4.8is long term reliability

[TB151]

I have about 68k miles on mine, bought it with 30k. So far I have had the brakes done under warranty, front control arms and bushings, 2 window regulators and consequently 2 vapor barriers which failed afterwards, front air struts done and i think thats it so far. I have been going through cars every year and a half but I have had this one for 2 years and i'm keeping this one until I hit 100k miles and probably afterwards.

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by killcrap

the new trans in the 4.8is is completely different than the 4.6is failure rate is low compared to 2000-2003 x5's

Another way to look at it - trans rebuild is in the range of $3K. So are you really going to spend $10K more for a 4.8is just because of that issue? Just another perspective on overall vehicle cost over time.....

I have 104K and counting on mine. Looks and drives like a new car!! I love it. Yes - things can break and they have. so far not too much on mine - only the alternator and part of the cooling system - both replaced when the car was under CPO.

[Siege87]

I have a 2006 4.8 with 62,000. No issues (knock on wood) up to this point. It has the extended maintenance on it and it got its most recent scheduled check up last weekend: no problems! Amazing car.

[corima]

I have an '05 4.8is with 91k miles on it. Let me see now. CV boots, both front air struts, coolant expansion tank, drivers side door mirror, passenger door mirror, passenger side door handle carrier, instrument cluster, and now 3rd and 4th gear slipping in the transmission. Its in the shop now with the stealer working with the tranny. I am still jumping through BMW's hoops on the transmission. They wont believe me that its slipping. Front suspension bits will be soon. Yea, I really enjoy driving an hour and a half each way to the dealer. Sigh. Its a blast to drive though when everything is working.

[zerochief]

Do a search on "selflevel susp inact" or "self leveling" - you need to be aware before you buy.

[jbfrancis3]

I recently purchased an '06 4.8is. In my research, I came across several instances where the '05 & '06 models were described as the 'better buy.' I don't recall the issue exactly, but it was related to valvetrain in the '04 models.

I was told unanimously to stay away from the 4.6is models as well

Good luck!

[corima]

Originally Posted by corima

I have an '05 4.8is with 91k miles on it. Let me see now. CV boots, both front air struts, coolant expansion tank, drivers side door mirror, passenger door mirror, passenger side door handle carrier, instrument cluster, and now 3rd and 4th gear slipping in the transmission. Its in the shop now with the stealer working with the tranny. I am still jumping through BMW's hoops on the transmission. They wont believe me that its slipping. Front suspension bits will be soon. Yea, I really enjoy driving an hour and a half each way to the dealer. Sigh. Its a blast to drive though when everything is working.

just got word today, that they are going to replace the tranny. Its good news, but a long time coming. Almost a year of documented issues. More than a 1k miles back and forth to the dealership. Like I said, good news, but its bittersweet given the the time involved, and its been a long time since I have driven this vehicle when everything worked right.

[darkside4.8]

How do you recognize the gears slipping? The car shifts pretty smooth, I'd hate to mistake easy rpm drops as normal when it's actually slipping.
What were your symptoms?

[corima]

Noise, and definite loss of forward momentum. Think fingernails across a chalkboard, except the pitch is much lower. Then sometimes followed by "transmission failsafe" displayed on the instrument cluster. You can do a search on this for more information.

[Ag4.8]

You are buying a used car so there will be problems, like with any used car. As reliable as a Camry, no.

I had an 05 4.8is. Leaking oil pan (x2), suspension module replaced, something with the front suspension replaced (luckly, all under warranty as I was the original owner). Just before I sold it (at 50,000 miles) the rotors and pads were replaced (all under warranty). Awesome car, but I am not a mechanic. I wouldn't own one without some type of warranty.

Don't get me wrong, great SAV (I replaced with it with an '09 4.8i). But there will be maintenance costs.