Pre-lci 4.8 common problems

[Alpinerunner]

I’m trying to help my buddy PPI a 2008 4.8i with 73k miles. I have a 35d so I’m not well versed on the V8 problems. I recall valve stem seal issues. At what mileage are these a problem? Any other things to ask about? The ad only says the alternator was replaced. Thanks!

[ard]

Friends dont let friends buy BMW V8s....

[wsmeyer]

E70 4.8 is not for the faint of heart. We love driving ours, but don't always love owning it.

Things that pretty much every car needs replaced at some point:

Upper timing cover gasket (both sides)
Valve cover gaskets (both sides)
Alternator bracket gasket
Valley pan gasket
Coolant transfer pipe
Air springs

In addition, some cars need valve seals replaced, and some experience rear differential failure.

We bought our 2008 X5 4.8 in 2011 with 38k miles. It now has 95k and has experienced all of the above except valve seals.

If your friend isn't willing / able to do his own work these things can get outrageously expensive.

[Entropy]

I have replaced:

- coolant pipe (preventive)
- valve and timing cover seals
- water pump/thermostat/hoses (preventive)
- air springs
- oil thermostat gasket
- other misc items

Valve stem seals are going bad. Just hit 100k with my 4.8

[BGM]

I purchased my '08 as CPO in '10 with 15K miles on it. Currently have 95K--I would agree with most of above though I believe most to be normal wear and tear at some point. The big one is the valve stems though my Indy replaced the Crank Case Valve and that eliminated oil consumption. Anytime you purchase a nine year old car you are going to have some expenses. Mine has been solid and been maintained well--I'll get easily 150K miles on it. You just have to figure to budget $2K-$3K a year for repairs and have a good Indy.

[Nanniepoo]

I think I'm the outlier. Owned our '08 from 128k - 146k. Only repairs are a light bulb, oil t-stat cooler gasket, and rear air bags. Use a quart of oil in ~4k miles and I'll be replacing the CCVs in the spring to hopefully bring that down.

[Alpinerunner]

Thanks everyone! My friend was properly scared and went with a Q5, haha.

[wsmeyer]

Originally Posted by Nanniepoo

I think I'm the outlier. Owned our '08 from 128k - 146k. Only repairs are a light bulb, oil t-stat cooler gasket, and rear air bags. Use a quart of oil in ~4k miles and I'll be replacing the CCVs in the spring to hopefully bring that down.

I would have expected all of those to happen by 128k. You're probably good to go now.

[Nanniepoo]

Originally Posted by wsmeyer

I would have expected all of those to happen by 128k. You're probably good to go now.

That would be awesome. The PO had it from 100k and claimed all he had to do was oil changes. Got some records from the dealership for work done prior to 100k and no mention of valve stems or coolant transfer pipe. I suppose they could've been done by an indy or DIY, but some of the fixes were new light bulbs so I'm thinking that owner wasn't particularly handy.

Either way I'm going through and hopefully doing all fluid changes and some preventative coolant system work in the spring. Meant to do it this summer but life got in the way.

[MAK3N3]

[QUOTE=ard;1124867]Friends dont let friends buy BMW V8s....[/QUOTE

HaHa! Love this...Also should be don't let yourself buy another BMW after you've had your share of issues - Actually there's still no other car I'd rather be driving except maybe a Cayenne but I've yet to really look into them other than pricing used ones out...saying yeah maybe this could be the next SUV, that and I keep hearing/reading how reliable they are!