My Oxford SAV Log

[DanGraham]

This thread is a progress log for my 2001 4.4l Oxford X5.

I purchased the X5 off craigslist with the terrifying "Trans Failsafe."

$2150 later and stuck in 4th we got her on the trailer:


Window sticker was later found behind the fuse panel in the glove box:


Day One:


So I took to finding the culprit of my dreaded trans failsafe. After pulling the pan I was pretty confident that the mounds of ferrous metal attached to the magnets was the culprit. So I went on the search for a trans.

Now, we know that the M62 was used various applications. And we all know that the X5 is AWD. So what separates a non AWD and a RWD 5HP26? An extension drive that splines into a transfer case. The only physical difference is that gear selector is on the driver side, which, does come close to the front drive shaft. But with decent shape bushings and new guibos you will not have any issue using a RWD 5HP26. So instead of a $1500 "X5 specific" transmission, you can find a much much cheaper E39/E38 trans. I recommend you install a new extension drive o ring while its apart.

I used a 2001 740Li trans and TC.

So now that the X5 moved under its own power it was time for maintenance..

First up was the pesky loss of coolant. Which was a mix of a leaky valley pan and alternator o ring.

Stock with destroyed gasket vs new.


While I was in there I also replaced the thermostat and water pump.

Now to the fun stuff.

We've all seen Fluid's Project X. The E53 just looks so great with an off-road stance. But reading the blog I found they used adapters for some Cragers. But BMW has great looking steelies. So I ordered a set of 16"x7" E60 Steelies from Bavarian Autosport. $205 to my door for 4 brand new rims? Yes please.

Attached are some 245/75/16 MTs which gives me a total tire height of 30.5" of tire.



Next too my friends E60 M5:


Mounted on the car without studs and 20mm rear spacer:


Since Im local to IBSP in NJ, I plan on using the SAV on the beach often. While the tall skinny tire isn't ideal for sand, lowering tire pressure and increasing the contact patch works just fine.

But unfortunately your stuck with a nice stretch of local roads before you can get to an air filling station. So with the spare tire removed, I am fitting a 5 gallon air tank and pump. A few gauges and a quick disconnect hose to make light work of filling tires. (still under construction)



Trying to keep an OEM fit and finish.


Also on the list is replacing the driver rear door handle. Suspension lift without strut spacers. Converting the rear air suspension to spring/strut and using oem pump for tank. Replacing center muffler with something less baffled. Painting all exterior plastic SEMs trim black. Removing roof racks. And hell, Id love to try and make it a clutch car.

Thanks for the read and stay tuned for more.

[LVP]

Keep the updates coming. Love the look.

[g300d]

I'm more of an on-road SAV guy but I appreciate the work you're putting into this.

Following with interest