Just got back from a week on the road with my E53. She was a monster and tore up 2000 miles to Iowa and back like a new car.
I have to admit I was a bit nervous at times after my belt-loosing/overheating experience on last year's hunting trip, but not a bit of drama this time. Lots of hwy miles with the cruise control pegged at 70 (more than that and I'm getting 14 mpg) and a lot of Iowa gravel roads looking for birds. I made the mistake of venturing into "dirt" roads twice while not paying attention, and quickly was reminded of the limitations of pre-x drive and non-limited slip diffs. Ice crust over mud got the traction control working overtime trying to control wheel spin, and the car but not very effectively. Fortunately, I was able to back out before I had to walk out. She did cross many a bean/corn field to pick up my hunting buddy after getting split up to get him back to his rig.
25 deg. temps and a little snow accentuated every rattle and squeak from the 20-year-old car. The most annoying one coming from the windshield. I had to put a new one in last year. I also kept an eye on the temps and am still baffled by the thermostat logic. More to follow on that.
***Update…Holy crap, she got me home and then the starter died in the grocery store parking lot! At least I hope it is the starter. I hear a single click from under the car when the key goes to the start position. I assume this is the solenoid working, but the motor has crapped out. No codes and a 20 year old starter has me hopeful it isn’t the EWS. I did try my second key with no luck. I’m happy she got me home and didn’t strand me in an Iowa Bean field at 25 deg. Oreillys has a starter so I’m going to pop that in today in the lot and cross my fingers.