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.
Congratulations and welcome!
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).
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 spec.
The air system can be re-calibrated if that is the only problem. Suggest check for error codes to see if there are any air system associated.
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”.
7. Dynavin N6-E53.
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.
Best to go with OEM or OE replacement. Good time to change hoses if you don't know how old they are.
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?
Can purchase LED interior light set on Ebay. LEDs can cause a fault code but you shouldn't have that problem with interior lights. Look for lights that are advertised as--will not cause fault.
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?
Plasti Dip will work fine though many use vinyl wrap. You can use spray cans, shouldn't be a problem but test it on a very small section to be sure.
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?
Not sure what you mean by steering wheel center.
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.
I don't know if there is a writeup. Try the DIY section of forum site.
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?
Just pull it off.
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.
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.
Not sure what you mean by labels.
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
New key purchase is from dealer. They will need VIN number and proof of ownership. Can't remember price but seems like it is around $100
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.
21. A complete servicing of the fluids and necessities.
Anything else in particular that I should keep an eye out for?
I suggest having it inspected by a well recommended Indy that specializes in BMWs
With every work complete I will update this thread with a before and after photograph whenever possible.
Thanks guys.
Best Regards