My New 4.6

[KansasX]

I just recently purchased a 02' 4.6iS. Black on black. Wow what a car! Right now I'm trying to find some new headlights for it, they're getting a little haggard looking. Could I get some suggestions or could direct me towards what style I need to purchase to fit it correctly? Also, if you guys have any newbie advice for me it would help tremendously. I believe I need a new ccv? Maybe? I need a new head unit also, screen doesn't turn on, radio turns on after start up but cuts off after about 5 min. Any help? New amp? Tell me some of the first things you did to yours!

Pics up soon! Thanks for the help!

[ProfessorX5]

Ooooo...

What's wrong with the headlights? If the lenses just look dull or cloudy, it's easy to polish them. You can even use toothpaste to sand em down a bit, then use some kind of sealant. That's what I did with mine, and they look spiffy now.

[KansasX]

Sorry I was very vague about, well, pretty much everything.

The lenses are murky for sure. I want to put some angels however. I've seen tons of stuff that look Mickey mouse and I would like to know the preferred ones.

The whole CCV thing is when I started her up cold out an abnormal amount of whiter smoke came out when driving off. Upon further driving it would subside throughout the trip. It doesn't happen when it's warmer out, just when it's below freezing pretty much.

The radio has got me on a trip. I don't want to have to resort to the stealership on this one.

[X5SND]

Welcome aboard!

There's a ton of information already available floating around for everything from which kits to use for polishing lenses, to what aftermarket units are available (with pics on members' rides)...take a few mins to search.

[tmv]

I would do maintenance before visual mods. Depend on the mileage and maintenance history of the car, you might have some works to do.
Headlight can easily be restore with a headlight restore kit. I used the 3M kit and a 3M clear cover to keep it clean and clear longer. If you want to upgrade them, buy aftermarket one with AEs and swap over your existing projectors/components.

[Helihover]

Congrats on the new ride. Welcome!

Something really gets me going when I hear these words used in a sentence, black on black, BMW, Is.........

Let's see some pics.

[Qsilver7]

Remember, just about every new owner has come to the forum and has asked the same question for almost the last decade. So that means many of your initial questions have been asked and answered many times over.

You can jump ahead of the curve by browsing thru these oft asked questions/mods/upgrades/etc by checking out several links at the very top of the page (ARTICLES/HOW TOs/FAQs) that are located in the blue border.

Again, checking out those links may answer your questions without having to wait for someone to reply with info/suggestions...and it can also help you hone-in on specific details if you need a better understanding or description.

It can also help educate yourself so that when you do still have a question, those responding to you won't have to start at the beginning to get you up to speed...which can shorten the length of time it takes for you to get a completed answer.

Happy New Year!

[x5Alpine]

Get the timing chain guides done regardless of mileage. Mine went at 106k in my 02 4.6is and I've seen them go as early at 80k. It'll save your engine.

[KansasX]

UPDATE:

After putting up my car on the lift to put on my Blizzaks, I took a peek under the beast and was shocked. Under the car was my worst nightmare, the dreaded oil leak!(139k) As I've understood so far that the valve cover gaskets, timing gaskets, and vano's gaskets as well, are an often failure for the leaks. As I change the VCG (as they are apparent to the leak) I need to do the vanos, and timing cover gaskets while the covers are off. Chain tension and guides probably needing TLC while I'm at it.

After doing much research on this site, I appreciate everyones efforts in helping me getting this done!

Thanks in advance.

[TwinTurboGTR]

Eh not really a nightmare, just a little problem. Hopefully you got it at a good price so there is enough money in the budget to get it done. How's your wrenching skills? You could do this all as DIY so long as you have the time.