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4.6iS query

Discuss your latest mods or ideas, and anything to do with the BMW X5 (E53).
gt2200
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4.6iS query

Post by gt2200 » Fri Oct 12, 2012 3:05 pm

Need some help from the 4.6 owners out there. I took a 4.6 out for a test drive today, love the power /sound etc but have a query about the lights around the Rev counter. When the car was cold all the lights were illuminated and after 3-4miles they started to go off. I only drove the car approx 8miles but the last two lights (towards 6.5-7k rpm) stayed lit, is this normal or should they all be going out?

Helps much appreciated as an hoping to make a decision on the car today.

Cheers ..... A hopeful iS owner:)

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Re: 4.6iS query

Post by IanP » Fri Oct 12, 2012 4:16 pm

The last amber light after 6500 and the red light after 7000 both stay on. The other lights go off as the oil warms up, so as the 'red line' is lower when the engine is cold. Whats the mileage, and are you getting a comprehensive warranty?

gt2200
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Re: 4.6iS query

Post by gt2200 » Fri Oct 12, 2012 4:29 pm

Thanks for that. Mileage is number 80k,no warranty offered but thought about buying 1off the net.

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Re: 4.6iS query

Post by IanP » Fri Oct 12, 2012 4:46 pm

Ask if the cam chain tensioners have been done. Has it got a full service history?

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Re: 4.6iS query

Post by gt2200 » Fri Oct 12, 2012 5:17 pm

History is a mix of BMW and Indy, only 1 overdue service and last done 7k ago. No mention of tensioners but motor sounded sweet from cold and stayed quiet at temp.

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Re: 4.6iS query

Post by IanP » Fri Oct 12, 2012 5:20 pm

So did mine :)). The 4.6 seems to suffer from tensioner problems more than the 4.4 and 4.8, and it can get expensive. They seem to go between 80 and 100 thousand miles,

gt2200
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Re: 4.6iS query

Post by gt2200 » Fri Oct 12, 2012 5:41 pm

This gets more depressing as I go along. My wife is determined for us to own an X5, but every-time I post something up or read something the more terrified I am at the prospect of owning one.

I spoke to my wife this avo after the test drive and mentioned the fact that did we really need a car that performs like a 911 but weighs over 2tonnes......'Yes' was here answer!! Now whose got the sensible head on?

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Re: 4.6iS query

Post by IanP » Fri Oct 12, 2012 6:04 pm

How about a 4.8?

gt2200
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Re: 4.6iS query

Post by gt2200 » Fri Oct 12, 2012 6:11 pm

I don't think so!!!

If she carries on like this ill scrape the whole idea and get a Fiesta!

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4.6iS query

Post by kkodal78 » Fri Oct 12, 2012 8:33 pm

[quote="gt2200"]
Need some help from the 4.6 owners out there. I took a 4.6 out for a test drive today, love the power /sound etc but have a query about the lights around the Rev counter. When the car was cold all the lights were illuminated and after 3-4miles they started to go off. I only drove the car approx 8miles but the last two lights (towards 6.5-7k rpm) stayed lit, is this normal or should they all be going out?

Helps much appreciated as an hoping to make a decision on the car today.

Cheers ..... A hopeful iS owner:)
[/quote]
It is normal...


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2005(55) VW TouranTDI met. black

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X5Sport
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Re: 4.6iS query

Post by X5Sport » Fri Oct 12, 2012 9:37 pm

[quote="gt2200"]
This gets more depressing as I go along. My wife is determined for us to own an X5, but every-time I post something up or read something the more terrified I am at the prospect of owning one.

I spoke to my wife this avo after the test drive and mentioned the fact that did we really need a car that performs like a 911 but weighs over 2tonnes......'Yes' was here answer!! Now whose got the sensible head on?
[/quote]
Don't let her near the newer versions with the 40D engine, or 4.4V8 (50i) Twin Turbo then!!  They're even faster! :P
:ant: Never anthropomorphise computers. They hate that.

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Re: 4.6iS query

Post by AW8 » Fri Oct 12, 2012 10:00 pm

Count yourself lucky........many would be delighted to see poor reasoning from their partners.
Gone - 2002 E53 X5 4.4i Sport (Pre Facelift) Owned 2006-2016.

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Re: 4.6iS query

Post by graemeX5 » Fri Oct 12, 2012 11:09 pm

[quote="gt2200"]
This gets more depressing as I go along. My wife is determined for us to own an X5, but every-time I post something up or read something the more terrified I am at the prospect of owning one.

I spoke to my wife this avo after the test drive and mentioned the fact that did we really need a car that performs like a 911 but weighs over 2tonnes......'Yes' was here answer!! Now whose got the sensible head on?
[/quote]

Hi it may be worth reading the e53 buyers guide on the forum and I say the car is worth it, but if unsure either get it checked out by the AA/ rac or mechanic or your local independent for any faults plus if you can get a warranty that also give peace of mind.

Generally these cars need regular maintenance and tlc and that costs, but it puts a big smile on your face when your drive one and most on here will agree they don't regret getting one.
Now: E70 X5 in Blue, 3 Minis Cooper S R53, JCW R56 & Cooper S Roadster R59 :drive:

Prev: Abarth 595C & 500C, E53 X5 4.4i, E88 135i M Sport, Audi TT Mk1 V6, 3 Smarts, 8 Vauxhalls, 4 Fords, 2 Triumphs, 1 Mini & Bikes

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Re: 4.6iS query

Post by IanP » Sat Oct 13, 2012 8:50 am

Have to admit I do like mine, especially with the noise it makes at 6000 rpm.

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M3 SOY
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Re: 4.6iS query

Post by M3 SOY » Sat Oct 13, 2012 9:02 am

I'm now on my second 4.6is and would thoroughly recommend one!

Other than regular maintenance the only issues I have had are starter motor, hedgehog and rear suspension arms. That was on the first one.

The latest one I have had for a month, I bought it just after it had an inspection 2 with new breather hoses and rocker cover gaskets. However, Its presently in the Indy having a new coolant hose. Fortunately that was only a £22 part!!

Get one, best car I have ever owned regardless of the cost of ownership.

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