X5 4.6is

[ikr3512]

Hi

I am new on here been running a 525d just getting X5 4.6is 2003 with 70k on it I want to start right what should I be looking for to check first and would a full oil and filters be a good idea?

any other stuff I should do gearbox oil etc any advice please

[Greydog]

My 4.6 was on 74k when it came into my ownership, although it had a full Dealer History I had a full oil service carried out. This was engine oil & filter, both diffs, transfer box and gearbox. I also took out a warranty I would advise you do the same. I assume that everything on the car works as it should no simple fixes on an X5. Even though its low miles it is 13 years old.
At the end of my first year of ownership I noticed rear tyre wear on the inside edges so with the help of one of my sons we replaced all the suspension bushes front and rear from what I have read their life is about 80k. The change was amazing the old bushes must all have been really soft and at the end of their service life.

All good for another year then the rear diff  gave up, the Warranty was worth its cost a new diff was £900 plus fitting the warranty covered 60% parts and all labour. Currently the Warranty is taking a beating as the car suffered a major engine failure at Christmas total cost will be about £5.5k without the warranty the car would be scrapped now.

So have I been unlucky or is this typical of BMW? I cant say as I have only owned X5's for a relatively short time and I brought it as a cheap tow car for the horse box a job it does really well. Once fixed I will run it and enjoy it again.

[IanP]

In my opinion, all 4.6is will have a camchain guide failure at some point. I would budget some money to have the chains and guides changed when you have the opportunity rather than wait for them to go. Service history is no use in this case as the guides are plastic and give up after some time presumably due to the heat. There is a new thread about a 4.4 with the same problem. Unlike Greydog I had no warranty so did mine myself including a full engine overhaul, which was expensive. And if you do get a rattle from the front of the engine don't drive it or the broken guides will allow the tensioner to come out....

[ikr3512]

Thanks Lads

I can't get cover its too old so I have to go it alone, I will prob do all the oils and bushes.
the engine is not 100% running ok with misfire could be a valve I knew this when I got it as it runs on lpg so if I have the heads redone I will do chain and tenshioner.

Any other suggestions would be great its lost the tow bar ball so I have no idea what it supposed to be on this model I am guessing a westfilla model on these cars from new?

[IanP]

If you do the camchains etc then you can hire the timing tools on E bay