E53 4.6is or 4.8is (advice/comments)

[igosal]

I researched a lot when I was buying one. I had 4.4i before and then after selling it, I was in the same dilemma whether to go for 4.6 or 4.8. I read tons of reviews and spoke to my friends having these and test drove these and finally concluded with 4.8i. I am glad I made this decision and have no regrets and enjoy my ride everyday. Even the growl of 4.8 makes me happy.... Rest are all personal preferences. I'll suggest to test drive both and make your own decision. The only issue with 4.8i is front air suspension but just keep $700 aside and you should be all set.

[reyxlp]

I went with the 4.8is.

Love driving the car but I have to say I've been alarmed at the amount of work it's needed. See my recent thread here...:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ny-advice.html

I'd be out over $10k in repairs so far in the two years and 18k miles I've owned it, were it not for CPO.

Picked it up from the dealer with 30k on the clock. Looked clean as can be. All records. One owner trade-in.

Maybe it's just been a higher maintenance example of a 4.8is than most but I'm considering selling mine once I reach the end of CPO.

And re:the front air suspension... My dealer quoted me $1k per side PLUS labor, if I didn't have CPO.

[Sergdman]

Great information guys. Thank you very much. I was working on a deal on a 4.6 with over 120,000 miles that was posted recently, but I guess it wasn't my time as it sold. It looked great and the guy was cool and seemed to be a nice guy. I guess I have to keep looking. Again though, previous post, the member bought one with 30,000 miles and the warranty put over $10,000 in repairs in two years. At this point it feels like a roll of the dice. If you buy high mileage or low mileage, they are going to drain your pockets. By the way, I do like the pre-face lift 4.6is more than the 4.8's. Not really sure why though. They just look nicer to me for some reason. Okay keep the advice coming guys, other members also appreciate it. Thanks again.

[Sergdman]

Originally Posted by Icer006

I have a 4.8is. I vote for the 4.6is. If I had known...

Please elaborate a little more. You have valuable information that I would like to know. Please do share your opinion.

Thanks

[Sergdman]

Originally Posted by bbultman

Lot of great posts and comparisions. I vote for 4.6is. I have an '03 Dinan 4.6is. Tons of miles, still drives great and the engine spins up fast and strong.....and then there's the Dinan exhaust note. You pay a premium for a 4.8is. I'd buy a 4.6is, pocket the money for the inevitable repairs, or splurge and install a full Dinan system. You'll love it.

can I ask what kind of mileage you have and what have been the major repairs that you have done.
thanks

[Icer006]

Originally Posted by Sergdman

Please elaborate a little more. You have valuable information that I would like to know. Please do share your opinion.

Thanks

Killcrap's post sums it up.

I got our 05 4.8is with 45k, now has 81k. It has needed a new mechatronic unit for the transmission ($3k), 2 new front struts, new EHC module for the suspension, new valve block for the suspension, new air pump/compressor for the suspension, new swaybar endlinks (not expensive), valve cover gaskets (at 80k!?), new lower oil pan gasket (again, at 80k, is a little early), new crankcase vent valves, new fuel filter TWICE (somewhat $$), exhaust manifold gasket that cracked by itself... aside from that, it's a great truck!

The pano sunroof still works flawlessly, however. I might have jinxed myself mentioning it.

At least I know that these items are now new on the truck and that it should last another... 50k? 30k? Who knows.

[reyxlp]

Icer- how do you like your Cayenne TT vs the 4.8?

[Icer006]

Originally Posted by reyxlp

Icer- how do you like your Cayenne TT vs the 4.8?

The CTT is more of a GT SUV. Fast and comfortable (though ours has PASM with adjustable height and dampening). 4.8 has a jarring ride and noisier exhaust compared to the CTT.

Of course, the power difference is huge. If you don't mind the turbo lag, the CTT is awesome. Handling seems to be sharper in the X5, maybe because of the stiffer ride. Both our cars have servotronic steering.

The rear leg room is less in the Cayenne than X5.

Both our cars are 05 and the CTT wins hands down in interior material (alcantara and full leather).

I don't get the quirkiness with the CTT with the air suspension, unlike the 4.8!

Transmission for the CTT is more predictable than the 4.8.

When it's time to replace the X5 (soon), I'll get another Cayenne, maybe a GTS or a newer TT. I'm done with X5's.

[reyxlp]

Originally Posted by Icer006

I don't get the quirkiness with the CTT with the air suspension, unlike the 4.8!

Sorry - do you mean that the air suspension is quirkier on the X5 or that it's quirkier on the CTT?

[Icer006]

Originally Posted by reyxlp

Sorry - do you mean that the air suspension is quirkier on the X5 or that it's quirkier on the CTT?

quirkier on the X5. more sensitive on the x5. My sentence was confusing, sorry.