New member: V8 advice

[tonepub]

Hello all, just joined here, looking for some good advice.

Need something with a little bit of cargo space and have always loved the first gen X5. Have been searching this forum a bit, but might you point me to a thread comparing the 4.4, 4.6 and 4.8 version?

This is going to be a very low use car, probably under 5k miles a year, so fuel economy and repairs won't be the make it or break it decision. That being said, I'd rather not have a money pit if it can be avoided. Told my wife if she'd let me have the older X5 this year (to make a project car instead of a wagon) she can have a new X1 next year.

Any help will be greatly appreciated, thank you all in advance!

[crystalworks]

^Best plan of action, regardless of model you choose, is to find as low a mileage example you can with as much service history as you can. Then purchase a good aftermarket warranty for it unless you are a decent DIY'er and have the time/space/tools to work on the e53. Good aftermarket warranties pay for themselves fairly quickly with the aging e53 unless the vehicle was maintained by an enthusiast or dealer mechanic.

As for differences between the 3 models... 4.4 is either m62 or n62 depending on whether you get a pre-LCI (<2003) or post LCI model (2004+). Each has their own flavor of issues but I prefer the N62. M62 has timing chain guide issues and the CCV system is a bit more unreliable I think than the N62. N62 is plagued with bad valve stem seals that cost a small fortune to repair at a shop.

4.6is uses the m62 engine and makes more power than a 4.4i. Some exterior enhancements and trim is different. 4.6is some of the coolest/rarest interior options in terms of trimming. It's a pre-LCI body style so the lights and front bumpers a bit different. The 4.8is makes the most power of the group and is a post LCI body style. Also, the 4.6is has a 5spd trans and the 4.8is has a 6spd so mileage/driveability is a little better on the 4.8is as well.

There are a few other intricacies (different availability of EHC, NAV, etc) that I'm sure others can point out. Good luck in your purchase, they are really fun vehicles to own. Can be frustrating too, but I've been fortunate and haven't had any major issues. *knocks on wood*

[X53Jay4.8is]

Crystalworks is spot on with his summary. As he said the lower miles the better. If you are going to purchase one with miles approaching 100K then be prepared to run through the beast with regards to maintenance. Cooling system maintenance comes to mind. The ZF 5 speed in some of the models exhibit seal failures over the 100K mark if they have not been serviced. By this I mean filter flush and replacement of trans fluid. On the 6-Speed ZF there is the mechatronic that fails but is easily fixed during a trans service. Finally the only other concern that I would note on the post LCI models 4.4. and 4.8is models is that they have a tendency to exhibit weird air suspension behavior. Particularly on the 4.8is. I am not trying to scare you off, I love the E53 X5's and would not hesitate in buying again 4.6is or 4.8is. My Current one is a 2003 4.6is.

[tonepub]

Thanks for the help! Sounding like I want a 4.6 or 4.8 then...
I have seen some people mentioning swapping the air suspension for standard suspension. Is this worth attempting or crazy?

No problems with going through the vehicle and sorting things. I'm not expecting an 80k vehicle for 15k and it being without some issues. Looking forward to being part of this forum.

My Z4 still has 2 1/2 years of warranty and my wife's 128 just came off of CPO warranty, so looking for a good independent in my area. Guessing that's going to be a good thing with one of these!

[edogg]

Finding a good 4.6 or 4.8 is like finding a unicorn. You may have to be willing to shop states away and buy it sight unseen. Crystalworks lives in TX and found a cherry one with Dinan mods in CA, which he bought sight unseen because the dealer wouldn't hold it for him. He posted his story here, which is an entertaining read.

Swapping the air suspension for springs seems to be a pretty popular modification - especially if there are some air suspension problems (e.g. leaky bags or dying compressor). My guess would be that it's not worth doing unless you've got some components which need to be replaced. In the 2 years I've owned mine, I haven't had any problems except for a rare "Self Level Suspension Inactive" message, which resolves with a reboot of the car (i.e. turn it off and back on again).

There's a thread around here, I think in the E53 subforum, which has a nationwide list of indy shops which members have used and recommend. I can point you toward some Bellevue area shops, but don't know any in Vancouver/Portland.

Beyond that, the others have the main V8 issues covered. I'd also recommend finding one with the lowest miles you can and buying an extended warranty. My warranty through United Car Care covered valve stem seals, which was a ~$4000 repair. I think altogether they've covered about $7500 or so, with a year left on it. And I paid $5000 for the warranty.

[bcredliner]

Unless performance is your goal I would suggest finding a 4.4.

Regardless, I suggest having a thorough PPI inspection done at a well recommended independent shop that is experienced working on BMWs. I would look for a one or two owner vehicle. Unless you are partial to a particular generation I would search for the newest year my budget could handle. Generally, if you can find something under 75,000 miles that has been well cared for you could run up the clock 20-25,000 miles before any major cost maintenance. Welcome and good luck!

[edogg]

For what it's worth, I've been happy with the performance of my 4.4. It's quick off the line and gets me up to freeway speed quickly.

I agree with doing a PPI. It won't necessarily find everything (mine didn't see symptoms of the valve stem seals, which popped up after the 1st oil change) but it can give you an idea of what you'll be in for.

Here's the link for the indy shop list. Looks like the closest one to you would be Renton - which is pretty far away. So maybe look at other review sites like Yelp for a shop which specializes in BMW.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ationwide.html

[tonepub]

Good to know on the 4.4. I was just thinking about a V8 instead of a 3.0. Though a number of people have said that if I'm just thinking of using it as a station wagon (we have four convertibles, so it's time to grow up!) even the 3.0 is not a bad way to go.

Thanks for all the advice so far. This appears to be a very helpful forum!

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by tonepub

Good to know on the 4.4. I was just thinking about a V8 instead of a 3.0. Though a number of people have said that if I'm just thinking of using it as a station wagon (we have four convertibles, so it's time to grow up!) even the 3.0 is not a bad way to go.

Thanks for all the advice so far. This appears to be a very helpful forum!

Suggest you drive a six and a V8. If the 3.0 is peppy enough, following the suggested method to minimize your risk, that would certainly expand the universe. It would be far more likely that you could find a private sale by the original owner that you could talk to directly.

[bhennrich]

I am local with a 4.4 that I just brought up to snuff. We could get coffee and I could show you what you are looking at. I love my E53!!!