New owner saying hi

chilliwilli · #1 10-18-2010, 10:48 AM

Congrats...the 4.6iS is my fav E53. Great mod options when you get bit by the bug.

You should inquire if the torque converter was replaced along with the trany. the TC is probably the most prone to fail component for the 4.6iS. Preventive maintenance is the key with the iS models (very costly repairs if ignored).

I'm sure you already know this but assuming you're in the North East...be sure to pick up a pair of dedicated snow tires. My 4.6iS rides on 20" dedicated snows with M&S stamp during winter season.

happy motoring

c4racer · #2 10-18-2010, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chilliwilli

Preventive maintenance is the key with the iS models (very costly repairs if ignored).

curious what makes the E53 iS different in this respect from a regular 4.4i?

chilliwilli · #3 10-19-2010, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c4racer

curious what makes the E53 iS different in this respect from a regular 4.4i?

If you've ever owned both..and in my experience, the bill, after a brake/rotor job, for starters. Besides, the iS models are more likely to be driven harder.

OP...the TC is a common and inherent failure-prone component on the 4.6iS. In my case, it happened with two separate 4.6's between 60k-80k miles. Albeit, i replaced the later as a preventive measure when i first suspected a trany issue. A neglected/failing TC will eventually cause damage, even to a rebuilt/new trany.

I became aware of this issue when i joined this forum, by member JMH...his 4.6iS was an inspiration to many of my mods. You can read about his X5 here, if interested: JMH's X5 4.6iS Home

tkasser · #4 10-18-2010, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chilliwilli

Congrats...the 4.6iS is my fav E53. Great mod options when you get bit by the bug.

You should inquire if the torque converter was replaced along with the trany. the TC is probably the most prone to fail component for the 4.6iS. Preventive maintenance is the key with the iS models (very costly repairs if ignored).

I'm sure you already know this but assuming you're in the North East...be sure to pick up a pair of dedicated snow tires. My 4.6iS rides on 20" dedicated snows with M&S stamp during winter season.

happy motoring

Not sure about the TC. I have to check. Thanks for the heads up. I know all about the snow tires. Had them on my 740. But now my wife has a '06 Range Rover which I will be my snow vehicle.