Need advice on a 2002 4.6is! - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

ALX · 15th January 2003, 22:24

Guys,

I have an opportunity to pick up a 2002 4.6is with 21k miles (highway), black on black, and nav for just under $50k. It's the original owner and he's had it faithfully serviced at a reputable BMW dealership.

What I'm wondering is:

a. Is this a deal or what?
b. Any issues out there with the 4.6is like the M5 originally had when it first came out? i.e. oil hungry, vanos, SES light, etc.
c. How reliable are services like carfax and the like?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

ALX

Fred Jr · 15th January 2003, 22:53

Right way to go!!!

4.6 car is much more intresting than standard 4.4 - looks, interior, suspension, engine - everything is much more agR-R-R-R-essive!
As I heard it got the same tech problems as standard 4.4 including electrics

Also some people think that 4.6 with its own '20 wheels is 'too stiff'

Sorry, won't comment price and etc - you too far from here...

ALX · 14th February 2003, 04:04

Fred,

Thanks for the reply! It looks like this forum doesn't really get any traffic. Oh well, I hope it picks up!

POW!

ALX

Bill Grant · 15th February 2003, 16:57

4.6i is a great vehicle. Traded wife's 2001 4.4 for black on Black 4.6. No comparison! Unbelievable handling, acceleration great and mileage reasonable ~16 mpg combined. The 4.6 is to the 4.4 what an M5 is to a 540i.

MEnthusiast · 18th February 2003, 20:35

not against it but just want to throw out there that the 04 X5 is likely to get the new 4.5l engine from the 7 series and it is within 25hp or so of the 4.6 engine, this prompting speculation that BMW will use the 4.8l engine from the alpina v8 roadster for an updated is model.

also many reviewers say the is model rides very hard. I have conducted an informal survey of is owners and the one conclusion I can draw is that those on the west coast with smooth roads love it. those who live on the east coast with bumpy roads all say its a hard ride.

Finality · 20th February 2003, 01:38

ME any word on if this is the last year of production on the 4.6?

We are in the market for a SUV right now and we are taking a good hard look at the 4.4/4.6 as well as an LX470.

ALX · 20th February 2003, 07:04

Thanks ME. I've actually passed on the 4.6 and ordered a 3.0 5sp LOL! I'm going to lease this X5 and wait to see what the next gen X5 will be like, in terms of engine and power.

POW!

ALX

MEnthusiast · 2nd March 2003, 05:16

the last I heard, the 4.6 goes out of production this sept. I have a hard time imagining that they would build a car to compete with the ML55, surpass it, and then withdraw from the marketplace. I think its likely that we will see the 4.8 engine from the Alpina v8 roadster- more torque than the M5/Z8!

as to getting a 4.6. Jai, make sure you are OK with the ride quality. a large part of this will depend on where you will drive it. I can tell you that we think the standard setup is hard enough on the NY area roads. I honestly cannot imagine wanting anything firmer. I love driving the 4.4!