Please help with maintenance 4.8is advice?
 

I bought a high mileage 4.8is with 140K miles. I have documented history, but the dealership history in carfax is also very vague so I'm not really sure what items I should go about first.

On top of my list is replacing the valve cover gaskets and spark plugs. Anything else I should do while the mechanic is doing that based on the history below?

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...it?usp=sharing

I would use a space bar and the Return key on your keyboard

**FIXED**

LOL... crap Ricky Bobby! It looked fine when I previewed earlier. Let me find that return key and space bar button...

No worries man.

Doesn't look like too much has terribly been done aside from brakes, coolant, some random things, etc. Do you have any issues with blue smoke (common N62 problem) or oil consumption?

If you are getting the VCG's done and plugs, I would just have the mechanic give a once over on the engine, as well as a once over on the suspension parts (ball joints, thrust arms, control arms, etc). At your mileage its more likely to need suspension overhauls, etc.

Have him also look at the CV joint boots for any signs of tears

I would check it really good for oil leaks, the first thing I replaced after purchase was alternator bracket gasket. Mine is 60k miles but it is most likely about time. That was a pita to replace! Oil thermostat is a source of leak too.

Regards

Ownership Options
 

Everyone has mentioned all the normal things except plan on the seal in the trans where the wiring goes into it. (MECHATRONIK seal, #1 in the image below), normal suspension bits and pieces. The thrust arms if not replaced recently are toast front AND rear. Check all the parts in the suspension and replace everything at once, front and the rear, as it will make your ownership a happy one. All of this will bring back the new handling you expected. Replace all fluids (they are 10 + years old now), coolant, brakes, Diffs (front and rear) etc.

Real question is "Are you into the vehicle long term or short?" As that will determine your options and next steps. These V8 rockets are not cheap to own or maintain. Plan on one of two problem approach options: DIY (requires knowledge (see forum for insight), tools, and place for repairs. DIFM (do it for me) requires deep pockets and a indy shop for happiness.

If this is a short term relationship, then fix what makes noise or leaks and move on.

Reach out anytime to this forum as many of us will offer suggestions (some more helpful than others :p:). There is also a TON of tips, tricks and pit falls to avoid listed in the DIY Articles up on the top of the site. SEARCH FIRST post second if you don't find anything.

Bottom Line: Best vehicle purchase possible for bringing a smile by the mile, for the cost of ownership.

Thanks for the hospitality StephenVA! I am also a DIY guy, but I also have an excellent mechanic that does side job work for me. When I can't do it myself, I give him a call. He already quoted me $200 labor to change the valve covers and spark plugs. I plan to keep this car for a long time, so I'm just trying to come up an extensive list so I can buy all the parts I can, and then drop off the car to him. I really appreciate all the suggestions so far!

Your mechanic is a part time angel , 200$ is a very nice price for the job but I recommend you to replace the upper timing covers gaskets and Vanos selonoid o-rings too. They are all better to be done in one shot. Parts are very cheap and stops most of leaks.

Regards

For the upper timing covers, you are referring to #2 (11147506424) and #4 (11147506425), right? For the Vanos selonoid O-rings, are you referring to #8 and #9? It says (4) of each.
http://realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/r/d/235.png
RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.8is UPPER TIMING CASE

Yes, you found them exactly, as you can see this is a full operation, need to be done in one attempt.

Sorry for the late reply. I was replacing engine mounts:)