2006 4.8IS
 

Hey 4.8IS owner. I am currently owning 03 4.4 Sport package and love it. I am seeing 06 4.8IS with 63,000 miles for sale and would love to check it out. What are the issue in this engine? I know the air suspension and smoke is the the known issues what else are there?

Not all 4.8s are created equal. The best thing to do is to have a PPI done by a well recommended Indy shop that works on BMWs and go from there.

^That.
Besides your known issues, pano roof is another concern for facelift X5. Other than that, same documented issues for all E53.

As everyone has posted multiple times, The REAL KEY is to understand what condition is the vehicle in question and what does it need to be brought back to "specs". A PRE PURCHASE INSPECTION by a shop that knows X5's will provide a value well beyond the $150 - $250 you will spend.

Questions: Why this vehicle? Why not another year, model, engine size etc? What else is on the market?

Most shops will provide a overview of the vehicle and what is hidden underneath the nice wax and buff job.
On a personal note, A low mileage X5 with a V8 and a caring, thoughtful owner who maintained it (RECORDS PLEASE) will be a joy to own. All vehicles/owners must be verified before $$ changes hands. See Posting of those who did not and do not have the technical skills, available funds, nor tolerance.

A PPI and your own walk around and through testing of every switch and knob will be your best 1-hr spent. Better to know than to buy unaware...

I am sure others who post here regularly, will chime in on the value of a PPI.

What is unique?
The 4.8is is a beast. Needs hi maintenance and a tech savvy DIY owner. Suspension arms bushings take a beating (Front AND REAR)
Brakes big and expensive.
Trans life span is another weak point
Chews up 20" tires for dinner
Air suspension can be problematic, many solutions.
Big sunroofs, What can you say other than what marking guy thought that was important? Pull fuse and turn up the A/C!
Will provide more smiles per mile than anything else at double the purchase price.
Loyal owners who take pride in ownership.
Everything else is like your 4.4 except MORE Power, eats more, demands more and creates a thirst for speed....

If this one is a good one...Buy it. You will love the upgrade.

Just spent 45 mins test driving from city to freeway. It does have lil more oomph than 4.4 M62. However I am noticing few problems:
1. Check coolant level
2. Look like there are some evidence of leaking at the radiator,condensor in front.
3. Road noise is worst than my 4.4 maybe due to the tire wear in the rear (even wear). Need to replace the rear tires (currently running on Michelin set).
4. When braking I can feel it shaking (Rotors?) brake pads look brand new but rotor look like it need to be replace.

I am concern about the check coolant level more. Could be the slow leak from radiator or coolant exchange pipe.

This is one owner from california as listed on the carfax and autocheck and was auctioned in the end of last month now it is belong to used car dealer. With 65,000 miles on the clock and asking for $15,000. Do you guys think if I call the dealer the car serviced at will they give me more info? I know my local deal they required you to own the car in order giving more info on the service history.

What is unique?
The 4.8is is a beast. Needs hi maintenance and a tech savvy DIY owner. Suspension arms bushings take a beating (Front AND REAR)
Brakes big and expensive.
Trans life span is another weak point
Chews up 20" tires for dinner
Air suspension can be problematic, many solutions.
Big sunroofs, What can you say other than what marking guy thought that was important? Pull fuse and turn up the A/C!
Will provide more smiles per mile than anything else at double the purchase price.
Loyal owners who take pride in ownership.
Everything else is like your 4.4 except MORE Power, eats more, demands more and creates a thirst for speed....

If this one is a good one...Buy it. You will love the upgrade.[/QUOTE]

I concur COMPLETELY!!

I would jump and get the PPI done ASAP .....sounds like a great deal

I would take it for that PPI inspection ASAP.

You could fill the system and let the X get warm and look for a leak. Could be just a hose clamp that needs tightening or it could be something more serious such as a bad radiator, water pump going bad etc.

The shaking could be the rotors. If the pads are new it could be that they have not been seated properly. It could also something in the front suspension that is worn. Once again this issue is something that could cost nothing to correct or could be a more serious issue.

In both cases I would want to have them fixed prior to purchase.

Could the road noise due to the rear tires wear. I notice the steering wheel is much lighter than my 03. Also the exhaust is louder.