4.8is long term reliability
 

Very interested in picking up a 4.8is in the near future. Only thing holding me back is something expensive going wrong with it. I don't mind expensive oil changes, maintenance, etc. However, I don't want to worry about the tranny breaking every time i stomp on it (quite often). Small problems are fine I just hate having the type of problem that makes it un-drivable/leaves me stranded.

What I'm asking is, are there any real problems with these trucks? People make it out to be so much worse than any other car. Should I just buy a camry?

Never owned an auto as they always seem to wear out and start slipping or break far before the rest of the car.

the new trans in the 4.8is is completely different than the 4.6is failure rate is low compared to 2000-2003 x5's

Thats good to hear. So other than regular maintenance costing more there won't be anymore problems than say an expedition or tahoe?

I've had my 4.8 for a few years now. Besides a few little things here and there, I have not had any major problems (knocks on wood).

The only thing that has me worried is that I havent seen to many high mileage ones around the forum. I wonder how they're holding up in the long run.

I don't think you have much to worry about with what you're asking..What you should be worried about is the 4.8is that you buy should be thoroughly inspected, checked out, preferably low miles, no wrecks, etc. That is the key to buying a used car. This will also be a strong indicator as to what to expect out of the car in the future when you have it. If it wasn't taken care of, or just barely maintained then yeah, chances are high that you're going to experience problems.. obviously if you're buying new, then you shouldn't really be worried.

who does have the highest mileage 4.8is? still on original trans?
i have 53,xxx miles on my 04.
done control arms, brakes, tie rods, and a motor mount.
also, x2 to primetime.

I have around 64,000 miles on my 06' 4.8is and I have driven it pretty hard, for the past few months ive been driving back and fourth from NJ to CT and she hasnt let me down (knock on wood) I have never had any major problems, the only thing ive just ran into today was hearing my two front rims are bent while in the process of powder coating them black :banghead: Luckily, i got the wheel and tire insurance so that should help me. As long as it is certified pre-owned i dont think you have anything to worry about.

Sounds good, Its just all these stories getting to my head from the M3 forum. About rear subframes tearing, vanos units going bad, etc. Same with the E60 M5, Vanos, SMG, steering sensors, etc. Everyone talks about how bad an idea it is to own one out of warranty.

If you buy a CPO, than you have extended warranty and you can also get extended maintenance(there is a thread for extended warranties).
I have the 4.8is for over 5 years and no major issues, other than DME was changed in first year under warranty.

I have about 68k miles on mine, bought it with 30k. So far I have had the brakes done under warranty, front control arms and bushings, 2 window regulators and consequently 2 vapor barriers which failed afterwards, front air struts done and i think thats it so far. I have been going through cars every year and a half but I have had this one for 2 years and i'm keeping this one until I hit 100k miles and probably afterwards.

Another way to look at it - trans rebuild is in the range of $3K. So are you really going to spend $10K more for a 4.8is just because of that issue? Just another perspective on overall vehicle cost over time.....

I have 104K and counting on mine. Looks and drives like a new car!! I love it. Yes - things can break and they have. so far not too much on mine - only the alternator and part of the cooling system - both replaced when the car was under CPO.

I have a 2006 4.8 with 62,000. No issues (knock on wood) up to this point. It has the extended maintenance on it and it got its most recent scheduled check up last weekend: no problems! Amazing car.

I have an '05 4.8is with 91k miles on it. Let me see now. CV boots, both front air struts, coolant expansion tank, drivers side door mirror, passenger door mirror, passenger side door handle carrier, instrument cluster, and now 3rd and 4th gear slipping in the transmission. Its in the shop now with the stealer working with the tranny. I am still jumping through BMW's hoops on the transmission. They wont believe me that its slipping. Front suspension bits will be soon. Yea, I really enjoy driving an hour and a half each way to the dealer. Sigh. Its a blast to drive though when everything is working.

Do a search on "selflevel susp inact" or "self leveling" - you need to be aware before you buy.

I recently purchased an '06 4.8is. In my research, I came across several instances where the '05 & '06 models were described as the 'better buy.' I don't recall the issue exactly, but it was related to valvetrain in the '04 models.

I was told unanimously to stay away from the 4.6is models as well

Good luck!

just got word today, that they are going to replace the tranny. Its good news, but a long time coming. Almost a year of documented issues. More than a 1k miles back and forth to the dealership. Like I said, good news, but its bittersweet given the the time involved, and its been a long time since I have driven this vehicle when everything worked right.

How do you recognize the gears slipping? The car shifts pretty smooth, I'd hate to mistake easy rpm drops as normal when it's actually slipping.
What were your symptoms?

Noise, and definite loss of forward momentum. Think fingernails across a chalkboard, except the pitch is much lower. Then sometimes followed by "transmission failsafe" displayed on the instrument cluster. You can do a search on this for more information.

You are buying a used car so there will be problems, like with any used car. As reliable as a Camry, no.

I had an 05 4.8is. Leaking oil pan (x2), suspension module replaced, something with the front suspension replaced (luckly, all under warranty as I was the original owner). Just before I sold it (at 50,000 miles) the rotors and pads were replaced (all under warranty). Awesome car, but I am not a mechanic. I wouldn't own one without some type of warranty.

Don't get me wrong, great SAV (I replaced with it with an '09 4.8i). But there will be maintenance costs.