Time to Cut Bait? (E70 4.8i Issues)

[Pushrod]

Originally Posted by BGM

I had the dreaded oil consumption/loss (even though I'm downtown, walk to work and drive like 2 miles a week) it was pretty much every month oil had to be topped off at the dealer. My Indy saw the Crank Case Valve had a leak (which I've read can be the other culprit in oil consumption, white smoke out the exhaust) and fixed it. Since then, oil consumption is normal.

FYI I am in Chicago as well (Streeterville next to the lake), who are you using for your Indy ? I'm using M & R Car Import Services (on Sheffield) in Lincoln Park.

I had the CCV valve replaced during my 'fix all oil leaks' repair back in 11/17 when the alternator bracket failed in spectacular fashion, so hopefully the CCV valve won't fail anytime soon.

I live in Logan and commute to the 'burbs for work. I've been using Bimmer Werkshop just off the Kennedy at Montrose. They are easy walking distance to the blue line so it works well when I'll be carless. Thanks for the reco on M&R. Always nice to have options!

And if we ever end up in the same parking lot together, it's quite likely that I'll be standing next to your car pulling on the driver's door handle of your car wondering why the hell the door won't open! My X5 is nearly identical to yours

[Pushrod]

Originally Posted by Skyline

It's basically that we really don't have much if any choice when it comes to a vehicle like an X5 so have to put up with the heavy maintenance baggage that comes along with it.

Totally agree. It's the price of dating a supermodel.

[Pushrod]

Originally Posted by Skyline

Yes, far fetched. It is inevitable between 100-125k miles. I will say that if you never drive in stop and go traffic, or leave your car idling for an extended period, you may not notice the smoke clouds, and attribute the mild oil consumption as normal behavior. But when you start seeing the clouds of smoke, you'll know it's time.

Kinda what I thought: A tale full of rainbows and unicorns.

Thankfully it's not a 'car down' type of issue like the last couple of issues and can be addressed when funds permit.

Oh, and Chicago pretty much defines stop and go traffic, especially the Kennedy at rush hour, so I'll know pretty quick when the valve stem seals start to go.

[BGM]

Originally Posted by Skyline

You go to the dealer to top off your oil?

How much mileage on your car? Because while there are other things that can cause oil smoke after extended idling, I think the valve guides are inevitable at some point between 100k-125k miles. Regardless of staying on top of top end oil leaks and CCV system.

I'm at 95K miles. Yeah, they don't charge for it you just bring it in-- it's part of their "quick service" (or named similar) also they do light bulbs, etc. A lot of dealers have this service from my experience.

[byM5]

Its so nice to see fellow financially responsible boarders here.

I've got one financially irresponsible suggestion.

Try a NBT evo retrofit.
-You now have modern electronics in a wonderfully capable car for 1/8th cost (assuming a new one is $80k).

I will say that the x5 4.8 is me favorite daily car over the e46 M3 and e60 M5.

Eventually in my old age I will prefer convenience over road feel and move to a newer drive by wire ( no steering column) bimmer.

But not yet.

My vote obviously is to keep it.

[740iS]

Originally Posted by byM5

Try a NBT evo retrofit.

So when are you coming out to help me get mine installed? LOL Work, life, health, etc... has kept me from getting this done. When I finally started getting the calls for the fuel pump and airbags, I figured I wait until those were completed.

Now it's 2 weeks+ after the final recall was completed and I really should get this dang thing installed. I mean, its only been sitting on a shelf for nearly a year. LOL Only thing I think is really holding me up is the modification to fit the larger screen properly.

[byM5]

Would be happy to help

[Pushrod]

Originally Posted by byM5

Try a NBT evo retrofit.
-You now have modern electronics in a wonderfully capable car for 1/8th cost (assuming a new one is $80k).

Ha! Like I need an excuse to spend more money on this thing. Although... tempting...

[RickM5X3]

My calculus is fairly simple when deciding whether to put more dollars into a given BMW we own/have owned. Does the joy of owning and driving it exceed commitment to continue to throw parts and money at it? I sold out 2008 4.8i Sport to the dealer when it crossed that line. Kept the 2011 X5m as it demands less $$ than the 4.8i and offers way more joy. 4.8i demands a lot of care for a vehicle that offers middling performance imo.


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[BGM]

Originally Posted by Pushrod

My point is that my X5 with adaptive drive handles better than most cars, including many performance focused vehicles.

It is pretty remarkable how good the performance is with Adaptive Drive and the 20s paired together. It's hard to find actual performance stats on e70 with Adaptive Drive and 20s since most X5s that get tested are more pedestrian. I did find this Car and Driver one from like '10 that did test a 35i with both. Skidpad was .87-g and stopped only 7 feet longer than M3. Those are insane numbers for a 5,000lb vehicle and probably bests a lot of performance cars including BMWs.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...e35i-road-test