Older 4.4i engines vs. newer ones?

[faz]

When a local dealership shop foreman was test driving my wife's 328i for a power steering issue with me yesterday, we were talking about my X5 and my looking at possibly upgrading to a 4.4i sometime in future. He mentioned that the older 4.4i engines (2003 for example) were almost bullet proof and would run forever if maintained properly (cooling, oil, etc.)

Not that I am interested in upgrading anytime soon, but for the sake of discussion alone, I would like to hear from those who are more familiar with these engines and differences between them (not just the hp number differences.)

Is this true? What model years of 4.4i would be a better *overall* option for someone looking into them from an engine/transmission point of view?

[snkpkp]

From what I know, the newer engine is more effecient and powerful than the older block with similar torque. Also the newer engine comes with the 6 speed auto tranny

[askhao]

my 2003 4.4i has been bulletproof for almost 7 years/68k miles since it was purchased new back in 03'. *knock on wood*


the only problem im having is the instrument pixels going out, which i've heard happens on many BMW's.

[Braymond141]

Originally Posted by askhao

my 2003 4.4i has been bulletproof for almost 7 years/68k miles since it was purchased new back in 03'. *knock on wood*


the only problem im having is the instrument pixels going out, which i've heard happens on many BMW's.

Contact BMW of NA. There is a "hidden" recall, as this is a safety issue.

BMW will give you a couple options.
-Fix it for free
-Charge you for labor only, but give you the cluster for free

just got my cluster replaced. bmwna paid 100% parts i paid labor. e-mail lenora vlaovich at bmwna.com. she is great. good luck.

Some people have written to BMW NA and gotten pre-approval for the dealership to perform the fix. Others, such as me, just took them down to the dealership with no hassles. I would really just try another dealership. With as many BMW's that are cruising around in Atlanta, I am pretty sure they have seen this problem in many of the E39's and should not give you a problem.

Don't bother with the dealer at all. Contact Lenora at BMWNA and make your case--There is a "secret recall" on the dash pixel problem with this model. Their "good will" department will give you a break and will arrange the discount with the dealer themselves, who will have to do the installation (which you will likely still be liable for). I made a claim within a week of purchasing my car last year and BMWNA agreed to pay for one-half the cost; others who have had the vehicle for a longer time have received the part for free and only paid labor. Check out the DIY thread and give it a shot; you really have nothing to lose!

Or check out other dealerships, as stated, but you can always do that later....

Work through BMWNA and file a claim through them to fix your dash pixels. They will give a break from 1/2 off the parts to free parts; you will need to pay about 1 hour labor to a dealer for installation. Forget contacting the dealers first; most will charge you a bundle and at least feign hearing about the pixel problem. Work through BMWNA.

[askhao]

Originally Posted by Braymond141

Contact BMW of NA. There is a "hidden" recall, as this is a safety issue.

BMW will give you a couple options.
-Fix it for free
-Charge you for labor only, but give you the cluster for free

thanks!

[killcrap]

from 1999-2003, the 4.4 engine is rated a lot better than the newer ones, the transmission combo, also gives you whiplash when you accelerate, the newer 04-06 ones dont give you that sensation...

[jaypete1]

My 2000 4.4 now has 140k miles. I bought it off a lease at 40K miles. I have to say I was very, very dissapointed to have to put almost 6k dollars into having the chain guides (plastic) preplaced a couple of months ago (over 30 hours of labor). The car was maintained at the dealer from new, and I followed the maintenance program to the tee. Based on many posts on this forum, I was prepared to have to put big bucks into a tranny at some point, but on the 4.4 I have to say I am now tainted in my opinion of BMW.

Look up the post for "My $5,000 Motor Repair". Like a girl you are in love with, but who cheated on you, I just feel like I can't trust her anymore.

Also check posts by bimmertc20, who has some very insightful opinions.

[faz]

killcrap, it is good to see your info matching what the shop foreman was saying... gives this a lot more validity in my eyes.

jaypete, sorry to hear about your costly problems and I know what you mean about not trusting it... but hopefully this is the end of your problems. BTW, is that a common problem or rare problem?

Surely the newer engines with higher tech in them are better performance wise, but if one was willing to sacrifice a bit of performance for longevity, would the older 4.4i be more desirable than the new one? It seems like that would be the case.

[imola38]

Originally Posted by jaypete1

My 2000 4.4 now has 140k miles. I bought it off a lease at 40K miles. I have to say I was very, very dissapointed to have to put almost 6k dollars into having the chain guides (plastic) preplaced a couple of months ago (over 30 hours of labor). The car was maintained at the dealer from new, and I followed the maintenance program to the tee. Based on many posts on this forum, I was prepared to have to put big bucks into a tranny at some point, but on the 4.4 I have to say I am now tainted in my opinion of BMW.

Look up the post for "My $5,000 Motor Repair". Like a girl you are in love with, but who cheated on you, I just feel like I can't trust her anymore.

Also check posts by bimmertc20, who has some very insightful opinions.

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I hate to hear that Jaypete and in my experience as a technician, that's an absolute rarity. I've had a few 100k+ mile M62's now and they've all been reliable. Of course I always do the preventative water pump, t-stat, valley, intake seal. I now have the 4.6 which is basically the same 4.4 architechture.

I did noticed that you said you "followed the maintenance program to a tee". Shall I assume this means 13-15k mile engine oil changes? I can't say that had a direct effect on your chain guides but any problems we ever do see in the shop with M62's are either related to a failed cooling system or sludge (lack of maintenance). I could see the possibility of old, dirty, contaminated oil wearing everything-including chains/ guides faster. Unfortunately, BMW's "maintenance schedule" is really just the opposite. It basically equals no maintenance and an engine that's well worn by 100k with only 5-6 oil changes in it's lifetime. Honestly, with the money spent on that job, you may have been better off in the long run with a low mileage, well maintained long block. Again, sorry for the bad luck! I hate to hear unhappy owners

[willgabriel]

Well, I am in no way an expert, but it seems like the vast majority of transmission failures are reported in the 2000-2003 models. This, of course does not mean that those years have enough overall failures to make them bad choices (though the mileage on, and the availability of detailed records for any BMW should be seriously considered before buying). Then again, I wouldn't buy a 2000-2003 as 1. the transmission issues that have been reported in those years bother me (and I knock on wood regarding my 2005), and 2. I can't see the engine in those years being so much more durable that it would be worth the risk and the sacrifices (6 speed, panoramic, etc).