2003 4.6is, good one?

[x5Alpine]

so I didnt end up getting the estoril blue 4.6is but the same dealership has this 4.6is, Any thoughts?

Used 2003 BMW X5 4.6is For Sale in Reno NV | VIN: 5UXFB93563LN80145

[Naz24]

Well something is triggering the arrows on the dash.

Why not go for the 4.8is. Sure you can find one for a reasonable price

[Skyline]

NAV screen needs replacement. ($170 on eBay).

[x5Alpine]

Im not much of a fan of the 4.8is, and anyway, the 4.6is is rarer and has a proven engine. What about this one too?
Cars for Sale: 2002 BMW X5 4.6is in Chicago, IL 60616: Sport Utility Details - 333168866 - AutoTrader.com

[epdarks]

There is a silver 4.6 for sale on bimmerforums for $13k. Remus exhaust on it.

[Roadkill]

How is a 4.6 motor proven over a 4.8 motor? Both have achieved similar mileage. The M62TU seems to have the timing chain guide issue and the N62 hasn't shown any significant signs of failure in that area. In addition, the 4.8 has superior gearing. I'm not trying to talk you out of the 4.6, but rather trying to convince you each has their respective advantages.

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by dinan e39

How is a 4.6 motor proven over a 4.8 motor? Both have achieved similar mileage. The M62TU seems to have the timing chain guide issue and the N62 hasn't shown any significant signs of failure in that area. In addition, the 4.8 has superior gearing. I'm not trying to talk you out of the 4.6, but rather trying to convince you each has their respective advantages.

I have both in my garage and I think the 4.8 feels much closer to ///M car than the 4.6. My 4.6 is Dinan tuned.

[papasmurf]

Originally Posted by dinan e39

How is a 4.6 motor proven over a 4.8 motor? Both have achieved similar mileage. The M62TU seems to have the timing chain guide issue and the N62 hasn't shown any significant signs of failure in that area. In addition, the 4.8 has superior gearing. I'm not trying to talk you out of the 4.6, but rather trying to convince you each has their respective advantages.

N62s have valve guide issues and issues with the air suspension. All cars have their respective strengths ad weaknesses.

[Skyline]

Originally Posted by papasmurf

N62s have valve guide issues and issues with the air suspension. All cars have their respective strengths ad weaknesses.

Seems to me that those valve guide/seal issues are way more costly to repair than anything that happened with the earlier cars. I wouldn't be as concerned with the air suspension, as much of that system's problems are addressable by a skilled DIYer. A valve guide repair requires taking both heads off, and quite a number of special tools. Definately not on the same magnitude of difficulty as changing one or more air springs.

Also, didn't the 4.8 cars have more transmission failure issues?

Does anyone know at what point in time the valve guide/seal issues ended?

I think I'd want a drivetrain extended warranty on a 4.8, if available.

[Roadkill]

I'm in Truckee on a regular basis if you need to drive a 4.8 so that you have a comparison. Let me know.