Any E83's left on the road?

[AceEngineer]

Am I the only one left driving an E83 any more? This forum hasn't seen any activity for a long long time. I still check this forum every time I visit the here because I also have a spotless E53 and that forum is still going strong.

I just made a major mod to my E83. I installed a Havis computer docking station for my Panasonic Toughbook. This adds a full time internet connection and navigation in a Windows 10 machine with a touch screen mounted to my dash. I intend to mount some recording cameras in the car in addition to my existing dash cam because the new computer will be able to access them all in real time. I am looking forward to some stealth camping/traveling this summer where this will be my link to the world and home.
A real bonus to this arrangement is my Toughbook is also the computer I use along with an ICOM box to access my BMW's systems in case anything goes wrong while I am traveling.

If there are any E83 drivers left out there, chime into this forum. I am curious just how many BMW fans are still driving an E83.

AceEngineer

[getty150]

Isn't the "toughbook"a military issued laptop?

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[BigBody]

My buddy just picked up a (relatively) low mile E83. 1 owner, 80k, & already has the dreaded transfer case actuator issue. Nice spec car, black with M-pack, & N52. He loves it, just needs to take care of the transfer case... in regards to how many are on the road... I see them more often then I see E53. And 90% of the time I see an E53, it is completely clapped out.

[AceEngineer]

Toughbooks are used by both the military and a lot of police departments, but they are available commercially. The used market is full of deals as the police departments upgrade, see eBay. I scored a CF-31 with an i5 processor 32Meg RAM and a high res touch screen at auction for $75 but I had to add the GPS and the aircard internet connection. Most used units come without a hard drive so I also added a 2 TB solid state HD when I got it. I like the Toughbook because it is really indestructible and has the ability to add GPS and internet sealed inside the unit. The docking station has a USB hub and antenna feed thrus in it so I can connect to some cameras and long range antennas with permanent wiring in my E83. I also used an earphone jack on the docking station to feed a signal to the AUX input of my stock radio, opening the way to a lot of music stored on my Toughbook.

AceEngineer

[getty150]

On my various outings I see the e83 occasionally. I really look for them when traveling. They do tend to be sparse siteings. Most times they look to be in good condition and whole. One of the reasons I like the e83 is that it's not attractive seems to have the stigma of "Grocery getter". But the more I visit these forums it appears that people are taking notice of this over looked gem. Heck! If you can take care of it on your own they are tanks! But who wants to put in the time to learn these things with its overly sensitive sensors...

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[Gee3]

I still drive mine! I have a 2004 and just replaced the old cracked windshield moulding using the tutorial from an e90. Pretty much the same process and no need to remove the side windshield trim. Lots of glass cleaner to help lubricate the edge of the windshield so the moulding slides on easier. Started on one end, then installed the other end and used a rubber mallet to gently push the rest of the moulding in place. Easier than I thought it would be!

[AceEngineer]

I think Getty150 nailed it, E83's are just not that attractive. As shown in my signature, I have a 2005 E53 that my wife drives and it is ten times better looking than my E83. I bought mine for the way it drives (which is better than my E53) not for its looks. On top of that I got a color combo ideally suited for the climate here but not that attractive. My beauty is a silver exterior and grey Nevada leather interior, kinda plain but great in the sun and heat. I'll try to get some side by side pictures next week and post them so you know what I mean.

AceEngineer

[yes_its_neil]

I'm still out and about in mine, though somewhat less with the current pandemic restrictions. My music, video and connectivity comes via this dash cuddy replacement head unit. It connects via 4G to the outside world from a USB modem plugged into the rear cigarette lighter socket. I had an E53 previously which I did enjoy driving more than the E83, though both were/are a pleasure.

[JP-X3]

We still have a 2005 X3 3.0 with 132,000 miles that still starts every morning. It's had all kind of problems that I've fixed myself including: oil filter housing gasket (twice), valve cover gasket (3 times), transfer case wheel, front half shafts, oil pan gasket, front suspension bushings, starter, alternator, MAF, CCV, charcoal canister for emissions, rear propeller driveshaft, brakes, suspension, replaced the sagging headliner (great project during COVID-19 lockdown, will NEVER do this again) and recently the RTAB'S. It's also been rear ended twice.

We've thought about replacing it but there's nothing out there as fun to drive as this X3. Also, look at the list of repairs performed: it's almost a new car so we've agreed to keep this car forever and whenever we decide to buy something new (will be a Lexus) the X3 will be the beater Car.
My wife would like to have backup camera and navigation, we prefer Apple Car play but there seems to be nothing available yet.

[getty150]

Originally Posted by JP-X3

We still have a 2005 X3 3.0 with 132,000 miles that still starts every morning. It's had all kind of problems that I've fixed myself including: oil filter housing gasket (twice), valve cover gasket (3 times), transfer case wheel, front half shafts, oil pan gasket, front suspension bushings, starter, alternator, MAF, CCV, charcoal canister for emissions, rear propeller driveshaft, brakes, suspension, replaced the sagging headliner (great project during COVID-19 lockdown, will NEVER do this again) and recently the RTAB'S. It's also been rear ended twice.



We've thought about replacing it but there's nothing out there as fun to drive as this X3. Also, look at the list of repairs performed: it's almost a new car so we've agreed to keep this car forever and whenever we decide to buy something new (will be a Lexus) the X3 will be the beater Car.

My wife would like to have backup camera and navigation, we prefer Apple Car play but there seems to be nothing available yet.

Tell me what made you service/replace the charcoal canister?

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