New To Me 4.6is

[Mr.Couch]

Hey guys!
I'll be getting my second E53 shortly and had some questions regarding parts interchangeability & more up to date information.

So I have a 2002 4.6is coming to me soon & currently have an 06 3.0i.

1)
I just put a brand new, heated, sport steering wheel in the 3.0I. I have done some digging into the part interchangeability and from what I've seen the steering wheel will fit but some modification will be required to get the heat to work. Does anyone know firsthand or for sure what would be needed to swap this awesome new steering wheel into my pre facelift 4.6is?

2)
I have read that e70 X5M front brake calipers work as a direct bolt on for the E53. Past the calipers (E70 X5M), Rotors (E70 X5M), Pads (E70X5M), what lines & sensors are used with this kit? E53 or E70? Will any other work be needed past bolting these on? The truck already has E70 X5M wheels on it with spacers so I'm assuming the hub bore issue would be resolved. Anything I'm missing? Has anyone come up with a rear caliper solution yet?

3)
What's the general consensus on squared Style 87 rear wheels? I know a 315 tire up front is big but with the servotronic option has anyone who has run this setup felt any negative impact on the ride or steering? I love this look and plan on sourcing 4 rears when I can. If someone has a set I would be willing to purchase...

4)
This car is pretty meticulous & the previous owner to me has kept it in excellent shape. With that said, I've always wanted the M tex / alcantara interior. I have been looking all over for a set but have come up short for a set in good condition. Would anyone be willing to trade for an excellent condition all black leather set + cash on my end?

5)
The car currently has Bilstein shocks/struts & HR front and rear springs (Coded out the air susp.). Anyone have any RECENT feedback on KW V3's vs BC coilovers? I will be DD the truck and don't want it to be crazy stiff or bouncy, I have had KW V3's in my past few cars so I'm aware on how they feel in sports sedans. Obviously I want to lower but not hammer the truck.

6)
Would anyone be willing to part with their Dinan stuff? I'm a sucker for their parts on these trucks & I am looking for a GOOD condition Intake w/ MAF, Strut tower brace, exhaust. I would pay shipping and asking price (if its reasonable).

7)
This truck has already been fitted with the 88c thermo & electric fan conversion. To further help the cooling of the truck, does anyone have experience with the Zionsville Autosport Aluminum radiator? How was the fitment? Did you notice any actual cooling benefits over the stock radiator?

I plan on being quite active here with the new truck so it's nice to see this forum is alive and well for the most part. I run a BMW performance / Maintenance shop in NNJ & would surely love to help any other forum members!


Also, here are some pics!

[X5chemist]

Nice wheels. I need to powder coat my 130 style to black.
Wow, lots of questions. Might want to start a separate post for each one.

[Mr.Couch]

Yea :-/ Figured I'd consolidate the questions into one thread w/ updates as I move along with it. I'll be doing the work at my shop so information + pictures might help others with some more recent information etc..

[guntherrex]

welcome and congrats, looks like a nice car!

Although I have a 4.6. I haven't upgraded anything apart from the audio/navigation so can't help you on your questions

[X5chemist]

Where did the 88C thermostat come from? I've tried two sources mentioned here. No replies. I would like one for mine.

[Nolimite39]

2)
The 4.6iS brakes are plenty from the factory. Unless you're going to be tracking the car or just have a couple grand burning a hole in your pocket, there's no reason for upgrading the brakes.

3)
A few have run square setups with no posted issues. This is second/third hand knowledge though so grain of salt.

4)
Good luck, for some reason the full leather comfort seats are the red headed step child. Having ridden in both I wouldn't trade my Comforts for anything.

6)
You can buy my whole Dinan Supercharged 4.6iS. Excellent condition, just did guides, front suspension, engine reseal, etc. PM me if you're interested.

7)
My SC'd 4.6iS has never had any cooling issues in Houston, driven year round, all OE cooling components. There is no need for anything aftermarket.

[StephenVA]

I would recommend going through every system and doing all the preventative maintenance at one time on your purchase before going down any other path. You will discover that these little monsters eat parts at an enormous accelerated rate.

[Mr.Couch]

Originally Posted by X5chemist

Where did the 88C thermostat come from? I've tried two sources mentioned here. No replies. I would like one for mine.

Euro thermostat and housing
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-vemo-par...512248542~vmo/
with this temp switch/resistor
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...r/13901734469/

[Mr.Couch]

Originally Posted by Nolimite39

2)
The 4.6iS brakes are plenty from the factory. Unless you're going to be tracking the car or just have a couple grand burning a hole in your pocket, there's no reason for upgrading the brakes.

3)
A few have run square setups with no posted issues. This is second/third hand knowledge though so grain of salt.

4)
Good luck, for some reason the full leather comfort seats are the red headed step child. Having ridden in both I wouldn't trade my Comforts for anything.

6)
You can buy my whole Dinan Supercharged 4.6iS. Excellent condition, just did guides, front suspension, engine reseal, etc. PM me if you're interested.

7)
My SC'd 4.6iS has never had any cooling issues in Houston, driven year round, all OE cooling components. There is no need for anything aftermarket.

The brakes on this car have new pads/rotors/sensors & the calipers are refinished in black. The upgrade isn't absolutely needed but when the mod bug bites ...

I agree the standard sport full leather seats are indeed comfy, I just always wanted the Mtex ones & passed up on an estoril/mtex 4.6is to get this one since it was so perfectly mechanically sorted.

LOL while I would love a s/c one I already am set up to purchase this one & having met the owner & spoken to him for a few weeks now I found myself a great one.

I figure the low temp thermo & electric fan conversion is more than enough already, I just wanted to know if anyone had experience with that specific aluminum radiator.

[Mr.Couch]

Originally Posted by StephenVA

I would recommend going through every system and doing all the preventative maintenance at one time on your purchase before going down any other path. You will discover that these little monsters eat parts at an enormous accelerated rate.

Yea I did a ton of research before buying this one, It has had everything maintenance wise sorted except the timing chains & guides & the horse shoe back of engine gasket. Otherwise I have videos of cold start and a tremendously extensive maintenance record all done in the past 2 years. It helps I run a performance BMW repair shop & have wrenched for years. I also only drive 14 miles a day to and from work so the wear rate will be more than manageable.