Official X5 4.6is & 4.8is Thread

[arizonad54]

Originally Posted by Jazwhite

Purchased this 2005 4.8is in November, 2010 as our primary family car and daily driver for my wife. 66K miles for $27K. January 05 build, creme beige with comfort seats, poplar wood trim. Came with Dinan strut brace and OEM trailer hitch. Although I thought it was in good shape when I bought it, I wanted to get it as close to new condition as possible. It took six months to get all the "little things" fixed with some not so little fixes needed along the way, too. All OEM parts were used with me doing most of the work. This is our third BMW, second X5, first used BMW.

Repairs so far:
Steering wheel trim cover
2 rims repaired for curb rash
New tire chock storage bracket
Driver's B pillar plastic cover (old one scratched up some by seat belt)
Replaced Nav screen (old one had streak of bad pixels)
Driver's window regulator (of course)
Driver's rear view mirror frame - loose due to crack
Rear lower tailgate cover (old one cracked)
BMW logo wheel caps (big improvement)
Instrument panel clear plastic (old one had a 1 inch crack;not an easy project)
Main interior light (old one fogging up)
Re-dyed steering wheel leather (big improvement)
Re-dyed minor driver's seat abrasions (looks perfect)
New battery
New ignition key
Tires-Continental Extreme Contact DWS (finally got the fronts that were on backorder forever)

Tweaks:
Euro warning triangle with OEM mounting brackets
Under-seat first aid kit
Replaced ashtray with rubberized storage pocket
Aux jack installed in rubber storage tray
Climate comfort windshield (comes in handy in Phoenix)
Upgraded Nav to V32 for perspective mode
Wheel locks
LED lights above license plate

Just recently had to replace both front air shocks, compressor and control computer - that was expensive.

Stlll to do:
Replace the steering wheel BMW logo-it's showing some wear. I can't bring myself to buy a whole new airbag just for this cosmetic fix.
Replace A/C control buttons (I blew out the dust with a can of compressed air and it blew a button off!)

Thanks to everyone who provided so much great information on this website. This website was invaluable both for car shopping considerations and repairs.

We love the 4.8is, even with the repair bills. Driving in sport mode always makes me smile.

JazWhite

Yay! Another Phoenix resident!!

You ever check out AZBMW.org? It's the local, rather larger, group of BMW enthusiasts.

[Jazwhite]

Arizonad54, thanks for the welcome and pointing me to this AZ site. I had not seen it before and it looks great.

[LEGUNA SECA X5]

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2318727/2004-bmw-x5



http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3048455/2006-bmw-x5

[Jazwhite]

Why I bought the 4.8is – one owner’s review after six months of ownership
-- written for the curious/prospective 4.8is buyer.

First, why an X5? Assuming one is in the market for an SUV, the E53 X5 offers excellent handling, a smartly-designed luxury interior and a timeless exterior that puts it above many other SUVs. The shorter wheelbase makes it fun to drive and easy to park. Luckily, we didn’t need the huge cargo or seating space of a Ford Expedition type vehicle. Originally, we leased a 2006 3.0 X5 for two years then bought a used 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited in 2008 when gas was $4.50/gallon. This presented a very telling contrast. Fuel costs went down dramatically with 24 mpg normal unleaded in the Highlander vs. the 18 mpg premium with the X5. The Toyota had a better navigation system, an in-dash 6 CD changer, more cargo room and a third row fold down seat. The normal Toyota V6 plus the electric motor gave it more horsepower (and about the same torque) compared to the 3.0 X5. On paper, it appeared to be a step in the right direction, but after owning the Highlander only three days, we knew it was a mistake. My wife missed the solid feel of the door closing. The front-wheel-biased power of the Toyota all-wheel-drive system created a torque steer affect under heavy acceleration that drove me crazy. Our usual 80 mph drive up the interstate to the mountains was no fun and a little scary in the Toyota. We knew we had to get another X5.

Why the 4.8is? Originally, I started out looking for a 2005-2006 4.4 with the premium package. With a plan to purchase a 4-5 year old vehicle, I could afford the greater power of the V8. I always thought the X5 would be more enjoyable to drive with more power than the 3.0 could deliver. Sadly, I couldn’t seem to find a 4.4 premium in good condition. The X5 4.4 sport package was too stiff, no matter how many of these I drove and tried to like. They were great on the road, but look out when you have to turn off the street and into a driveway or parking lot. I wasn’t looking for a hot rod, but decided to look at a 4.8is just to see how it compared. Wow, did this get my attention. Two underrated advantages that are not often discussed on this 4.8is thread: First, the full air suspension that is standard on all 4.8is X5s offers a significantly smoother ride than the 4.4 sport while still keeping the chassis in line during spirited driving. Secondly, the 4.8is engine is tuned differently and doesn’t have the throttle lag of the 3.0 and 4.4. The throttle lag of my first X5 always bothered me. Once I took it to the dealer to complain, but was told that this was “normal operation” for its throttle-by-wire system. Accelerating from a complete stop, I remember the 3.0 having a half second hesitation. The 4.4 was the same and only provided a moderate step up in power. The 4.8is has no delay and the extra power is not subtle. It rockets you forward like a good roller coaster. It goes when you say go. I was hooked and had to find one.

Observations after owning my 4.8is for six months

1. Be ready for massive bills to repair the inevitable air suspension problems that are well discussed on this web site. I had the car independently inspected before I bought it specifically for leaks in the front shocks. I was told there were none. The air supply controller failed two weeks later. Six months later I had to replace both shocks and the air supply unit (pump) to get the vehicle back to normal operation. Each of these parts is about $650-$1100 (OEM) depending on the source. Throw in labor and you could top $5k to repair it all. I bought parts at the lower end of this spectrum and spent about $4k for everything. The two-year BMW parts warranty came in handy when the pump failed and took out the newly installed controller with voltage spikes. I plan to get the suspension inspected again by BMW just less than two years from now. Although painfully expensive, none of this is enough to make me want to get rid of this fantastic machine. Now that it’s fixed, driving it is again a huge pleasure.

2. The crème beige is not a nightmare to maintain. One consideration while shopping is that we wanted a lighter interior to stay cooler during Phoenix summers. Black was less than ideal. Pre-purchase, I feared I might not be able to keep the cream beige clean. The seat backs are crème beige also, unlike the truffle brown in the 3.0 and 4.4 that has the black backs. Most of the leather sections of the seats are a very smooth grain, but there are inserts on the main seat surface and sides of the headrest where highly contoured leather is used. On my car this heavy leather grain was obviously in need of a good cleaning when I bought it. Fortunately, after a serious leather detail, it almost looked like new. With a re-dying on some scuffed areas on the driver’s seat, the leather is now in perfect condition throughout with no dirt or color degradation at all. We keep the BMW brand leather cleaner on hand for quick clean ups of smudges. My eleven-year-old son occasionally kicks the seat backs. Not once have we not been able to wipe the smudge mark off without a trace. Bottom line-crème beige is a viable choice if you like the color. With black carpets, keeping the interior in top shape is easy.

3. Combine the knowledge gained from this web site, the great reference of the realoem.com parts website, and a discount parts source like bmwmercedesparts.com or getbmwparts.com and you can get a five-year-old BMW back in shape without a second mortgage. Thanks again for all the great contributions over the years that have built this great knowledge base.

Jazwhite

[Pisendar]

Originally Posted by Jazwhite

Why I bought the 4.8is – one owner’s review after six months of ownership
-- written for the curious/prospective 4.8is buyer.

First, why an X5? Assuming one is in the market for an SUV, the E53 X5 offers excellent handling, a smartly-designed luxury interior and a timeless exterior that puts it above many other SUVs. The shorter wheelbase makes it fun to drive and easy to park. Luckily, we didn’t need the huge cargo or seating space of a Ford Expedition type vehicle. Originally, we leased a 2006 3.0 X5 for two years then bought a used 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited in 2008 when gas was $4.50/gallon. This presented a very telling contrast. Fuel costs went down dramatically with 24 mpg normal unleaded in the Highlander vs. the 18 mpg premium with the X5. The Toyota had a better navigation system, an in-dash 6 CD changer, more cargo room and a third row fold down seat. The normal Toyota V6 plus the electric motor gave it more horsepower (and about the same torque) compared to the 3.0 X5. On paper, it appeared to be a step in the right direction, but after owning the Highlander only three days, we knew it was a mistake. My wife missed the solid feel of the door closing. The front-wheel-biased power of the Toyota all-wheel-drive system created a torque steer affect under heavy acceleration that drove me crazy. Our usual 80 mph drive up the interstate to the mountains was no fun and a little scary in the Toyota. We knew we had to get another X5.

Why the 4.8is? Originally, I started out looking for a 2005-2006 4.4 with the premium package. With a plan to purchase a 4-5 year old vehicle, I could afford the greater power of the V8. I always thought the X5 would be more enjoyable to drive with more power than the 3.0 could deliver. Sadly, I couldn’t seem to find a 4.4 premium in good condition. The X5 4.4 sport package was too stiff, no matter how many of these I drove and tried to like. They were great on the road, but look out when you have to turn off the street and into a driveway or parking lot. I wasn’t looking for a hot rod, but decided to look at a 4.8is just to see how it compared. Wow, did this get my attention. Two underrated advantages that are not often discussed on this 4.8is thread: First, the full air suspension that is standard on all 4.8is X5s offers a significantly smoother ride than the 4.4 sport while still keeping the chassis in line during spirited driving. Secondly, the 4.8is engine is tuned differently and doesn’t have the throttle lag of the 3.0 and 4.4. The throttle lag of my first X5 always bothered me. Once I took it to the dealer to complain, but was told that this was “normal operation” for its throttle-by-wire system. Accelerating from a complete stop, I remember the 3.0 having a half second hesitation. The 4.4 was the same and only provided a moderate step up in power. The 4.8is has no delay and the extra power is not subtle. It rockets you forward like a good roller coaster. It goes when you say go. I was hooked and had to find one.

Observations after owning my 4.8is for six months

1. Be ready for massive bills to repair the inevitable air suspension problems that are well discussed on this web site. I had the car independently inspected before I bought it specifically for leaks in the front shocks. I was told there were none. The air supply controller failed two weeks later. Six months later I had to replace both shocks and the air supply unit (pump) to get the vehicle back to normal operation. Each of these parts is about $650-$1100 (OEM) depending on the source. Throw in labor and you could top $5k to repair it all. I bought parts at the lower end of this spectrum and spent about $4k for everything. The two-year BMW parts warranty came in handy when the pump failed and took out the newly installed controller with voltage spikes. I plan to get the suspension inspected again by BMW just less than two years from now. Although painfully expensive, none of this is enough to make me want to get rid of this fantastic machine. Now that it’s fixed, driving it is again a huge pleasure.

2. The crème beige is not a nightmare to maintain. One consideration while shopping is that we wanted a lighter interior to stay cooler during Phoenix summers. Black was less than ideal. Pre-purchase, I feared I might not be able to keep the cream beige clean. The seat backs are crème beige also, unlike the truffle brown in the 3.0 and 4.4 that has the black backs. Most of the leather sections of the seats are a very smooth grain, but there are inserts on the main seat surface and sides of the headrest where highly contoured leather is used. On my car this heavy leather grain was obviously in need of a good cleaning when I bought it. Fortunately, after a serious leather detail, it almost looked like new. With a re-dying on some scuffed areas on the driver’s seat, the leather is now in perfect condition throughout with no dirt or color degradation at all. We keep the BMW brand leather cleaner on hand for quick clean ups of smudges. My eleven-year-old son occasionally kicks the seat backs. Not once have we not been able to wipe the smudge mark off without a trace. Bottom line-crème beige is a viable choice if you like the color. With black carpets, keeping the interior in top shape is easy.

3. Combine the knowledge gained from this web site, the great reference of the realoem.com parts website, and a discount parts source like bmwmercedesparts.com or getbmwparts.com and you can get a five-year-old BMW back in shape without a second mortgage. Thanks again for all the great contributions over the years that have built this great knowledge base.

Jazwhite

I was reading this while i was in the bar and kind of checking out this blond , when my
Complete attention went to my iPhone and your post... Great experience and you are right in the end after all this problems it's definetely worth it, car is like a woman got to take a good care of her! Thank you for your post again

[arizonad54]

Originally Posted by LEGUNA SECA X5

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2318727/2004-bmw-x5

I want those wheels... and then Id PC them!

[DUCATI5]

WOOT MOFOS!!!!! Just got my new baby home from Aston Martin of Newport Beach. After six months of searching for the perfect X, We are now the proud owners of a silver ext. black ext. w/titanium trim 2006 4.8is with 65K on the ticker. One owner trade in for a new Range Rover....boy is that guy gonna be pissed soon.
I'll follownup with pics tomorrow.

Thanks for all the help with my search that you guys didn't even know you were providing this lurker.

[X5 Meister]

Originally Posted by LEGUNA SECA X5

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2318727/2004-bmw-x5

Thanks for the links. The 13th photo is excellent. Wonder what kind of mileage we're talking about?

[X5 Meister]

How much?

Originally Posted by DUCATI5

WOOT MOFOS!!!!! Just got my new baby home from Aston Martin of Newport Beach. After six months of searching for the perfect X, We are now the proud owners of a silver ext. black ext. w/titanium trim 2006 4.8is with 65K on the ticker. One owner trade in for a new Range Rover....boy is that guy gonna be pissed soon.
I'll follownup with pics tomorrow.

Thanks for all the help with my search that you guys didn't even know you were providing this lurker.

[X5 Meister]

Good write-up. Post some pics if you can. A couple of comments:
1. Given the risk of huge repair bills I personally would recommend buying an extended warranty of some sort.
2. I agree with the interior choice. Creme beige is beautiful, but for some inexplicable reason BMW opted to not keep the seat backs black like on the truffle brown version, etc. Why they would do that on an SUV is beyond me. I can't imagine them every staying clean unless you check everytime someone gets out of the car.
3. I agree with the power comments, I personally don't love the ground effect trim that the 'is model had. If the 'is engine came on a 4.4i body then I'd buy it tomorrow.

Originally Posted by Jazwhite

Why I bought the 4.8is – one owner’s review after six months of ownership
-- written for the curious/prospective 4.8is buyer.

First, why an X5? Assuming one is in the market for an SUV, the E53 X5 offers excellent handling, a smartly-designed luxury interior and a timeless exterior that puts it above many other SUVs. The shorter wheelbase makes it fun to drive and easy to park. Luckily, we didn’t need the huge cargo or seating space of a Ford Expedition type vehicle. Originally, we leased a 2006 3.0 X5 for two years then bought a used 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited in 2008 when gas was $4.50/gallon. This presented a very telling contrast. Fuel costs went down dramatically with 24 mpg normal unleaded in the Highlander vs. the 18 mpg premium with the X5. The Toyota had a better navigation system, an in-dash 6 CD changer, more cargo room and a third row fold down seat. The normal Toyota V6 plus the electric motor gave it more horsepower (and about the same torque) compared to the 3.0 X5. On paper, it appeared to be a step in the right direction, but after owning the Highlander only three days, we knew it was a mistake. My wife missed the solid feel of the door closing. The front-wheel-biased power of the Toyota all-wheel-drive system created a torque steer affect under heavy acceleration that drove me crazy. Our usual 80 mph drive up the interstate to the mountains was no fun and a little scary in the Toyota. We knew we had to get another X5.

Why the 4.8is? Originally, I started out looking for a 2005-2006 4.4 with the premium package. With a plan to purchase a 4-5 year old vehicle, I could afford the greater power of the V8. I always thought the X5 would be more enjoyable to drive with more power than the 3.0 could deliver. Sadly, I couldn’t seem to find a 4.4 premium in good condition. The X5 4.4 sport package was too stiff, no matter how many of these I drove and tried to like. They were great on the road, but look out when you have to turn off the street and into a driveway or parking lot. I wasn’t looking for a hot rod, but decided to look at a 4.8is just to see how it compared. Wow, did this get my attention. Two underrated advantages that are not often discussed on this 4.8is thread: First, the full air suspension that is standard on all 4.8is X5s offers a significantly smoother ride than the 4.4 sport while still keeping the chassis in line during spirited driving. Secondly, the 4.8is engine is tuned differently and doesn’t have the throttle lag of the 3.0 and 4.4. The throttle lag of my first X5 always bothered me. Once I took it to the dealer to complain, but was told that this was “normal operation” for its throttle-by-wire system. Accelerating from a complete stop, I remember the 3.0 having a half second hesitation. The 4.4 was the same and only provided a moderate step up in power. The 4.8is has no delay and the extra power is not subtle. It rockets you forward like a good roller coaster. It goes when you say go. I was hooked and had to find one.

Observations after owning my 4.8is for six months

1. Be ready for massive bills to repair the inevitable air suspension problems that are well discussed on this web site. I had the car independently inspected before I bought it specifically for leaks in the front shocks. I was told there were none. The air supply controller failed two weeks later. Six months later I had to replace both shocks and the air supply unit (pump) to get the vehicle back to normal operation. Each of these parts is about $650-$1100 (OEM) depending on the source. Throw in labor and you could top $5k to repair it all. I bought parts at the lower end of this spectrum and spent about $4k for everything. The two-year BMW parts warranty came in handy when the pump failed and took out the newly installed controller with voltage spikes. I plan to get the suspension inspected again by BMW just less than two years from now. Although painfully expensive, none of this is enough to make me want to get rid of this fantastic machine. Now that it’s fixed, driving it is again a huge pleasure.

2. The crème beige is not a nightmare to maintain. One consideration while shopping is that we wanted a lighter interior to stay cooler during Phoenix summers. Black was less than ideal. Pre-purchase, I feared I might not be able to keep the cream beige clean. The seat backs are crème beige also, unlike the truffle brown in the 3.0 and 4.4 that has the black backs. Most of the leather sections of the seats are a very smooth grain, but there are inserts on the main seat surface and sides of the headrest where highly contoured leather is used. On my car this heavy leather grain was obviously in need of a good cleaning when I bought it. Fortunately, after a serious leather detail, it almost looked like new. With a re-dying on some scuffed areas on the driver’s seat, the leather is now in perfect condition throughout with no dirt or color degradation at all. We keep the BMW brand leather cleaner on hand for quick clean ups of smudges. My eleven-year-old son occasionally kicks the seat backs. Not once have we not been able to wipe the smudge mark off without a trace. Bottom line-crème beige is a viable choice if you like the color. With black carpets, keeping the interior in top shape is easy.

3. Combine the knowledge gained from this web site, the great reference of the realoem.com parts website, and a discount parts source like bmwmercedesparts.com or getbmwparts.com and you can get a five-year-old BMW back in shape without a second mortgage. Thanks again for all the great contributions over the years that have built this great knowledge base.

Jazwhite