New '06 4.8is owner: basic questions: trans, 2wd conversion, ecu tuning

[Porschesolutions]

Hi guys,

Well after being a member for about a year I finally bought one. Imola red of course.

I have a few questions before I even receive the car:

1. Do the 4.8is transmissions have the same iffy issues as the earlier 4.4 & 4.6's do?

2. I'll never do any off-roading nor ice/snow driving: has anyone done/recommend a 2wd conversion as my buddy's do on their Twin turbo Lambos & 996TT's??

3. Since for the most part it'll be a daily driver, what do people use to tune/program the engines for better mileage or power?

Thanks!!

[epdarks]

Congrats!

Yes, beware of transmission failure.

Good question. I would think the transfer case would not like a 2WD conversion. I would bet you'd throw all kinds of error codes if you tried it. If you want to go fast, call your buddies with the TT-Gs. I know there are a few floating around Austin...

Dinan.

[TwinTurboGTR]

Congrats?!? Maybe.

Tranny is the 4.8is's are prone to the same failures as previous ZF trannys in the E53 line.

The topic of converting to a 2wd has been talked about multiple times and some have successfully done it, but... and here is where it gets messy. Those who have done experience alot of problem. First the DSC module and all the sensors have a freak out. Transfail safe becomes problematic and computers just start dying.

When people tune, normally they look to Dinan to do that sort of work. Ep has a Dinan system on his 4.6 if I am not mistaken.

Now this is just my opinion, but... If you want a RWD, why lean towards an X5? The amount of money you spend on the conversion may not be worth it. If you want a quick RWD suv, how about a Jeep SRT8? That has a open transfer case I believe. Depending on conditions, the transfer case can put 100% of the power to the rear wheels. That may be your better bet. Again, just my opinion.

In any case, enjoy the X5!!!

[Porschesolutions]

Always wanted an "IS", no interest in the SRT8.

Ok on the trans, I'll look into an extended warranty & will lose interest in the 2wd conversion.

Thanks for the Dinan link, I figured they were deep here.... Lots of references.

[Big "J"]

Welcome to the Imola red club!! What year and how many miles on her?
My tranny hasn't shit yet but, the torque converter is making noise and I have a shudder vibration during acceleration.

I haven't done any performance upgrades but, like the guys said, Dinan is one and I think Eisenmann (?) is another that work well with BMW's.

Let me know when/ if you're in the Dallas area and we'll see about hooking up!

JJ

[TwinTurboGTR]

Phfewww, I am glad you decided to go against turning it into a 2wd. A lot of people don't realize how integrated the X is, or any car for that matter. People just never seem to head warnings about not putting in aftermarket stereos in place of their OE headunit only to find they can't adjust the time, lose all OBC functionality, and critical calculations.

I was actually upset typing out my answer. Which I don't know why, its not my car! lol.

In any case, have the whip PPI'd by a BMW dealership. Its going to cost a few hundred, but better a few hundred then a few K.

With the amount of power the X has, you can spin all four tires from a dig. I did it last weekend. I took DSC off, placed her in drive, got her up to 5mph and just slammed on the gas. Got the rear end to slide out. I LOVE IT.

[Porschesolutions]

I was merely curious about the 2wd conversion...if the computers are that involved I've lost all interest.

Im in learning mode...

[cncmastr]

Congrats! You can try Evolve Tuning in UK, they are able to program the N62B48.

[epdarks]

Get some pics up of your 4.8!

How many miles are on her?

If you are dying to put some $ into it, think about investing in some preventative maintenance. Updating the suspension bushings, shocks, and various engine components will help you sleep better knowing that your truck has been updated before a larger failure.

If you believe the truck is in strong running order and you want to modify it a bit, go for it. Try Craigslist and eBay when searching for parts, forums too. This forum seems to be the best resource around. Do some searches and see what people are buying.

Since you have the Porsches to go fast, I personally wouldn't drop a ton of money into go-fast parts. It's a 5k lb truck after all.

I trust you will find it an absolute blast over time. Put some miles on it and enjoy.

[Porschesolutions]

For tuning, I was only honestly interested in changing the cruise fuel maps to lean it out a bit for better mileage: worked great on all my other cars. My 550hp 928 gets about 26-27mpg on the highway with a cruise map goal of 15.3:1 (air fuel ratio).

I wont try for more power out of it: I have cars for speed.

'06 4.8is with 84k owned by a 100lb lady: so the interior is wear-free. yay.