2006 4.8is Buying tips?
 

Hi guys,

I'm looking at an '06 4.8is on Monday. It has 150,000km on it. Other than pictures, I haven't seen it. I've gone through a decent number of posts to get a feel for what I'm getting into. Are there any show stoppers that if I see, I should walk away from? Any tests I can perform without a computer? I've asked the guy to leave it cold so I can see/hear a cold start. It's tough to really see leaks with how tight and covered everything is. If he has a hoist, I can get a good look at the underside, but if not, I do want to get another inspection done on it. Please let me know. Any insight would be appreciated. I took a 4.4 out for a test drive the other day and blew a brake line. This 4.8 popped up, so I'm keen to see if I can swing that deal instead. I have worked on numerous BMW's so I know enough to be dangerous (E30's, E36's, E39).

Also, will GT1 v44 work for comms and diagnostics? Or do I need v57?

Cheers.

Get a PPI before signing the paper work. You can base your negotiation on the result of the PPI too.

Which one are you looking at? There are a few in the autotrader right now...Make sure you get a PPI...if the dealer/seller is hesitant, walk away

4.8is
 

Is PPI a BMW dealer inspection? For this car I was planning on having that done. Dealers are booking 1-2w out for appointments. Any of you recommend a solid shop in the Milton, Ontario area to get a thorough inspection done? Want someone who knows these machines well.

The one I'm looking at is in Milton. Listed in the trader.

Thanks.

And for the inspection, I really want an in-depth one. Not just some kid to walk around the car and tell me the stuff I can see already. I'd like compression test, computer scan, thorough leak detection, pressure test on cooling system, test/report on all fluids, diff/transfer case report, etc.

So, with that in mind, can anyone recommend a shop? :)

Cheers.

I would bring it to BMW Individual shop instead of the dealer for PPI. They usually spent more time and charge less.

Before you visit a shop: any work done at a BMW stealership will be in their system. By punching in the VIN, you'd be surprisednwhat you'll find or not find.

I just bought Matt's 03 4.6is in Estorial on black with sport seats. System says it fell off the grid a few years ago. However previously owning an 02 4.6is and an 06 4.8is, I thought I knew what I was getting into.

Dropped $4k on a 4/176,000 warranty through Endurance. Covers everything except suspension and steering rack. That's another $4k.

Matt got burned on tires, brakes, battery, and a complete cooling system within one year.

I got it and so far have changed oil/filter, Red Stuff brake pads all around (I'm still greasy), bought plugs for early this week and have an appointment with my BMW shop mid-March with loaner to have diff, transfer case and tranny fluids changed/flushed, remove the trailer hitch and go through it with a fine toothed comb. From that, I want a list of Must/Should/Nice to-do's if any.

Next, upgrade the nav system (Eonon?), possible clear bra (bull bar in the way), window tint, KW V3's, and possibly a BBK (Stop Tech, Rotora, K Sport). Then enjoy the long hot summer.

Look at the CV boots for tearing (hidden rust inside) any moisture underneath, under carriage scratching, leaky shocks/struts, engine noises, SMELL THE OIL ON THE DIPSTICK for a burnt smell, look at the color of the brake fluid (should be clear).

And check everything electric TWICE. Seats (both), sunroof, radio/nav, garage door opener ifnset up for thencurrent owner's home. Drive it hard! Get up to a healthy highway speed. Look for vibrations. Find a parking lot and cut the wheel one way and then the other way and do circles listening to then transfer case and differential.

Don't be a whimp. It's your money you're about to drop. If the owner balks, WALK AWAY.

Good luck. We'll be here if you need us.

Look at my posts re my 4.8 and make sure you know all there is to know about it
Spend the money on the PPI and be as thorough as you can

Thanks for the tip. I read that engine thread mess. Did you ever get it sorted? New/rebuilt engine? Or did you repair it?

The only place that I can think of is Auto Evolution in Oakville. I know that they have experience with BMW...primarily 3 and 5 series...however, if you want a complete PPI, I would go to Bimmersport or RMP...the first shop is in Mississauga and the second is in Etobicoke...

Can you post a link to the 4.8 you are looking to buy? Is it the one at Bay Auto Zone?

2006 BMW X5 4.8 for $16,995 in Milton | autoTRADER.ca

It's this one isn't it? This one is in Milton...I am a little suspicious of this one because it has a terrible picture...just be careful and read Pancho's threads...

That's the one. He sent me a slew of pics already. I'll try RMP - haven't had a chance to work with Rocco yet. I haven't had good luck at the other shop. Too many kids working on the cars. Several major screw ups on my track 328i.

I have a few others to test out, but they are 4.4's. I don't mind repairs, but the price needs to match it. Last one I looked at needed control arms, new summer and winter tires, steering wheel peeling bad, slight coolant drip on sensor seal. But the price was as if it was pristine. Not going to fly for this guy :)

LVP...I can correspond with your comments about the first shop...I would try Rocco, heard nothing but great things about the shop and his services...good luck!

Milton one was a bust. Lots of smoke out the tailpipe just driving around. Didn't even bother with a highway drive. Bunch of other issues too that just add up to $$ - folding mirrors, blower motor, lumpy idle, etc.

Have you looked at the Bay Auto Zone one?

LVP,

Funny that you mentioned the one in Milton. I emailed the dealer asking for more pictures, ie. engine bay, side, rear, interior, wheels, etc. He responds with one picture of the console area. I replied back asking for additional pictures and have not heard back...glad you stayed away from that one...I am not in the market for a 4.8 but the one that you looked at and the one at Bay Auto Zone are the only 4.8s advertised...just be careful with them if you go, they get a lot of cars from Quebec with history...The process of declaring information on cars that come from Quebec is starting to get better since the provinces are starting to communicate more, but before most cars that came from Quebec were horror stories...

Bay Auto Zone also has a "mint" looking 4.6 with barely over 100 km on the clock. I am just basing my "mint" judgement on the online pics...just something to consider if you want something bigger than 4.4

I'd be ok with a well sorted 4.4, 4.6 or 4.8. I called them and they are Quebec cars without history.

I figured that, they are known for selling Quebec vehicles...Just be careful if you pursue them...definitely get a PPI...many of these vehicles that cross into Ontario are known to be disastrous...

SO, I know these E53s are a labour of love. I started looking at alternative vehicles, but I'm really not liking what I'm seeing out there. So, if I do find an E53 that is in decent shape (no coolant or major oil leaks), with some level of documented maintenance, what should I do out of the gate to ensure I'm on a good footing?

So far, I'm looking at:
- complete flush of all fluids
- CCV replacement?
- oil separator upgrade

Any other must do's to ensure success with engine and transmission/xfer case? I would plan to do everything before putting it on the road, so I have a week or two to get it sorted.

Thanks!

Oil change if uncertain.
Coolant flush/overhaul depends on mileage of the SAV.
Suspension refresh/check.
Preventative maintenance depends on mileage.

2004 BMW X5 M PKG 4.4LSPORTSPREMIUMNAVIIPOD20' WHEELSMI for $14,995 in SCARBOROUGH | autoTRADER.ca

Have you looked at this one? Of course, due diligence is required...

I just called this one...had a few minutes at work...STAY AWAY...LOL...

Awesome, thanks. I don't think that had heated seats. With leather, that's just silly :)

I am also looking for myself as well, but thought that I'd pass along the info...it was imported from Florida...no heated seats...list of common issues and just received a transmission flush...

Mark Wilson's in Guelph has an 06 4.4 with 117 km on the clock, sport/premium pack...