4.8is .... '04 vs '05 vs '06?

[m6bmw]

Newbie here....... At least new to the E53 but have been around BMW's for more years than I can count....... CCA Member since 1984.

Quick question..... Those in the know advise against the '04 4.8is and steer potential buyers toward '05 and / or '06 models. I certainly get the "don't buy the first year of production run" theory but would truly appreciate your input as what makes the '05 and '06 models "less" problematic. Specific changes between the production years would be appreciated!

[Gurjit]

06 has different bluetooth/better works with phones like regular bluetooth devices
Thats all i know of
06 has a antena ontop of the trunk like a sharkfin i dont know if it is some sort of option

Please correct me if iam wrong

[xRide]

I would choose an 06 over any other model eventhough i have an 05. I dont know whats wrong with the 04 why people dont recommend them. I simply just like the newest model of old vehicles.

[giodog2000]

If you are not buying it for their reliability , any of them are good....

[tmv]

Originally Posted by m6bmw

Newbie here....... At least new to the E53 but have been around BMW's for more years than I can count....... CCA Member since 1984.

Quick question..... Those in the know advise against the '04 4.8is and steer potential buyers toward '05 and / or '06 models. I certainly get the "don't buy the first year of production run" theory but would truly appreciate your input as what makes the '05 and '06 models "less" problematic. Specific changes between the production years would be appreciated!

Pretty much the primary problem and concern.

Originally Posted by Gurjit

06 has different bluetooth/better works with phones like regular bluetooth devices
Thats all i know of
06 has a antena ontop of the trunk like a sharkfin i dont know if it is some sort of option
Please correct me if iam wrong

Not on my 06 4.8iS

[StephenVA]

This question and the resulting answers are really around what do you know about the vehicle, service history, etc. Have a PPI and you will know what you are getting into, etc. All are good vehicles as the owners will attest. Bold, fast, with the normal HiPo maintenance required.

Find a LOWEST mileage one you can afford, perform all the normal maintenance once you own it, so there will be no questions on fluids, plugs, tire balance, operations, etc. The more mileage the more things that vehicle will need when YOU own it. That is why you have a PPI done FIRST before final negotiations . Worth every penny of the $200 you will spend on the inspection.

Then use this knowledge base to discover how to DIY and save money and time to avoid misdiagnostics. These little SAV Beasts are going on 10 years old and NOTHING will be "perfect". When you buy a $70,000 vehicle at this spot in time you are going to have some issues. All of which can be fixed with effort and a few $$. If you want "new" then cough up the $$ and buy a new one.

Oh, and take no notice of all the crying by some of the posters. They are looking for a cheap - fast - easy silver bullet to solve problems and to be noticed. There are more than a few here who can help you resolve issues and steer your efforts in the right direction. And PLEASE use the article tab and search feature on this forum to find your answer BEFORE posting your issue. 85% of the time someone else had the same issue 5 years ago and the solution is already available.

Now go find a few 4.8is to look at and pick the RIGHT one...a Blue one!

[StephenVA]

The bluetooth and technology issues. These vehicles have 10 year old technology. A smart phone costing $400 will run circles around what is inside them. Nav is a great example. It is really a 2002 year technology with a DVD upgrade reader. Don't get too hung up.. Thereare more than a few postings on how to "upgrade" what was factory to any limit your credit cards will allow.

Question: If it does not START, run, drive straight, stop, shift, and roll up the windows, why does it matter what song you can play and at what level of quality it plays?

[giodog2000]

Originally Posted by StephenVA

This question and the resulting answers are really around what do you know about the vehicle, service history, etc. Have a PPI and you will know what you are getting into, etc. All are good vehicles as the owners will attest. Bold, fast, with the normal HiPo maintenance required.

Find a LOWEST mileage one you can afford, perform all the normal maintenance once you own it, so there will be no questions on fluids, plugs, tire balance, operations, etc. The more mileage the more things that vehicle will need when YOU own it. That is why you have a PPI done FIRST before final negotiations . Worth every penny of the $200 you will spend on the inspection.

Then use this knowledge base to discover how to DIY and save money and time to avoid misdiagnostics. These little SAV Beasts are going on 10 years old and NOTHING will be "perfect". When you buy a $70,000 vehicle at this spot in time you are going to have some issues. All of which can be fixed with effort and a few $$. If you want "new" then cough up the $$ and buy a new one.

Oh, and take no notice of all the crying by some of the posters. They are looking for a cheap - fast - easy silver bullet to solve problems and to be noticed. There are more than a few here who can help you resolve issues and steer your efforts in the right direction. And PLEASE use the article tab and search feature on this forum to find your answer BEFORE posting your issue. 85% of the time someone else had the same issue 5 years ago and the solution is already available.

Now go find a few 4.8is to look at and pick the RIGHT one...a Blue one!

I agree with everything he said.....even the crying part

High maintenance but a pure joy to drive ....

GO FOR BLACK....IT'S MEANER!!!

[StephenVA]

Delusional, Anyone buying a black one in CANADA the land of snow and salt is questionable.


Now a white one....

[giodog2000]

Guess what colour my E70 is....thats all I have to say.