4.6is -- a monster tow vehicle!

[Budget M3]

Got the hitch installed on Thursday, and set out on the road Friday to tow our M3C to our favorite spot in New Mexico. From past experience on this trip watching Ford/Chevy/Dodge pickups and SUVs labor in the mountains while towing trailers, mobile homes, cars, etc., I was worried the X5 with 160K on the odo would not be able to maintain speed in the mountain passes. Since we got a late start, my biggest fear was that the trip from southern AZ to northern NM would take at least 50% more than our usual time. I had nothing to worry about! What is normally a 6 hour drive took only 7.5 hours with the X loaded wth ~6000lbs of gear, trailer and M3--including the requisite stop for a green chilie cheeseburger in Hatch, NM.

The steptronic made easy work of several mountain passes shifting mostly between 4th and 5th gears....I think I had to use 3rd to maintain speed only 4 times on the entire 450 mile trip! Ohhh, and it was 103F when I left Tucson at midday, stayed above 105F until I started the climb north from Hatch NM (idling with the AC on for 15 minutes to eat the cheeseburger), and was still above 90F driving through Albuquerque. The AC kept us cool the entire way, and the coolant temp remained rock steady the entire trip in my black on black X5 4.6is (for those of you familiar with desert southwest summers, you know that's the absolute worst color combo for hot sun and triple digit temps.)

I always liked my 4.6is...now I can never imagine getting rid of it. Only one word is really required to describe this truck: WOW...

[LeMansX5]

I have done 800+ miles with a 12x6 Uhaul.
Check this thread
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...airstream.html

[askhao]

nice trip. and from your sig, looks like you have a nice collection of Bimmers!

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by Budget M3

Got the hitch installed on Thursday, and set out on the road Friday to tow our M3C to our favorite spot in New Mexico. From past experience on this trip watching Ford/Chevy/Dodge pickups and SUVs labor in the mountains while towing trailers, mobile homes, cars, etc., I was worried the X5 with 160K on the odo would not be able to maintain speed in the mountain passes. Since we got a late start, my biggest fear was that the trip from southern AZ to northern NM would take at least 50% more than our usual time. I had nothing to worry about! What is normally a 6 hour drive took only 7.5 hours with the X loaded wth ~6000lbs of gear, trailer and M3--including the requisite stop for a green chilie cheeseburger in Hatch, NM.

The steptronic made easy work of several mountain passes shifting mostly between 4th and 5th gears....I think I had to use 3rd to maintain speed only 4 times on the entire 450 mile trip! Ohhh, and it was 103F when I left Tucson at midday, stayed above 105F until I started the climb north from Hatch NM (idling with the AC on for 15 minutes to eat the cheeseburger), and was still above 90F driving through Albuquerque. The AC kept us cool the entire way, and the coolant temp remained rock steady the entire trip in my black on black X5 4.6is (for those of you familiar with desert southwest summers, you know that's the absolute worst color combo for hot sun and triple digit temps.)

I always liked my 4.6is...now I can never imagine getting rid of it. Only one word is really required to describe this truck: WOW...

maybe a silly question, but why don't you just drive the M3 there??

[chilliwilli]

160K miles?!... ...what type of issues are you experiencing at that mileage (if any) and do you do any sort of preventative maintenance?

I'm in the 60k range and considering selling mine, but lately i'm thinking that i may possibly keep it in the fam when i upgrade so i'm curious what type of failures/issues to expect at that range.

I think you're probably the highest mileage 4.6iS i've ever met.

[Budget M3]

Originally Posted by c4racer

maybe a silly question, but why don't you just drive the M3 there??

Long story made short: 'cause we need two cars when we get there and she did not want to drive by herself...plus, it gave me an excuse to get the tow hitch!

[Budget M3]

Originally Posted by chilliwilli

160K miles?!... ...what type of issues are you experiencing at that mileage (if any) and do you do any sort of preventative maintenance?

I'm in the 60k range and considering selling mine, but lately i'm thinking that i may possibly keep it in the fam when i upgrade so i'm curious what type of failures/issues to expect at that range.

I think you're probably the highest mileage 4.6iS i've ever met.

PM:
1. change the oil at 10k intervals or whenever the OBC tells you to...whichever comes first.
2. do the inspection services when they are called for
3. flush and change coolant every 3 years
4. flush and change brake fluid every 3-4 years in dry climates, every 2-3 years if it's wet where you live
5. other than that...if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Truth in advertising: I bought the truck with 148K on the clock. It was a one owner vehicle (her car), serviced exclusively at the dealer, with all maintenance records. I've put 12K on it in ~8 months of ownership including the latest road trip.

Failures since new (according to the mx records): just the usual stuff, especially where rubber or plastic pieces get worn out--CV boots, control arm bushings, radiator overflow tank, hoses, belts, battery, tires. It still has the original front shocks which are probably due for replacement soon.

There is someone here on xoutpost that has (owned since new) a 99/2000 4.4 with over 200K so I'm still a wannabe

[Budget M3]

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

I have done 800+ miles with a 12x6 Uhaul.
Check this thread
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...airstream.html

Verrrry nice... After reading that thread, it dawned on me that my 4.6is' meaty rear tires (315/35R20's) and the rear air suspension are key factors in keeping the entire rig planted. I almost changed the tires to my 18-inch setup thinking I would get better fuel economy, but am now glad I did not. The 18-inchers are only 255/55R18 and would likely not have provided the secure feel for me to drive "at the posted speed limits" .

[Mtech]

I truly believe that the X5's get better the older they get =) Just gotta put up with all the maintenance issues, but once you get them resolved, it's all good!

[JT///MC]

Just the fact that you own an original Z1 is fricking awesome! Man, you are da BMW connoisseur!