The X5 has been running strong for the last week, after working through an idle issue and an SES light related to the SAP delete I did. I'm starting to turn my attention to the interior and some more modest upgrades to the sound system.

The inability to find idle was probably self-induced by my unplugging the DME a couple times to clean it of oil that had aparently gotten on the wires and migrated down into the connections. This oil could have been the source of the problem, but I'm thinking that the DME was forced to relearn the throttle every time I plugged it back in, I now know that the car doesn't need to be running for the DME to learn the throttle. Nice.

The SES light was getting set by the lack of an electric vacuum valve - the little one that controls the SAP pneumatic valve and sits on the intake. I plugged it back in and voila, no SES light. Kassel Performance later confirmed that they missed this one or zero when they did the delete on my DME. I think I'll eventually measure the resistance and substitute a resistor at the valve electrical plug, rather than loose my DME for another week. Aside from that I'm very happy with the 4.6 tune and SAP delete that Kassel did.

The car is a confirmed gas hog with my first look at MPG coming in at just under 13! and that with a little highway driving mixed in. Thirsty motor and bigger all terrain tires I guess. I know the 4.6s are a bit worse on MPG than the 4.4s anyway, but I'm jonsing for an aux tank. I could make do with a couple jerry cans on the swing out spare tire carrier I'm planning on adding at some point, and/or I keep thinking that an aux tank solution could be fabricated and added to the space where the giant charcoal canister is now. The canister would of course need to be re-fabricated as a smaller piece and mounted elsewhere. Just what size tank could be incorporated would be the determining factor in if it is worth doing. I've seen some pretty cool custom charcoal canisters made by hot-rod guys using compact aluminum cylinders.

I'm starting to acquire black roof trim pieces (cargo hooks, handles, covers, etc.) from Ebay and new. My headliner is shot so I went down to the top upholstery shop in town today and discussed a black Alcantra headliner for the X. The owner took a look at the seats too as I'd like to get the fronts recovered and the bolsters re-stuffed somewhat as well. Long lead times for product, but an easy job for the guy judging by the custom cars and damaged new cars from dealers he had in his shop.

Pics below are of the dinky electric valve keeping the SES light at bay currently, the finished motor...well almost finished. I'm getting the plastic covers painted in the gray I used for the hood, and flat black. The engine bay isn't nearly as clean as I'd like it, but the juice isn't worth the squeeze to re-route/ more stuff for this project. I am taking notes for my next project though. Final pic is of the car as it is today, with the new Thule racks I broke down and bought.


The remaining sound upgrades I want to do include new 2 way speakers for the rear doors and woofer/tweeter components for the front, as well as an amp and a small powered sub in the back. Nothing cosmic, but enough to allow the Kenwood head unit to shine.

Attached Images

   

__________________
Current
Original owner 2002 E53 X5 4.4i to 4.6i swap
2026 G80 M3 6 spd
2025 G06 X5 50e
Former
1972 Audi Fox
1986 Saab 900S
1996 BMW Z3
1998 BMW E36 M3 Sedan
2004 BMW E46 M3
2006 Audi A3 Quatro
1993 Mopar 318 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2015 V6 Jeep Grand Cherokee