2007 4.8i
 

anyone recommend one of these?

Interesting screen name....


13 year old BMW V8? If you are a pretty handy mechanic, perhaps.

Spot on.

As a second car that you do not have to 100% rely upon, and you get in well knowing that arriving at your destination is probably not guaranteed.

Otherwise, for those times it's functioning well, it's actually fun.



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I have an 08 48i that’s nearing 150k. Daily driver, perfectly reliable. Strong motor, good car, I like it a lot, but I don’t know that I’d ‘recommend’ the 48i. I was fortunate enough to have valve stem seals done under warranty, which as a byproduct replaces a lot of other seals. If I were buying now I’d target a newer 35i or 50i (I’m not scared), but I wouldn’t discount a 48i if it was the right car otherwise. Option list and history/condition are critically important IMO not just engine.

What is the MPG like on the 48i ? Should i get a deisel instead?

The diesel is completely different and has it's own specific host of problems. As mathis said of the 50i and 35i (and 48i), it's so of the 35d:

I replied on the “other” forum as well. 4.8i is reliable when maintained and fun to drive but you have to put in a lot of time as a diy mechanic to keep it that way. I have almost 170,000 miles on mine. Only left me stranded once with a transmission solenoid failure. I work on it myself. It’s an enjoyable headache.


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I have one of these nearing 128k miles and it runs pretty good. I have a check engine light on for some DMTL stuff but i've changed the pump for it. Other than that it's really good. I've also had to replace my coolant thermostat and a few sensors. I also get about 12-13 mpg

What he said! I love it and mine has about 253K km but be prepared to fix a lot of leaks, front suspension, and little things here and there inside that may break. Plastic stuff. Great truck though. I just changed the rear upper rearward control arm today as i heard a squeak in the rear when i go over bump.s. For me an hours work (jack up, Deflate air suspension, swap out part, do the reverse, and good to go!)

It helps when you can do all the work yourself. Also be prepared to change the Trani, transfer case, and both front and rear diff fluid.

The diesels are too slow for my taste. If gas mileage is a factor X5 may not be the right move.

Well well well.. yes - wish I had read up on all this before taking the plunge. I'm no DIY techie and I can assure you, before even heading to the truck, there's always that lingering thought whether it will even crank and start, and when it's going, whether it will get me there this time round. Same worry routine heading back home ...[emoji2955]

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As long as your battery is good that N62 will fire up every time and get you where you’re going. I dealt with some cold start problems this week but it still started. These motors will leak oil but they’re strong and reliable.

You will be fine. These are the worst cases and I have high mileage and still love it. I just drove the 2016 x5 3.5i (F15) and did not like it. Feels like the “BMW” is non existent in it. I do really want the E70 X5M ! Now that drives like a real Bimmer, but that’s a whole other episode of problems!

Lol. I’ve owned both the 4.8i and currently an x5m. While the 4.8i is no reliability champ, it’s been down right cheap to maintain compared to my x5m. Never ever ever buy a used x5m without a warranty. It’s like keeping a Toureg V10tdi on the road.


My extended warranty has probably covered 20k in 3 years of repairs. Not including maintenance.... plus ther is the m tax.

With that said the 4.8i I had was a 2008 dumped with 98k miles. Ran great never left me stranded. But smoked like the bat mobile due to bad valve stem seals. Seemed to always need something and I was constantly working on it... so I traded for an under warranty m and have been much happier. The x5m has been more reliable but more expensive to repair due to the m tax.