new car, '05 4.4 or 03-04 4.6? Help...

user1000 · #1 09-08-2010, 08:59 AM

Hello to everyone, this is my first thread but i have been lurking in the shadows for a bit now reading up old threads and gathering intel

i need some help choosing my new truck. I am looking at either a 2005 4.4(i was told that year is the better out of all) or a 2003-2004 4.6is. Both would have a less then 150 000km. Obviously performance is better on the 4.6is, my main concern is not to spend too much time at the dealers.

Now i am not a newb to cars and understand that i am buying a 6 year old BMW that comes with its own headaches. However is there specific engine and other hard to diagnose/long time time to fix/expensive problem spots to watch out for?
i was told that the 4.4 have bulletproof engines until they overheat due to not changing the radiator. After it over heats once it will always have problems with that.
the 4.6is are generally better built/reliable then the 4.4's? are the same parts more expensive just because it is a higher performance just like the M series is more expensive then the regular models?

I appreciate any help guys and sadly have a feeling that i will be much more active on here once i do have my SUV but i guess problems come with the territory. I just want to enjoy the ride thats why i am going for a beemer

Cheers

c4racer · #2 09-08-2010, 11:16 AM

4.6is was sold in 2002-2003 in North America. So you would be comparing a 2002-2003 to a 2005. Sounds like you should go with the 05 as it is a newer and near last of the E53 platform so should have most of the bugs worked out by then. 4.6is are also very hard to find.

1stE53 · #3 09-08-2010, 01:03 PM

I would go with the newer 4.4: you only loose 25 bhp and gain around 4 mpg in the city. You also get a few body styling updates as well. Good luck

user1000 · #4 09-08-2010, 09:15 PM

hey guys, thanks for the input! so to sum it up....
get the 4.4 because it is newer then the 03 4.6is? style wise, i think the 4.6is is much more aggressive both in looks and performance.

any other help in regards to common problem areas/ stuff to look out for?!?
Cheers

chilliwilli · #5 09-09-2010, 04:12 PM

I vote for a well cared-for 2003 4.6iS...one can add all the power options they wish, on a 4.4i but if it ain't forced induction tuning...it ain't the same experience, imo. There are a dime-a-dozen E53's on the roads but very few 4.6iS' as they were interim and limited production. There's a higher threshold for tuning than with other E53's so if you go that route, you'll have a monster on your hands. The next best thing, is the 4.8iS, obviously.

It will be a tough hunt for a well maintained 4.6iS...Besides the general things to look for, cv boots etc...the most common problem to look into is the torque converter (TC) and trany. The 4.6iS has a higher stall TC and is common to fail with higher mileage. If the trany has been repaired, inquire if they replaced the sensor in the trany and if they replaced the TC.

I've had plenty of experience with both models you're seeking so feel free to reach out with any questions...Happy hunting

*Edit: my comment may not make complete sense in it's entirety, as it was a partial response to a poster within this thread that deleted their entire post

user1000 · #6 09-10-2010, 01:02 AM

i saw the previous post so it does make sense for me.
Thank you for your advice and offer, i think i will be reaching out to you at a later time.
I will for sure keep an eye for the TC
Best Regards!

N S · #7 09-10-2010, 01:22 AM

'05 4.4

JoshGM · #8 09-10-2010, 05:04 AM

4.6is.... like mine!

bmwmmn · #9 09-10-2010, 05:43 AM

Go for later 4.4 if that is really within your budget and desire. If you are willing you bite just a little bit more you might as well even consider 4.8is instead of 4.6is. Oh yes, parts, most common replaceable ones are close pricing wise; so, what will you gain or lose is minor comparing to driving dynamics between certain models.

Good Luck with Hunting

Cheers