The 4.6is seems to often go unnoticed, overshadowed by it’s bigger, newer 4.8is brother. As a very biased 4.6is owner, I believe it needs more recognition.
What many do not know about the 4.6 is how rare they are. Approximately 2,837 4.6is units were sold in America. I’m still working on world-wide numbers, maybe somewhere around double that. Total E53 production is 616,867 units including all variants and markets. I wasn’t a math major, that that equates to less than 1 percent of the X5s on the road carrying a 4.6is badge. One reason is that it was only produced from 2002 to 2003, the other is that it was one of the first of what I’ll call “muscle-SUVs.”
There is a lot of confusion around Alpina’s involvement in designing and building the 4.6is motor. What we do know is, it’s a bored and stroked version of the 4.4 M62B44, called the M62B46. Some sources say that Alpina did the finally motor assembly, others insist the motors were finished at BMW. Bore has been increased 1mm, stroke increased 2.3mm for a final displacement of 4619cc. The intake cam was changed as well, which I suspect gives the 4.6 it's distinct muscle-car rumble both at idle and in motion. Compression was raised from 10.2 in the standard 4.4 motor to 10.5 in the 4.6is motor. Tuning is also custom to the 4.6is, with adjustments to the intake and fuel maps with the goal of increasing power. The exhaust was new as well, designed to flow better. HP climbed to 340 @ 5700 RPM, with 350 ft/lbs of tq at 3700 RPM.
As far as the driveline, the final drive ratio was increased from 3.64:1 to 3.91:1. The stall speed was increased in the torque converter. It is also my impression that the entire chassis came seam welded, which I cannot confirm was done on any other models.
Exterior changes included updated front and rear bumpers, Xenon headlights standard, and glossy black trim. Imola red and Estoril blue were introduced for the 4.6is model as well, and remain the most valuable colors for the 4.6is. Fender flares become optional (standard?). The exhaust has a new look as well.
Standard interior upgrades were: cold weather package, power and heated rear seats, DSP, unique trim packages, and unique seat colors. Optional packages included Imola red leather, as well as a black leather and alcantara “half cloth” option. New trim options included glossy Imola red and Estoril blue, perhaps others? NAV was optional as well and seems to have been check-boxed on most of the 4.6 models.
All of the 4.6is models came with the “sport” suspension from the 4.4, increased anti-roll bars (anyone know the diameters of both 4.4 and 4.6?)
Many of the 4.6is’ left BMW dealerships as Dinan stage 1, 2, or 3. Dinan parts that available included a cold air intake, MAF, throttle body, strut bar, pedals, tuning in various stages, as well as a very desirable and expensive supercharged “stage 3” setup. Prices of the supercharger kit were upwards of $15,000, which likely led to the rarity. Many likely added Dinan parts well after their trucks left the dealership. I was told my truck was an original Dinan stage 2 as it left the dealer, but could not verify.
Now I am hoping the forum can come together and compile a list of differences between the 4.6is and other X5 models. Hopefully this can become a resource for current and future 4.6is owners. As I receive updates I will adjust this post accordingly.
US Market - Standard options included in all 4.6is models:
=Interior
Cold Weather Package standard
Anthracite headliner
Heated and power rear seats
DSP
Imola red introduced
Black leather/black alcantara split introduced
=Exterior
Glossy black trim
Xenon headlamps
Imola red and Estoril blue optional
Exhaust tips changed
Fender flares
=Engine
Unique Alpina design
Bore increased 1mm
Stroke increased 2.3mm
Unique tuning, increased rev limit
Exhaust new, chrome tips
340 HP, 350 tq
=Driveline/Suspension
9.5” and 10.5” staggered 20” style 87 wheels with 275/40/20 and 315/35/20 tires
Diff ratio 3.91
Higher stall speed torque converter
Sport suspension
Larger sway bars
=Braking
14” rotors front, 12.8” rotors rear, vented
Larger calipers in front
Attachment 56274
X Series Sales (1).pdf
GENERAL
CYLINDERS V8
DISPLACEMENT 4619 cm3
HORSEPOWER
347 @ 5300 RPM
TORQUE
354 @ 3700 RPM
FUEL SYSTEM
Multipoint Injection
FUEL
Petrol
CO2 EMISSIONS 356 g/km
PERFORMANCE
TOP SPEED 149.1 mph OR 240 km/h
ACCELERATION 0-62 MPH (0-100 KPH) 6.5 s
FUEL CONSUMPTION
CITY 11.2 mpg OR 21 L/100Km
HIGHWAY20.6 mpg OR 11.4 L/100Km
COMBINED 15.8 mpg OR 14.9 L/100Km
TRANSMISSION
DRIVE TYPE
All Wheel Drive
GEARBOX
Automatic, 5 Speed
BRAKES
FRONT Ventilated Discs
REAR Ventilated Discs
TIRES
SIZE275/40 R20 W
DIMENSIONS
LENGTH 183.7 in OR 4666 mm
WIDTH7 3.7 in OR 1872 mmHEIGHT67.5 in OR 1715 mm
FRONT/REAR TRACK 62/62 in OR 1,575/1,575 mm
WHEELBASE 111 in OR 2819 mm
GROUND CLEARANCE 7 in OR 178 mm
CARGO VOLUME 16.4 cu
FT OR 464 LCD 0.38
WEIGHT
UNLADEN WEIGHT 4806.9 lbs OR 2180 kg
GROSS WEIGHT LIMIT 5920.4 lbs OR 2685 kg
Please let me know if you find any errors in my findings. I eventually intend to provide sources to verify the material presented, for now we will have to work together to assure accuracy.
Currently looking to compile:
Canadian 4.6 options
Euro 4.6 options
All other 4.6 markets data
BMW X5 4.6is - Short Take Road Test - Car Reviews - Car and Driver
BMW X5 4.6is First Drive
BMW X5 4.6is - Forbes.com
BMW X5 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
BMW X5 (E53) 4.6is (2000 - 2003) Technical Specifications & Features