Thoughts about working on 4.4i from a 3.0i
 

Hi -

I own a 2003 3.0i. I really enjoy working on my car and dealing with the minor, regular issues that have come about over the years. Engine runs strong and I have done most things around the engine, in retrospect all very minor stuff, coolant issues, clutch fan, secondary air pump, oil changes, suspension, valve cover, ignition coils, disa valve, intake boot, brake lights, AC compressor, etc. Currently replacing all intake vacuum stuff and the CCV.

My question is this - mechanically - is maintaining the 4.4i, fun and engaging like the 3.0i is? Are things similar and generally accessible? I like that when I pull the fan shroud on the 3.0i, so much can be done without having the car on a service lift. I will now be pulling the intake manifold on my 3.0i and with that off, again, so much access.

I ask this because locally there is a nice 4.4i. Car looks clean and has low miles. I have spoken to the owner and the car has been maintained at the dealership its whole life, which I confirmed. I do see it had it auto trans gear selector seal replaced a few years ago (that something I haven't had to do yet on my car). Car has gotten regular oil changes and service at the dealer. Which is something I certainly never did.

No, working on the V8's is not as enjoyable as the I6's. But the driving experience makes up for that. And the MPG's aren't even that different.

Depending on which V8 you're looking at (M62 of N62) they both have their issues which are documented well on here. Both require major (compared to M54) engine work to stay in top shape. Good luck with your decision.

I confirmed the engine is the N62.

Having not really look at this engine model, I am not familiar with the engine "issues".

Thanks for the advice.

For the N62 common issues are, engine mounts, coolant crossover pipe, valve cover gaskets, and the really big ticket item of valve stem seals. There are others, but those are the "highlights."

The VSS causes the engine to smoke from the exhaust after extended periods of idling. When you go look at the truck, start it and leave it idling while you look at the rest of it. Then when you go to test drive it you'll either see a puff of whitish/bluish smoke or not.

Sometimes the smoking is caused by failed CCV diaphragms or vacuum leaks but it's more often than not, the valve stem seals.

One question. When you say I'll see the puff of smoke, how would I see that if I am driving?

Rear vision mirror - if the VSS are gone, you'll see it! ;)

What he said. If bad enough you'll be doing your best James Bond impression when you first pull away from idle. :D

Nope. Definitely more problematic and a PITA to work on. But, as crystalworks says, the driving experience makes up for it. My mechanic had the I6 and I used it for the day while he fixed mine. Merging on the highway was a different experience for sure. When I got back, I tossed him the key and said something was wrong with the engine. He panicked a bit. Then I told him when I looked under the hood it seems to be missing 2 cylinders. Not hating the 6's, trust me, my track car is a 98 328i. I love it, but when you stack it up against the swaps or M3's, or worse, a V8 M3, it shows that tired I6 a wee bit :). That being said, she does tip the scales quite light, so I can hang with most of the M3's at Mosport - except for up the back straight...then it sucks.

Kind of making me think, I should pass on the 2nd X5, which I don't really need.

I never drove the 4.4i.

The 3.0i is my daily beater car. A lot of the time I have my family in the car and I don't drive fast. I have other cars for that, and even in those I don't drive crazy fast. For that I have a racing go kart, where if I want to test my courage - it's all there and then some.

N62: Permanent rough idle when it's cold, alternator bracket oil leak also happens, eccentric shaft sensors leaking oil, but otherwise it's not as bad as M62 in regards of maintainability.