Hello. I am new here and this is my first post.
I was lurking around for a while reading up as much as I can to try and gain knowledge regarding the X5 4.8is LE56447, imola red, black interior with grey interior trims, clocked 43,000 km (not miles) that I recently purchased.
Even with the mileage the previous owner took absolutely no care of the vehicle. I intend to fix that gradually. Biggest constraints for me is importing and sourcing parts, as I am based in Bangladesh.
I have other vehicles and the X5 in particular will be a weekend ride only.
This forum has been of immense help and I am looking forward to all of your help, suggestions and guidance.
I made a list of things that needs attention and am working towards correcting them. This will be my phase 1.
1. Drive shaft, universal joint 26111229360 (
RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.8is Drive shaft, single components, 4-wheel)
Will install tomorrow.
2. Center mount, 26121229726 (
RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.8is Drive shaft, single components, 4-wheel)
Will install tomorrow.
3. Climate control-quite a few buttons broken. (already purchased from ebay.co.uk, waiting for a few more parts so that they can be shipped together).
ihkabuttons.com
4. Center console cup holder complete unit. (already purchased from ebay.co.uk, waiting for a few more parts so that they can be shipped together).
5. Arnott Industries-front and rear air springs. (need suggestions whether I should look into other areas before placing the order). What are your thoughts regarding the KW coil overs? Don’t want to delay this decision, since I understand my air springs are almost out of specs.
I have no experience with the KW coilovers but if you deleted the air suspension you'd need to get it coded out of the vehicle order otherwise you'd have a permanent error on the dash. I have Arnott struts and they work great as replacements. If you have leaks replace them right away, as the compressor can burn out easily if pumping all the time.
6. Figure out a way to sell the Hamann style 22” wheels with Michelin tires 295 30 22. Don’t know why the owner bought these? He also gave me a SAF forged wheels 20” with Advan 275 front and 315 rear. The tires in both are in very good condition. I really prefer the 177 style OEM 20”.
Sell both sets if you don't like them.
7. Dynavin N6-E53.
Good choice, remember if you have OEM Navigation you need the Fakra extension harness from Dynavin.
8. Radiator-was wondering about aftermarket Behr? Are they any good, or should I look into some other companies? There is a tiny wetness and I do not want to take a chance. This for me is a priority.
Check your radiator for a sticker from the manufacturer, Behr may be "aftermarket" but it is probably the OEM manufacturer for your X5. There are one or two other companies as well, but I wouldn't hesitate to use Behr.
9. I wish to put LED lights replacements in the interior and exterior where applicable. Kindly suggest a good company to purchase from. Does anyone sell a complete set of LED bulbs for the E53?
It's cheaper just to count the number and type of bulbs needed and order off ebay than to look for a pre-made "kit", as some bulbs may be needed and others don't. The ONLY bulbs needed to be "error free" are the puddle lights for the mirror bulbs, and the license plate bulbs. All other interior bulbs DO NOT need to be error free as there are no cold checks for them.
10. Already ordered OE style black floor mats from Germany. (already purchased from ebay.co.uk, waiting for a few more parts so that they can be shipped together).
11. Planning to take off the interior grey trims all around and paint them. For painting is paint dip the best option or would regular body paint work?
A reputable body shop should have no problem scuffing, priming, and painting with clearcoat the color of your choice. If you have graphite gray trims though why are you painting? Most people want to paint their trims if they are wood (outdated)
12. Steering wheel center has a few white wear showing, wish to take that off and paint matte black. Struggling with what needs to be disconnected to be safe. The fuse alone or the battery terminal?
It's cheaper to just spend the $45 and order a new piece from BMW. I only removed the airbag fuse on mine and was fine, the battery stayed connected but do it at your own list.
13. The panoramic roof does not work and is in my to do list, however first I need to identify the problem area. Motor or the rails/rubbers. I will look up the youtube video. However, if there is a write up somewhere kindly point me there. It would be of great help.
Search "pano roof repair", there are 2 repair kits available, but there is also a "free fix" which involves removing 2 screws off the back panel and that disables the rear tilt function, and leaves the rest of the sunroof operational.
14.To take off the AT gear knob, should I simply pull it upwards? or do I need to pull it upwards pressing the parking release button on the knob?
Don't know I don't have AT.
15. Two of the rear center PDC sensor are missing. I have ordered them along with the inner and outer housing. (realoem was of great help in identifying the part numbers).Got them from ebay.co.uk.
Those should be easy to replace on the rear in the middle.
16. I have ordered the missing naps of the aluminum footboard. Ordered a few extra for future need.
17. The rear window wiper arm axel was missing ordered that as well.
18. I want to order all the labels for the car. (realoem equipment parts- labels). Is there any online store who sells them? Tried looking without luck. Or is BMW dealership my only option? Requesting for your advise.
Do you mean the emblems? As in the Roundels and the 4.8is and X5 badges? BMW dealership if so.
19. My keyless battery died. In the process of ordering LV2020. WIll look up youtube, however I also wish to order a new master key, what is the process for this? Any idea about the price of the new key?
Go to dealership with registration/title/proof of ownership. They have to order you new keys, about $200 a pop. I would NOT replace the battery on the key by prying it open, just get a new key and get it initialized, too much risk of messing up the fragile circuit board.
20. I have read about the dreaded valve stem seals and fingers crossed that I wouldn’t need to do that anytime soon. Will keep on researching that for future reference if needed.
You will need to do it eventually whether you like it or not. It's inevitable on the N62, however the upgraded design should get you at least 100k miles or more.
21. A complete servicing of the fluids and necessities.
Anything else in particular that I should keep an eye out for?
With every work complete I will update this thread with a before and after photograph whenever possible.
Thanks guys.
Best Regards