Considering a 4.4i V8

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

Yeah, Lucas recommends 3oz per 10 gals of fuel, 7.5 oz for 25 gals. States over treating is a non-issue.

With over 100k miles over-treating and still OE cats (one set of upstream O2 sensors at 105k, no codes, just preventative), I would say they are correct. The M62 motor/fuel system "plays nice" with the stuff.

The alignment REALLY reduced tire wear, I run sticky Y rated Ultrac Vortis (NO treadlife warranty, 200 rating). These are similar to Michelin SuperSports, crazy grip!

The pic is after 20k miles....online tire forum posters say these won't last that long, I expect 40k out of the rears (50k fronts).

You know everything that I have read about the Vortis is that they have a treadwear rating of UTOG:320 (Check out the attached link). Does the set that you have a different class of vorti and different tradwear rating? I am putting a set of these on the X this spring since I cannot get our tire size in the Michelin PSS.

ConsumerReports.org - Ultra high performance summer tires - Vredestein Ultrac Vorti

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by ispencer

I'm going to look at a 2003 4.4 this weekend. Looks to be a nice car, so will report back after I've looks at it.

A few cars I've seen advertised have said they have transmission problems. Light in, and it either needs a gearbox replaced or a sensor... They don't offer much information other than they can drive the car a short way before it goes into limp, low power, mode. I'm not considering these cars in my search, but was curious to see if this was common, and what I should watch for, if anything, when I'm looking at cars. Any advice on this one guys?

Transmission problems are well known event with these X5s. If the transmission has been serviced over the years then many of them see life well over 100K. If over the 100K mark and nothing has been done to the transmission then I would factor in that at some point you will be doing a rebuild or replacement. Rebuilds vary from vendor to vendor. Personally I like the Remanufactured units that ZF provides to BMW if a tranny has to be replaced. The dealer will want $5500 to $5800 for the transmission alone. You can shop around for the ZF remanufactured for about $3100-$3400 if you look around. 4.4 M62 has the is known for the timing guides that can be a $3-4K at the dealer/shop level.

[edogg]

Originally Posted by ispencer

I'm going to look at a 2003 4.4 this weekend. Looks to be a nice car, so will report back after I've looks at it.

A few cars I've seen advertised have said they have transmission problems. Light in, and it either needs a gearbox replaced or a sensor... They don't offer much information other than they can drive the car a short way before it goes into limp, low power, mode. I'm not considering these cars in my search, but was curious to see if this was common, and what I should watch for, if anything, when I'm looking at cars. Any advice on this one guys?

My X went into limp mode periodically. It turned out to be an electrical gremlin which was resolved by replacing the alternator. As I understand, that's a common solution to transmission errors.

Whatever you do, get a PPI done by an Indy shop. Have them check the electrical/charging system and for smoking exhaust on idle (if you go with an N62).


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[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by X53Jay4.8is

You know everything that I have read about the Vortis is that they have a treadwear rating of UTOG:320 (Check out the attached link). Does the set that you have a different class of vorti and different tradwear rating? I am putting a set of these on the X this spring since I cannot get our tire size in the Michelin PSS.

ConsumerReports.org - Ultra high performance summer tires - Vredestein Ultrac Vorti

At the time I bought the Vredestein Ultrac Vortis the Vredestein site and seller site (Group A Wheels), both showed the treadwear as 300. I just looked at the sidewalls and they all show 320. I never looked at the tires molded rating until now (1.5 yrs after install).

I spoke with the Michelin reps at the Sebring 12 hr 2 yrs ago, asked them what the hell is up with discontinuing the 255/285 19 latitude fitments and if they are releasing the PSSs in the 19 or 20 staggered fitment sizes for sport and IS E53s, was told not to hold my breath.

Spoke with Continential reps that same week, wanted to know about the below tire (Force Contact) in E53 staggered fitment 19/20, was told "might happen, someday"

Seems Michelin & Continential have no interest in ultra performance rubber for E53s.

Really SAD!

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by edogg

My X went into limp mode periodically. It turned out to be an electrical gremlin which was resolved by replacing the alternator. As I understand, that's a common solution to transmission errors.

Whatever you do, get a PPI done by an Indy shop. Have them check the electrical/charging system and for smoking exhaust on idle (if you go with an N62).


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Mine "trans failsafe prog" also turned out to be charging system related on an N62 4.4i. Replaced the alternator and the truck hasn't had a problem since.

[edogg]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

At the time I bought the Vredestein Ultrac Vortis the Vredestein site and seller site (Group A Wheels), both showed the treadwear as 300. I just looked at the sidewalls and they all show 320. I never looked at the tires molded rating until now (1.5 yrs after install).

I spoke with the Michelin reps at the Sebring 12 hr 2 yrs ago, asked them what the hell is up with discontinuing the 255/285 19 latitude fitments and if they are releasing the PSSs in the 19 or 20 staggered fitment sizes for sport and IS E53s, was told not to hold my breath.

Spoke with Continential reps that same week, wanted to know about the below tire (Force Contact) in E53 staggered fitment 19/20, was told "might happen, someday"

Seems Michelin & Continential have no interest in ultra performance rubber for E53s.

Really SAD!

Discount Tire told me that they still have some Michelins in their system. And the alignment shop I recently used suggested Nokian tires. They make a summer tire which is pretty much like an all season because they're designed for Scandinavian summertime.


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[ispencer]

Hey guys, do you mind if we get back on my original post here? I love tires as much as you do, but I'm kind of looking for advice towards my next X5 purchase right now. Thanks! :-)

I posted earlier today that I'm looking at a car tomorrow. Several vehicles I've seen posted have claimed to have transmission problems (not the one I'm looking at though). Is this common on the 4.4i and what should I be looking for... or listening for when I look the car over.

Also, while I'm at it. I've been looking at Kelly Blue Book for price references, and it isn't proving to be a very good guide based on what I'm seeing cars advertised for. In the case of the car I'm looking at... a 2003 4.4i with 180,000 miles, the asking price is $6000, but KBB.com is putting it at $3800. I always though KBB was a reliable source, but not for BMW X5's is seems. Especially the 4.6is prices. KBB seem to be at least $2000 under the prices I'm experiencing from private sellers... and even higher from dealers. What is your opinion on this?

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by ispencer

Hey guys, do you mind if we get back on my original post here? I love tires as much as you do, but I'm kind of looking for advice towards my next X5 purchase right now. Thanks! :-)

I posted earlier today that I'm looking at a car tomorrow. Several vehicles I've seen posted have claimed to have transmission problems (not the one I'm looking at though). Is this common on the 4.4i and what should I be looking for... or listening for when I look the car over.

Also, while I'm at it. I've been looking at Kelly Blue Book for price references, and it isn't proving to be a very good guide based on what I'm seeing cars advertised for. In the case of the car I'm looking at... a 2003 4.4i with 180,000 miles, the asking price is $6000, but KBB.com is putting it at $3800. I always though KBB was a reliable source, but not for BMW X5's is seems. Especially the 4.6is prices. KBB seem to be at least $2000 under the prices I'm experiencing from private sellers... and even higher from dealers. What is your opinion on this?

Well going back to the original response post that I provided you with yes transmission problems are there and typically not a cheap repair. You are looking at a vehicle with 180,000 miles on it. It would have to be super clean and a ton of repair receipts to go with it. You can not go by kbb in buying one of these vehicles not realistic. Just do an average of the selling prices of the year you are looking for on autotrader and decide what you are going to pay. Since you are thinking about getting a X5 just do a search on the forum for transmission woes, timing guides woes, air suspension woes. Its all there for you to see and review. There is plenty documented. I should also ask are you a DIYer or are you going to pay someone to do the repairs for you. At those higher miles being a DIYer will work out better for you.

Oh Lastly my advice to you since this sounds like your first X5 find one with lower miles 80-100K, spend a few more dollars on acquiring one, do some service on it and start from there. You can find 4.4 with that mileage for $8-10K.

[ispencer]

Thanks X53Jay4.8is!

Yea, I was starting to feel like KBB was leading me down a one way street! A lot of the cars I'm seeing out there don't appear to be selling so I wasn't sure if it was due to high price, or something else. (basedon what I was reading at KBB that is)

I do have a 2002 3.0i, so not my first. I've become very comfortable with the 3.0i and I'm a sudo DYIer. I can deal with the minor stuff, but major engine work I take to my mechanic. I do have an excellent mechanic who specializes in BMW's and has always done me right. Very reasonably priced, and fixes the problem. But as you know some of these repairs can be very expensive.

I've been using this forum a lot over the years to research my 3.0i when I've had issues. Never really had to ask many question because I've always found the answers to the specific problems I've had. I'm feeling like I am a first time buyer though by getting away from the 3.0i and going to a 4.4i. Just trying to make sure I"m not making a mistake. I like your advice for a lower mileage car for more money. Right now, I'm just trying to look at the cleanest car I can find that is close to me. So many of the cars I am interested in are too far away to go see without making it a whole weekend trek. The car I'm looking at tomorrow appears to be very clean all around, but the miles are more than I was hoping to find on the car I buy. Still worth a look since it's close by. I will report back on what I find.

I will also do some more searches on transmission problems as you suggested. I did do some of these searches but I wasn't really able to see if these problems were common 'beware, your car is going to do this' if you buy one type of problems, or just sometimes this happens kind of stuff.. know what I mean?

End of the day though, you are right. You just need to find the one that best suits you and go for the ride.

[crystalworks]

We have stated trans failsafe prog can be charging system related. Or if the oil was never serviced (most likely wasn't) it can be something in the valve bodies/solenoids. Search: hard shift from 2nd to 1st or some combination of those terms.

I also echo the above, KBB is not going to be reliable for pricing. These are now entering the realm of enthusiast vehicles and are priced accordingly. Find a low-mileage one... or a high mileage one with meticulous records. Both will cost a premium.

Good luck, let us know how the first candidate turns out. Take pics and a video if you want input. See my first build thread for an example where I went to look an X5 and took video to show my wife before pulling the trigger.