Would you buy a 4.8is with over 100k miles?

[Speedfreak81]

I'm looking for an X5, LOVE the Estoril Blue 4.6 models but just don't think I can get past the 13/17 mpg as it will be a daily driver. There is a 2006 4.8is listed locally but it's got 117k miles. The price is attractive, and the maintenance is supposedly up to date including "brakes, tires, cooling system, all suspension bushings, half shaft, upgraded valve covers & more"

I've heard the timing chain guides might need to be done, as well as the transmission being iffy at that mileage. It's loaded up with all the options, Lemans Blue over Oyster interior and the owner claims it needs nothing.

I would definitely get a PPI done, but thoughts? Should I stay away from one with that kind of mileage? What would be an appropriate price to offer? Seller has it listed at $12.5k btw.

Thanks!

[Rockit]

What year is it?

The valve guide seals go bad as well and yes the plastic timing guides break do to age and not mileage....both jobs together can run 8-10K retail.

Google valve steam seals bmw 4.8 and there is a guy with a how to vid that sells a kit to replace them without removing the heads.

The 4.4 4.6 and 4.8 E53 when they get older are not really cost effective to own. Only if you can work on them yourself and know what your doing. Not many here can do the timing chain due to the vanos procedure on the cams...extremely difficult. I had mine done on my 4.4 with a shop foreman on the weekend and he even had to do it twice.

[Speedfreak81]

Sounds to me like it's probably smarter to avoid then, I really appreciate the honest reply. The car is a 2006 model year BTW. I'm pretty mechanically inclined, and have some friends that can probably do the work if needed.

[Ricky Bobby]

Show me an iS model being sold (besides Olek's cars) that "NEEDS NOTHING" and is over 100k miles and I'll show you a unicorn.

Btw, comparing gas mileage between the 4.6iS and the 4.8iS is splitting hairs. They both guzzle fuel like Jenna Jameson used to guzzle, well, you know, back in the day.

4.6 to 4.8 is not comparing a Dodge Ram to a Prius.

If you want the best fuel economy and engine reliability out of the bunch, get a facelifted 3.0.

[Ven]

I bought that car last week.

[Speedfreak81]

Originally Posted by Ven

I bought that car last week.

hah! Really? It's still listed for sale on Autotrader......guess that takes care of that then. What was the "additional" maintenance that wasn't listed. How much did you end up paying if you don't mind my asking, and are you satisfied with the overall condition?

Brian

[Ven]

I think we spoke a year or so ago Brian regarding a vehicle detail job

X5 was well maintained and had some key work done on time and by the knowledgeable folks at RRT.

Funny how I ended up buying because I was looking at cars for my friend and not in the market at all.

[Ricky Bobby]

Brian, was going to post this in the Estoril 4.6 thread but didnt want to clog it up....

If you want to hypermile a 4.8 or 4.6 then get yourself smaller (non 20" staggered) wheels, run them with 35-38 psi, and draft behind 18-wheelers.


Don't go by the stupid government EPA ratings, and let me tell you in backed up traffic Fairfax and DC metro area, you're better off taking the Metro, or buying an E70 diesel if you care about a bimmer, or a VW TDI for that matter if mileage is so important.


I've known countless people with 4.8iS and they don't buy them for the "increased mileage" over the 4.6, they buy them because they want an iS model and want the performance and luxury and rarity over the other E53 models (for both 4.6 and 4.8) If you are all highway, maybe you'll get 19 mpg at no more than 70-75mph. Mixed driving is more like 16mpg. Don't kid yourself with the "ratings".


Its a 3 ton SUV and obviously any example you buy will obtain mileage dependent on previous owners maintenance schedules, the health of the engine/emissions system, etc. Buy what you like, but if you are a traveling salesman putting on 20k miles a year, unless you like paying for fuel, you're looking at the wrong vehicle...

My 2 cents

[Rockit]

If you buy the car right....with anticipated... this big expense factored in because that's why it's probably be sold because needing this work...when sorted its awesome but you need to stay up big time on all maintenance.

BTW I can drive 430 mile and tank of fuel on my 3.0

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by Rockit

BTW I can drive 430 mile and tank of fuel on my 3.0

Me as well. I average 19mpg mixed driving with my 5MT on my 3.0, with heavy staggered 20s. I've had both 4.6 and 4.8 owners shocked at that mileage. So I think the EPA figures are a bit far reaching on those models lol