New to me E53! I have a few questions...

[Shang]

Hi, I just picked up my E53 and first ever BMW. It is a Silver 03 4.4 with 112k on it. I have done quite a bit of reading but I still have a few questions.

First of all, this thing has really touchy throttle response. Is this normal? I looked and didn't see any kind of drive by wire module on it.

Second, my clock, BC, and phone buttons don't work on the MID. Occasionally if it hit them the screen will blank out on the lower portion but comes back with a restart. I have read that this can be due to the instrument cluster being swapped out but everything looks to be original. Is there anything else I can check?

Other than that it is a really clean vehicle and a ton of fun to drive!

Thanks for any help!

[electricalserv x5]

the x5 bmw are very intune to the way you drive,if you are heavy on the throttle then it will jump when you drive, do your self and X5 a favor,use Castrol synthec oil...................

[upallnight]

The X has a drive by wire throttle, whereas most cars uses a mechanical linkage to control the throttle. You might not be use to the drive by wire throttle.

[X5SND]

Welcome, and congrats one the purchase!

You can reset the throttle adaptations, it will relearn to your driving. Not sure where the guide is, but searching the article section should turn something up. (I can't recall the exact procedure)

If the instrument cluster was swapped you would have the mileage tamper dot lit up if it wasn't correctly coded to the vehicle. If the buttons on the MID itself aren't working, it could be something wrong with the unit..

Hope this helps...

[Shang]

Thanks for the replies!

I have already done an oil change using Castrol Synthetic. I've always used mobil1 in the past but the cap said Castrol so I went with that.

I am very used to drive by wire. I was involved in Nissan Titan programmer development and one of the first things we tuned was the DBW. I would say that my X5 is a fairly aggressive tune. It could just be that way from the factory though. My wife doesn't even like to drive it. She says its too jumpy.

Thanks again for the replies!

[Shang]

Originally Posted by X5SND

Welcome, and congrats one the purchase!

You can reset the throttle adaptations, it will relearn to your driving. Not sure where the guide is, but searching the article section should turn something up. (I can't recall the exact procedure)

If the instrument cluster was swapped you would have the mileage tamper dot lit up if it wasn't correctly coded to the vehicle. If the buttons on the MID itself aren't working, it could be something wrong with the unit..

Hope this helps...

Thanks! I'll look up the relearn routine.

The cluster doesn't have the mileage dot lit up. I'll have to look for a MID to try.

Thanks!

[TerminatorX5]

the transmission re-learns your style everytime you start the car... there is extensive coverage of this subject on this forum and on the other BMW forums... when you start driving aggressively, it shifts aggressevely... when you drive like a grandma, it shifts softer.. but still, even when it is soft, it is still hard...

the MID resetting is probably due to a poor contact somewhere... check to see if the dash has been tampered with, if anyone installed an AUX input into the glove comartment, if there is a phone holder there... they might have knocked something, like a wire, off...

[epdarks]

You will get used to the throttle. Simple muscle memory.

My recommendation would be to start studying the forums in regards to maintenance, specifically DIY. Your X will inevitably need repairs and you don't want to have to fork over big $. It sounds like you are technically minded, so it should be reasonable for you.

Also, modify it a bit

Enjoy!

[Shang]

Thanks everyone!

I'll try the relearn procedure. It's not really a big deal, just muscle memory like epdarks mentioned. It would just be a little more comfortable for my wife to drive if the need should arise.

I am looking a little into some modifications. Right now mostly just springs and wheels. I did buy a cable so that I can code it but haven't had the chance to play with it quite yet. I am definitely a "do it yourselfer". I come from a car tuning background. The reason for purchasing the X was because I have dirtbikes and a small camp trailer. I was looking for a truck but wanted something sporty to drive. It's not really that practical at the moment to buy a car and then a truck just for towing. A good friend of mine suggested I look into the X5. It fits really well. Fits the family, nice and smooth, really fun to drive, and tows 6k lbs. more than ill probably ever need.

I've been really surprised at how affordable oem parts are.... And pretty surprised at how expensive aftermarket is. But I'll say this, it's probably one of the easiest cars to work on. Everything has been really well thought out so far.

[TerminatorX5]