proof although the water pump can be a pricey fix if it goes from what I read, both engines are great in the 330i/X5 and I rate them both highly.