12-10-2014, 10:40 AM | #1 |
Captain
194
Rep 828
Posts
Drives: 2011 X5 3.5i w/ SA Package
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Lincolnshire, IL
|
5.0 vs. 3.5i Complaints/Reliability
It seems there are a lot more complaints on here about 5.0 issues vs. the 3.5i. Is that simply because there are more 5.0 enthusiasts on here, or is there clearly a difference in reliability? Obviously, there are more complicated components in the 5.0's engine and other components to go wrong, but I would think many other components are similar. Maybe not. I'm just trying to get some feedback here from everyone.
|
12-10-2014, 12:00 PM | #2 |
Captain
107
Rep 994
Posts |
If you want power, there is no question, the bigger engine is the way to go. There are also more options from the aftermarket in this regard.
I have the 6cyl, and like it, but at times wish I had the 8cyl... No serious issues thus far, and it's also a common platform engine used on the 1 and 3 series at one point. Good 'ole N55... Hated on by most everyone ;-P |
Appreciate
0
|
12-10-2014, 12:52 PM | #3 |
Captain
194
Rep 828
Posts
Drives: 2011 X5 3.5i w/ SA Package
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Lincolnshire, IL
|
Thanks. Part of my motivation for asking these questions is because I'm considering a 5.0, but am unwilling to significantly compromise reliability. For example, my 3.5i burns no oil. However, I've read many complaints about oil burning in the 5.0. Sure, twin turbos make a big difference over one turbo, but I feel in this day and age, oil shouldn't burn in these cars. It's not like turbos and piston rings are new concepts...
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-10-2014, 01:03 PM | #4 |
Captain
107
Rep 994
Posts |
Just recently, I went from oil being full to half, and when I actually noticed it going to half, it was at the low mark within a week.... I just topped off a full qt this past weekend, and am going to track it over the coming weeks... So that was new for me, and not something I expected.
Beats my other car that burns about 1qt every 600-1k miles. |
Appreciate
0
|
12-10-2014, 01:14 PM | #5 |
Captain
194
Rep 828
Posts
Drives: 2011 X5 3.5i w/ SA Package
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Lincolnshire, IL
|
If that happened to me, and my car was still under warranty, it would be at the dealership without delay. That's an insane amount of oil to lose.
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-11-2014, 07:57 PM | #6 |
Colonel
196
Rep 2,485
Posts |
50i here. Do about 12K a year. It takes a quart every 6000 ish. No biggie.
If you're on the fence and can afford to run a 50i (MPG is not stellar), go with it. It's the most fun you will have in a big vehicle.
__________________
2006 E90 330i (retired)
2009 E90 335i (retired) 2012 E70 X5 50i M Sport (retired) 2016 F10 535i M Sport |
Appreciate
0
|
12-11-2014, 08:06 PM | #7 |
Captain
194
Rep 828
Posts
Drives: 2011 X5 3.5i w/ SA Package
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Lincolnshire, IL
|
Thanks! Aside from burning one quart per 6k-ish miles, any major problems?
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-12-2014, 12:15 AM | #8 | |
Private
5
Rep 83
Posts |
Quote:
You sure there are more 5.0 enthusiasts here than 3.5?? |
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-12-2014, 06:19 AM | #9 |
Colonel
196
Rep 2,485
Posts |
Nope. And I'm running a mild tune. I have had battery problems but that is common to all BMWs it seems.
__________________
2006 E90 330i (retired)
2009 E90 335i (retired) 2012 E70 X5 50i M Sport (retired) 2016 F10 535i M Sport |
Appreciate
0
|
12-12-2014, 07:51 AM | #10 |
Captain
194
Rep 828
Posts
Drives: 2011 X5 3.5i w/ SA Package
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Lincolnshire, IL
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-13-2014, 07:31 AM | #11 |
FDNY Engine 55
681
Rep 2,115
Posts |
I have the 50i and have not had any problems except for a few speeding tickets ever since I installed the JB Stage 1 tune...I've added 2 quarts of oil in the 3 months I've owned it but that's from lots of spirited driving. I test drove a handful of 35i's and there's just no comparison to the 50i in terms of power and the sound of the N63 vs the N55 especially on a cold start. The 50i only gets a few less mpg compared to the 35i
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-13-2014, 11:41 AM | #12 |
Sergeant
28
Rep 142
Posts |
Very trusted friend and long-time BMW mech says the 5.0s are far far more problematic that the 3s. That goes for the cars as well as the SA/UVs.
__________________
_______________ ///M '16 535i Xdrive Msport '13 M5 - Singapore Gray, Black Ext. Napa, Dinan FF Exhaust, much more to follow. '12 X5 M - Carbon blk, Cinnamon interior <retired> |
Appreciate
0
|
12-13-2014, 05:26 PM | #13 |
Lieutenant
117
Rep 557
Posts |
I bought my 2012 50i with 43K miles a little over 3 months now. It's been to the dealer 3 times already. It's there right now (day 10) for the following:
Starter being replaced Front thrust rod bushings Oil leak from the non return valve Rear seat heaters don't work And a few other miscellaneous/non-engine related issues When I bought it, it went in for front window regulators failed (2 trips - one to diagnose and a return trip after parts came in). Before I bought, service records show the following repairs: AC evaporator leaking Fuel injector leaking Vacuum pump leaking High pressure pump HDP permanent malfunction Engine breather lines leaking Vehicle battery permanent failure Oil sump gasket (V-engines) leaking Probably 3-4 of those issues are specific to the V8 engine. This is my first V8 BMW and the only reason I ended up with the 50i is because I had to have M Sport package in carbon black with a select set of features. This one came up with all that I wanted and outstanding condition so I went for it. Before I bought it I called a few shops that specialize in BMW and spoke to my service advisor and all of them said yes, you will see more problems with the V8. I was willing to take that chance, but I spent $3200 on an extended warranty (even though the car is under factory warranty for another year+) with excellent coverage. From what I was told, it's not that you'll run into a lot of problems necessarily, but if you don't they'll be very expensive to fix. From the history and my experience so far, I'll need it. BMWs have a fair amount of issues in general, the V8 just adds another layer. |
Appreciate
0
|
12-13-2014, 10:43 PM | #14 | |
Private First Class
21
Rep 146
Posts |
Quote:
That said, I'm sure there's plenty of people on this board who run v8s with little or no problems. Oh, and as for the 3.5 wrt reliability....I got mine about a month ago. Noticed a vibration when turning at very low speeds under acceleration. Hello new transfer case! Good thing it's still under 4/50.... |
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-17-2014, 11:44 PM | #15 |
Major
254
Rep 1,067
Posts
Drives: 2017 M3 ZCP / 2017 RRS SC
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Naperville
|
I have owned BMW V8's what feels like forever now and I have not had "V8" engine issues. I have had BMW components which are on i6 and v8 issue but nothing v8 specific
Here are my V8 experiences I have always changed my oil twice as much as what BMW states. Never more than 7500 miles per. My v8's have always burned some oil. The v8TT's are thirsty, BMW states 1qt per 750 is acceptable based on specific driving conditions. I am at 1qt every 2500-3000 All BMW's are having high pressure fuel system component issues. Injectors and pumps on i6 and V8 have issues.
__________________
17 M3 ZCP -- 2017 Range Rover Sport SC --RIP-- 12 X5 50i Sport -- 11 M3 DCT -- 2011 X5 50i(Lemon) -- 2008 550 Msport -- 2007 x5 4.8 sport -- 2004 545 sport -- 2002 x5 4.4 sport -- 2001 540i Msport 2000 SL500 -- 1997 SL500 |
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|