Setting Cam Timing on 4.6is vs. 4.4i
 

I'm in the market for an X5 4.6is. I'm not really interested in a 4.8is because I prefer the pre-facelift styling, am not a big fan of the N62 engine, and because a 4.6 is cheaper. ;)

In the price range I'm shopping in, anything I buy will be in the neighborhood of 100K miles. Which I'm fine with, but it does mean that timing chain/guides/tensioner service will be needed sooner rather than later. I have all the specials for, and performed this service on, the 4.4 liter version of the M62TÜ and assumed I would be good to go for the 4.6. But it would appear that the 4.6 is more than just a bored and stroked 4.4 and has different cams, and more importantly, different cam timing.

Which leads [eventually] to my question: If I buy an X5 4.6is that needs new timing chains and guides, can I use my existing tools when it's time to reassemble the engine? If not, are the special tools for the 4.6 even available? In other words, how much different is the cam timing for the 4.6?

Has anyone here performed this service on this engine? Is there anything else I should know before making a commitment to buy one?

Pretty much the same. TIS does not call for using the multimeter step used in the 4.4 procedure.

Good to know. When I did the timing chain service on my E38 740i Sport, I couldn't get the multimeter to give me a reading. So I ended up having to skip that step anyway.

It's not a big deal, but one must use extreme caution to be sure the intake cams are properly set. Patience is key…