Pro's and Cons 3.0d or 4.6

[weirdfish]

I've been on the lookout for a while now for a decent 4.6 in the right colour etc etc
It seems decent ones are getting harder and harder to get hold of, so I thought about getting the 3litre oil burner and getting it re-mapped.
Anyone have any real world thoughts about this idea, would I miss that v8 grunt, or would a properly tuned oil burner make me smile enough.

[graemeX5]

Hi

Yes finding good examples is getting harder as time goes on. I would say it depends on how much usage as a 4.6 or any petrol is a lot thirstier than a petrol bug if like me it's a weekend car then for me it's a V8 rather than a diesel.

If I was using everyday then diesel, and when remapped the are pretty rapid plus provide better fuel consumption, the only downside is the don't quite have the sound of a V8. I know Rajs V8 with an aftermarket system was very throaty when compared to a standard system I had on my 4.4 when we met up.

Graeme

[IanP]

4.6 Pros: V8, possibly higher spec?, better looking (IMO), rare. Cons: camchain tensioners will need replacing, mine averaged 19mpg over a few thousand miles of mixed driving (no towing), autobox is a bit iffy, and as they are getting on a bit, other gremlins will appear especially in the electrics, air suspension on rear can be a PITA

3.0D Pros: good fuel consumption, you should be able to get a lower mileage one, quite quick when mapped. Cons: Not a V8, engines are still complex, turbos can fail, probably same electrical problems as with all the older X5s. Not a V8 

If you are really set on a 4.6 I would keep hunting, took me nearly a year to find the X6 I was after. How about a 4.8?

[weirdfish]

My heart really wants a 4.6, but I would consider a 4.8 if it's right.
I was aiming to lpg it anyway, so mpg is not such an issue.
The biggest problem I'm finding is that sellers are asking top top money for vehicles that have not been looked after, lack of service history, bodywork damage, things not working etc etc, and it's the old old story, "what do you expect for a car this age", well I expect at least that you've bothered to get it serviced.
I had one guy who had owned a vehicle for 7 years or so and not bothered to have it properly serviced, when I asked why, he said that he hadn't done many miles so didn't think it was worth it, I did point out that the service lights on the dash board were there for a reason and not just decoration.
I can accept a few problems if the price was right, but not if it's top dollar.

[Horizon]

Unfortunately that's the norm these days regarding servicing and maintenance.
I have had my X3 since February I think.
When I bought it I fitted a new set of tyres, due to mismatched originals ( 3 different makes ) I then did the glow plugs and controller, swirlflap delete, thermostat, air filter ( which didn't look like it had been changed in many a year ) I've had the gearbox serviced, new Bosch Aero Wipers ,  new wiper arm and blade on the rear. Fitted a towbar ( which developed into buying a caravan

[graemeX5]

Hi

I think it's worth holding out for the car you want. I originally wanted a 4.8i and put a deposit on it but the car fell thou as it had too many probs that weren't sorted. I really struggled to find a good car in the price bracket I had 5years ago

I ended up with a 4.4 facelift sport that my brother in law had traded in to him, I then spent £1500 on getting the car serviced brakes light bushes etc don.

Then I spent the next 4 years adding the 4.8i wheels the arches the rear diffusers and 4.8i front bumper, having a new head unit, sliding out floor Ac/schnitzer 22"wheels etc and spent a lot on it but I enjoyed it and the car was very reliable I did have to rEplace the battery that was the only real problem,

Graeme

[henrym3]

I hear what people are saying about Service History but as an example I've had my 4.6 over 2.6 years and it hasn't seen the inside of a garage in that time but I consider it is well serviced, even, dare I say, over serviced. All I could show is a load of receipts for bits that could have been fitted or not by a monkey. I would be dependant on people looking at condition and having a general feeling as to how it was looked after and of course if you advertise as "serviced by myself" the feeling people have is that you can't afford to take it to a garage and have it serviced by a real monkey.

[Greydog]

Totally understand support Henry with regard to a "Stamped" service history, however it becomes immediately apparent how well a car has been looked after when it is driven. Well it does to me and I suspect others here, how tight does it feel to drive how smooth no vibration or rattles everything working as it should.
I use a respected BMW Specialist for the big bits (your not quite as bendy in your 70's) but general service items !! Why would I want to pay for garage time and profit on parts (yes I recognise it is a business with overheads the needs to make a profit) for something as simple as an oil and filter change plus when your under there you learn a lot about where things are and what condition they are in.
On a car under 5 years old a Dealer history is important to protect warranty conditions and residuals but on a 14 year old X5 ?? So like Henry my 4.6 has a very comprehensive folder of receipts and photographs, but the strongest testimony is always in the driving.