E53 4.6is or 4.8is (advice/comments)
 

Hello everyone, I am in the market for a E53 4.6is or 4.8is. Wanted to get some input from you guys. I usually like to purchase low mileage vehicles, but with the beast, I hear horror stories. You know, members buy the car and then a month later the transmission or air suspension fails. I would hate to purchase a 4.8is with 60,000 miles and then drop money on a big ticket item. I am thinking of going with a 4.6is with high mileage, maybe even over 100,000. Some of these are in great shape. Some of the 4.6is have over 90,000 miles and original transmission. Is this a ticking time bomb. I have noticed in my search that the 4.8is have more transmission problems, is this true? Can you guys comment on this. I try to be a DIY kind of guy. I will do oil, brakes and look at the forums and follow instructions by fellow members, but would not tackle the expensive and extensive repairs, like transmission or suspension. I would appreciate any help and advice you guys can give me. I want to be able to post pics of my beast here as well.

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I am going to vote for the 4.8. For no other reason than newer and a bit quicker. Not sure on the 4.6 vs 4.8 trans failure rate thu.

I vote for the 4.8is. I had the same question when I was shopping for my X5. The 4.8 is a bit more money but it has more power, better fuel economie, nicer exhaust sound, panoramic sunroof, angel eyes and is facelift if you like the new look.

Buy mine! You wont regret it.

having worked on and driven both the 4.6is and 4.8is, i would say go with the 4.6is.

1) Style 87
2) Non-Panoramic Sunroof (yes this is a PRO) some early 4.8is had this also till 4/04
3) 5 Speed trans actually feels better than the 6speed transmission, the 4.6is shifts better and is preditable. You know it will fail on you, and the trans is rebuildable.
4) rear air suspension only, no troublesome 4 wheel air on the 4.8is
5) you could always facelift the front and rear end when ever you want and even retrofit adaptive headlamps
6) valve guides and intermediate levers problems non existant. most 4.8is have these problems with oil consumption and cold start misfiring.
7) the transfer case issue on the 4.6is can be prevented( 1" longer front drive shaft, and replacable sun gear) the transfer case on the 4.8is has issues with the VTG actuator which is $900 and may still need a transfer case if that does not fix it.

the only pro's i would go for on the 4.8is would be the adaptive headlamps and black chrome mufflers, which can be installed on the 4.6is.

Lot of great posts and comparisions. I vote for 4.6is. I have an '03 Dinan 4.6is. Tons of miles, still drives great and the engine spins up fast and strong.....and then there's the Dinan exhaust note. You pay a premium for a 4.8is. I'd buy a 4.6is, pocket the money for the inevitable repairs, or splurge and install a full Dinan system. You'll love it.

I vote for the BMW X5M...........500HP

I have a 4.8is. I vote for the 4.6is. If I had known...

what,s worng with the 4.8is
 

I have a 4.6is just wondering what up withthe 4.8is