Potentially Moving to an X5 - TONS of questions...

[JCL]

Originally Posted by binhly101

If you do not find it searching, "i" stands for injection as in fuel injected; "s" stands for servotronic steering...so a 4.8is stands for 4.8 liters fuel injected with servotronic steering. Hope that helps.

I always figured s was for sports. There are lots of BMW models with Servotronic that don't have an s in the badge.

[Bayerische X]

That's a bunch , guys.

I tried a "search" for the "is" designation but nothing came up. I'm all too familiar with the icon because lord knows I tend to hit a lot of new members with it on the other forums I'm on (whoops) - so I know how it feels. Thanks anyways for throwing up some good info.

I'm going to continue researching and when I'm closer to making the switch I'll let you all know. I'm almost certain that I'm going to end up with an E53 - the only question is which one...

More to the point, what would you all consider the pros and cons between the X-Drive equipped vehicles and those without? I do plan on doing some light off-roading so I'm wondering if the fully mechanical system might be better and more reliable than its electrical sibling...

Sorry for all the questions, but the transfer case is probably one of my biggest considerations in making a final decision.

Thanks again.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Bayerische X

More to the point, what would you all consider the pros and cons between the X-Drive equipped vehicles and those without? I do plan on doing some light off-roading so I'm wondering if the fully mechanical system might be better and more reliable than its electrical sibling...

Neither is suitable for off roading. Gravel roads, fine. Occasional beach use, OK. Off road, no. There is insufficient ground clearance, and little underbody protection. You would be relying on the ABS brake system to create traction side to side, since the front and rear differentials are open. Many electronic items are mounted in the lowest part of the body, as some who have tried to ford creeks have discovered, to their chagrin and great cost. You can probably do it, but there are many better choices of vehicle out there.

The only reliability factor between the two AWD systems would be the actuator motor, but it isn't really hanging down where it is going to get knocked off.

The traction is better with the x-drive system due to the variable torque split front-rear.

[J.Belknap]

Originally Posted by Bayerische X

I suppose I could get my sister's truck, sell it, and put that money toward a 4.4. I'd absolutely love an Alpine White 4.4 with Anthracite interior...

I think that sounds like what would make you happiest.... go for it! Like others said, it might already have the hitch installed. Good luck in your possible flip/research/purchase/etc!

[Bayerische X]

Well it's been a while and I think I've narrowed down a car - it looks like I'm going to be getting myself into an '04+ 4.8is. After lots of research I have decided that I'd rather get myself into a facelift car with the right color combination instead of changing a bunch of parts in a different car which I'm not happy with. Why not just buy one I'm happy with even if it costs a bit more? Also, I could really benefit from the 4.8 V8.

I have read that the air suspension is a common problem on the 4.8 cars so I'm ready to replace that at some point down the road - hopefully later rather than sooner. In any event, I plan on upgrading to a coilover suspension setup so it's really a non-issue - I'll just wait to upgrade when the air pump goes. I thought about the benefits of ride-height control when towing, but with a solid stabilizer/weight distribution bar on the trailer, the air suspension would be redundant anyways.

I've also read that all models of the X5 suffer from a potentially spontaneously exploding transmission (although this isn't the case with every transmission), but again, this is a problem I've considered and am ready to address. If the trans breaks I'll just ship it off to IPT and have them build me a bullet-proof unit.

One more issue I know of is the leaking water pipe in the engine galley of the N62. Once more, I have sourced a great part to solve the issue if and when mine experiences it.

What do you guys think? Are there any other common problems that the 4.8 cars are known to have?

Thanks in advance!

PS. One more thing - could anyone help me locate an Alpine White with Black interior 4.8? I've searched autotrader, ebay motors, and google google google with no luck. Anyone have any ideas of where else I could look before asking my local BMW centre to run a search? Thanks!

[Nik]

Great idea. 4.8is is very fun to drive, alot of HP also. well I Just love the air suspention, even though I only have it on the rear. Anyway do whatever you like more.
However, I have not heard of alpine white 4.8is, ever. I might be wrong, but I don't think so.
I did see once Estorial blue 4.8is.

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by JCL

I always figured s was for sports. There are lots of BMW models with Servotronic that don't have an s in the badge.

the 's' in 'is' does stand for sport. It has done so since the classic E9 '3.0Csi' coupe and later, the E30 325is. Neither of which was servotronic (quite obviously).

[Bayerische X]

Speaking of servotronic, is it possible to disable servotronic either via a software flash i.e. with a GT1 by manually turning it off) or by just unplugging the servotronic module?

[Bayerische X]

Originally Posted by Nik

Great idea. 4.8is is very fun to drive, alot of HP also. well I Just love the air suspention, even though I only have it on the rear. Anyway do whatever you like more.
However, I have not heard of alpine white 4.8is, ever. I might be wrong, but I don't think so.
I did see once Estorial blue 4.8is.

I did some quick research today and there is some conflicting information. Some people say that AW was available as a $2,500 or $3,000 option while others say it was not available at all - not even through the individual program.

Anyone have any insight on this?

[Bayerische X]

Anything?