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.

Trying to remember, somebody correct me if I am wrong-assume 4.8 has same tank......just bought a 4.6is 2003 in January and had coolant leak ( no warning light, just evidence in engine compartment). Turned out to be the coolant expansion tank which is a common problem apparently due to being a 2 piece unit that separates at the glue seam. Found parts (new tank, new top hose on tank and new cap for around $120) online and about 20 minutes of my time- fixed.

^ nice find :thumbup: and good job on the fix.

I also notice the front of the car is sagged down but when hit the unlock button the front is raised up to the normal level, no air susp light show on the dash. Is this normal?

^leaking air bag

how complicate to change the two front bags? and how much the bags cost? I am gathering more info to see if it worth it before proceeding to do PPI.

I found arnott front air spring for 361.43 each does this sound right? So total for both left and right is in the 722.86 just for the bags. To me it is weird both front left and right dropped down at the same level but no self susp level warning message for the entire test drive time which is 30 mins. Could the leak bags affect the handling as well?

QSilver will post the air suspension tech specs and functions in a few mins. At key off the air system is in off mode. Holding pressure only in the bags and lines. Any leak will allow the bags to deflate dropping the vehicle on that side. The pump is on top of the battery under the spare wheel/tire in the trunk. At 10 years all will need to be replaced soon if not done already. Mine own were done at 40K - 8years. Replace and check lines for leaks (Soap and water with key on). The 4.8is has four air bags, one at each wheel.

OE pieces are old tech and very expensive. The Arnott ones are the way to go.
All of this so far is NORMAL wear and tear. See my post on "4.8is eats more and requires more". These items will be failing regardless of who owns the vehicle.

Add up the repairs required and expect repairs before purchase or price reduction to reflect costs.

4.6is tank 17107514964 EXPANSION TANK

4.8is tank 17137501959 COOLING WATER EXPANSION TANK

The 4.6is mounts on the passenger side and the 4.8is is on the drivers side. Same failures, different part numbers. Who knows maybe better materials?:dunno: I have not seen many replaced before 100K, but we are on the magic 10+ year mark for thermal failures.

Best practices are replace everything when servicing the cooling system, follows motto of "might as well as you're in there" school of thought.

Yes, worn tires can be louder but it could also be the tires were noisy from the beginning. What Michelin tires are on it?

Diamaris. Everything on this car is stock without running board

My X5 had the Michelin Latitude Diamaris on it when I purchased it. Odd tire wear from over inflation (REAR) and heavy cupping on the front edges from city driving. Loud on the road especially under light loads at cruising speeds. Feathered tires (just run your hand over the tire and you will feel the wear), will cause high noise. Once again nothing abnormal.

A replacement set is expensive but will solve the issue. Other tire options out there to consider also.

Alternative question, does the noise come in at 40 mph and get louder as the speed increases whether or not under load? See all Wheel bearing noises reported on the site.

I got away from the Diamaris tires because they were so noisy, wore out so quickly and cost/benefits didn't equate to a good value.

Parts don't have a definitive life span. What fails on one vehicle at 60,000 miles can still be going strong on another at 160,000. A bad expansion tank does not mean that the cooling system needs to be overhauled and neither does an air leak mean the entire air system needs to be replaced. At this point what's going on with the air and cooling systems are guesses. Considering the cost of new airbags or any other air system component or drawing the conclusion the cooling system needs to be rebuilt into the buy/no buy equation is misleading at best.

I would focus on trying to get service records or talking to past owner(s) and that PPI. rather than our speculation or personal experience.

What is the cost of a PPI in your area?

I will call the bmw dealer that the last owner serviced at and see if they willing to give out info to me.

The PPI cost in the South of $150 which is not bad. Found a reputable indy in my area with highly recommended review.

However we currently owning 3 cars and 2 drivers I will have to sell one of the Toyota once I get this BEAST as I dont want to sell my 03 X5. Decision, decision. Will let you guys know the outcome. Thank you for all of the suggestions and pointers.

More cars the better. One for each purpose in life.
Highway runner
Weekend burner
Daily driver
Costco Home Depot hauler
Then there are optional cars like:
Disposable - no deep investment, so no loss if wrecked, bent in parking lots, etc.
Rainy day (driver see above)
Toy/ garage queen. (Pocket depth determines make model)