first of all, which part of norcal u from? I am from sunnyvale/santa clara area.
I agree.
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1) For a car show look I recommend the wax named "Zaino".
Be prepared to sweat since they have a three step
process. You could give them a call for any questions.
They are very helpful.
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I have messed up with electrical connection from retrofitting SSG paddles, retrofitting a full OEM nav on my E46, Headlight (high-beam) shutters for bi-xenons, Start Button, and more. It's a tricky setup, but not too bad.
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2) Never mess around with it's electrical.
Forget about upgrading your stereo system. Unless the
technician knows BMWs or highly recommended by the BMW
dealer, try not to mess around with it.
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I replace batteries before they go bad so i never came across this one
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3) Never jump start your X5. and never
jump start another car with your X5. It sounds selfish
but BMW electricals is very sensitive -- kind of
fragile. If your battery goes dead, just replace it --
DONT jumpstart it -- unless it's an emergency.
If you buy a battery buy and upgrade version -- go to
Interstate Batteries and it will give you two options
-- regular and an upgrade version. Go with the upgrade
version.
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agree
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4) -- have your radiator fluid replaced by
a genuine BMW coolant ( BUY ONLY AN ORIGINAL BMW
GENUNE COOLANT -PHOSPAHTE-FREE ) from a BMW dealer
only. Use ONLY distilled water -- not drinking or tap
water. The ratio should be 50/50. Replace BMW coolant
in your X5 every two years. You should do this
religiously or else, you might have some gasket leaks,
etc.
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agree
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5) -- use synthetic oil as much as possible
-- I recommend Vol-Synthese - Lubro Moly --
check your manual for the proper grade. You could buy
it from 'Bavarian Autosport'. Google it again, call
them and request for a brochure. This is a very good
store for BMW parts, accessories, etc.
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I dont touch my tranny fluid anymore since 90K
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6) -- check your transmission fluid -- see
if it is still clean. If not, go have it serviced by a
reputable sevice center and try to use SWEPCO or
whatever your BMW manual recommends. BMW usually says
that their transmission fluid is good for 100,000
miles but thise who know usually change theirs around
60,000.
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doing the same here
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7) -- check you pwer steering fluid --
change if it is dirty -- for transmission and power
steering, try to change the filter too.
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agree, for me the difference is not that big, so i keep on putting premium only
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8) -- Very important -- use only premium
gasoline -- if you use less than premium, you will
mess-up your catalytic converter -- it's no joke to
replace one -- $$$$$!!!.
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hmmmm....interesting and never tried this. Will consider this
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9) -- When ordering from Bavarian
autosport,order maybe 10 cans of Ventil Sauber by Lubro Moly (
this cleans your valves -- it's like having your
Bimmer tuned-up for $6.00! Also order Jectron by Lubro
MOly -- to clean your injectors.
These two items should be used alternately . Ventil
Sauber, maybe once every two months, the Jectron,
maybe once every three months. Your Bimmer will thank
you for using these two items. It's like giving them
d _ _ _ s! Hehehe!
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I was a member last year and let it expire. I don't see the need for my situation, roundel mags are nice but never read any of them. But i highly recommend for those who are outgoing and are into reading articles.
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10)-- Join the BMW CCA -- again, google it.
You will have a free subcription of Roundel --a very
good BMW magazine and the local magazine which will
expose you to the different BMW 'stuff' here in the
bay area!
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I will add one major rule at this time and is rule #11
11) Join X5WORLD!!!!!! 
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Hope you can read trough these recomendations and pelase provide feed back.
Finally, since I'm preparing to start finding a Dealership for major service and the x5 as 74K miles I have asked around to some dealership their service pricing to beanchmarked them. Please let me know if these prices are reasonables. Attached is a pdf file from one of the local dealers and their cost for service.
Dealership A (see pdf attached)
Engine oil service = $330
Break fuid flush & body inspection = $170
Coolant Flush = $190
Dealership B
Engine oil Service = $250
oil change only = $110
Break fluid .....= $140
Collant flush = $140
Well I guest this is information overload for right know and pelase post your comments and recommendations.
Before I leave I would like to send many thanks to the Nav upgrade forums since with their help I made my first udpate of the OS in the MK3 system from v17 to v30. Now I'm need to get an 2008.1 navigation cd.
I will post my wish list of mods later.
Thank you
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