4.8 v8..........more or less reliable than 4.4?

[the shreksta]

as you are well aware now i have been on the lookout for a nice x5 and ive been offered a gorgeous one thats had a new transfer box/front diff and all new suspension computers/sensors

my question is do the transfer boxes/diffs fail quite often as its kinda putting me off, do the 4.4/4.6 versions suffer the same problem?

any other things the 4.8's are prone to?

thanks

matt

[Greydog]

I have run both 4.4 (30k in my hands) and now a 4.6 (last 2 years 20k)  we tow a horse box so both have had good use. The rear diff on my current 4.6 started to get noisy the BMW Specialist I use found a rebuild kit (BMW just replace) I have a warranty on the car and the warranty company said replace the whole unit ??
I would say there is no difference in reliability across the range if the car you are looking at has a sound history and everything works as it should then go for the 4.8 you will get a higher spec car with all the toys.
I would advise a warranty, plenty to choose from (mine is with Warranty Direct) that way you know your protected in the event something does go wrong. A bit of "it never rains when your carrying the umbrella" thinking.
If you look hard enough for the problems they are there in all makes. I have a shooting friend who has a RR TD V8 2 years old and he is sick of it, yet his previous one was rock solid.

[the shreksta]

im just so worried about owning one lol

[kkx5]

To make it more clear. X5 4.4/4.6 pre face and 4.4/4.8 face lift, only outside look same, whole drivetrain is totally different.

[the shreksta]

So what are the differences between the face lift 4.4/face-lift 4.8?

Thanks

[Greydog]

4.4 Facelift 320 bhp and many items need to be specified so you may find no Nav or non folding mirrors or no heated seats.
4.8 360 bhp and fully kitted out most have adjustable air suspension all round plus all the interior kit as standard.

Personal choice would be the bigger engine

[X5Sport]

Facelift also gets the xdrive system and I think the 6-speed ZF auto gearbox in place of the 5-sp version.

[the shreksta]

thanks for all your help guys, i know im asking alot of questions and more than likely getting on your nerves lol

is the 5 speed more/less reliable than the 6 speed?

[X5Sport]

It varies.  Both have less than stellar reliability but the 6-sp is a better box and the later build car you can afford, the better they are.  The box itself is much better to drive with. 

A revised version was fitted to the E70 and that is far more reliable.  I'm not even sure that as yet anyone on here has had one go.

You can always get it serviced.  When you try any car, make certain the changes are all smooth with no jerkiness, especially when pulling to a halt.  Check it in normal, sport and manual.  Anything over 60,000 miles needs an oil change - forget the sealed for life statement.  60k is its BMW 'life'.

If you are worried about repair bills then don't buy one.  It's a complex luxury car with complex luxury car running costs.  There is just no way around that.  You probably need to be prepared for a £3k bill at some point.  It you can keep that untouched in the Bank all well and good, even better if it's still there when you change the car later....it's a deposit for the next one 

[AW8]

I  personally feel an E53 owner sourcing a decent enough car would have to be very unlucky to end up with a £3k bill. That said a serious engine failure, replacement or rebuild might yield such an invoice. Similarly it could take £3k to sort a badly purchased lemon with issues.

In reality the parts and labour bill wont be leagues away from costs for similar work on any other car with a big lump under the bonnet.

Reputable salvage parts & a user friendly competent mechanic may be of use but even then a serious engine or box failure could mean you have legwork to avoid a £2k bill.

In reality a catastrophic failure on a sub £10k value car can often result in folk selling or part exchanging with big loss.

The twin axle adjustable suspension failure potential on 4.8is cant be ignored. There is additional consideration on 4.8is re valve stem seal failure. Valley pan gasket & coolant pipe failures not unheard of on facelift V8 cars which have the N62 lump.

Far worse used 4x4  purchases out there but I personally wouldn't put E53 on top of the used 4x4 reliability award list.

To reduce risk of big bills a tidy well maintained 3.0i manual with coil conversion is probably best bet.

If keen to reduce used reliablity worries buying a used 4x4, maybe consider a Lexus 300 without the fancy air suspension. Even less to  go wrong on a Mk2  petrol RAV4 and it will generally deal with corners as well as or better than anything else discussd here.

[4.8v8]

I definitely enjoy driving the 4.8 and hearing the v8 roar! Depends what you are after. I dont do many miles as I live in central London so enjoying the drive when I do was more important than economy. But given that I enjoy driving it so much I find myself looking for excuses to drive it more. Then again I had a brand new 3.0 diesel M sport X5 for a month (after someone decided to reverse into mine) and while the economy was better around town I didnt find it much better on the motorway. And overall enjoyed the v8 drive more. I can't comment on reliability versus other models. But it is a performance engine. Iv had no problems in 6 months / 5,000 miles, now has 123,500 on the clock.

[Nat]

I have run both and to keep it short and sweet the 4.4 never missed a beat and I sold it for a  4.8  that was the worst car I have ever had. I had it 3 years and spent over 20 K on it . Lucky for me most of it under warranty .  That air suspension is crap, ( replaced twice ) constantly punctures itself , pan roof , failed, nav ( all of it replaced ) wheel bearings, reverse camera, folding mirrors ( twice ) complete new gearbox , header tank, power steering hoses..............the list went on.

4.4 all day long for me .............