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#1
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4.8is transmission journey from broke to ballin'
I even wrote about some other dirty little secrets I've talked about- and read about from others- here on the board.
I never wanted to admit that I'd accepted driving my dream X5 was only about 95% as much fun as I'd hoped for. But I read and I read and I read that BMW just got it wrong on E53. Transmissions, sunroofs, window regulators, seals, and the N62. All wrong. I was forced to admit within my own head that I sold a well sorted 3.0 with no problems for a low mileage 4.8is that was fast as balls and drove like a dream once it warmed up. What's the occasional hard 1-2 shift between seasons anyway, right? So, after the around town slips became a bit more frequent, and with our 2nd wild West ~6,000 mile Summer '15 trip looming, I decided to take it in once and for all. I would confess to my friend and trusted indy of nearly 20 years that I didn't like cold 1-2 shifts. I would confess that it was slipping around town and that very unsettling slam at highway speed down shifts. I would accept and start planning for a $7000 withdrawal from the I-drive-a-V8-E53 fund. Oh yes, I was going to keep it. I just needed to do some planning. Maybe delay the '75 2002 restoration while I fix up the yard and the X5. Hands off my supercharged E39. That's not going anywhere. So, about 6 weeks ago, colder weather at the ready, I dropped it off as I left town. Take your time. If it's $16k, maybe I don't keep it. Maybe the dream is over. Maybe I can find a nice 2014 like my brother did last month. Here's where it got great: Trip 1:So, yes. Maybe BMW *did* get it wrong on a few combinations of software, hardware, and usage conditions, but I came to realize something *very* key: By now- and probably while the E53 was still in production- BMW figured out how to fix it. They released firmware, they issued new parts, and the well trained, curious, and experienced independent network has the ability to solve these problems. We just need to offer them the chance to fix them. If you're putzing around in what used to be the SUV flagship for BMW and you're having these little issues that drive you nuts, take some time. Find a mechanic that owns one. See if he can download updates n addition to parts at the problem. Ask about his diagnostic process. I was completely floored that my rough idle was a $100 engine module. I was equally surprised to find my transmission woes solved with a $30 part and some firmware. If it sounds like I am happy to have dropped $1000 on my E53, you're damn right I am. Not only is it way better than I expected, I faced my fears head on and got an answer that surprised me: The E53 is supposed to act like any other BMW. At this point, all that is keeping it from the full potential is the owner and- where necessary- the right diagnostic partner.
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#2
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I love stories with happy endings
Gratz on your epic find!!
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2003 X5 3.0I, Titanium Silver Metallic, 70k Miles |
#3
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Good write up! We hope those parts and firmware are the final resolution to your tranny issues.
I also have updated the EGS firmware and did a ATF fluid + filter kit maintenance.
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Build Date: 06/2004 2004 E53 3.0L 6 Cyl Engine Code: M54 AT: 5L40-E/GM5 (A5S 390R) http://s101.photobucket.com/user/lho...in/library/E53 2004 E46 M3 Coupe 3.2L 6 Cyl Engine Code: S54 MT: S6S 420G - 6 speed http://s101.photobucket.com/user/lho...in/library/E46 ---------------------------------- Build Date: 10/2008 2009 E90N 328xi Sedan 6 Cyl Engine code: N51 AT: GA6L45R/GM6 http://s101.photobucket.com/user/lho...in/library/E90 |
#4
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Quote:
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2004 X5 4.4i 202k on odometer |
#5
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Awesome to hear! Same request - part numbers on the module and firmware revision please, please, please
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Daily Drivers: - 2008 535i, 290,000km - 2004 X5 4.4, 01/2004 production, 380,000km - 1998 328i, 370,000km Track: - 1996 328i, track/race car, ~300,000km Winter: - 2013 Ski-Doo MXZ X 800 E-TEC, trail can - 2001 Ski-Doo MXZ 600 w/800 engine, exhaust - 1978 Ski-Doo Olympique 340 (vintage race sled) - 1977 Ski-Doo Olympique 340E |
#6
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AWESOME! Truthfully, I wonder if a lot of us don't put up with some of these quirks, because we're scared of what we'll find, based on what we read here. But, I'm 200% agreed with you, the fixes are possible with the correct mindset and diagnosis. To many times, the ''cheap(est)'' parts get thrown at it, based on someone else's ''exact same problem.'' This is a great forum, and has its place, but as BCREDLINER (I think) stated so many times already, all the problems we read about scare the crap out of us, and we don't enjoy our rides as they were made to be enjoyed!
I'm hoping my Indy will do as good as yours did. I was quick to mention the word ''rebuild'' when describing my transmission hanging on to gears. He was just as quick to say ''update''. I'm hoping this year will be a good one for my X. BTW, I enjoyed your little ''confessional''! Thanks for sharing...
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Current- --2003 X5 4.6 Estoril Blue Black Nappa leather rear air bags OEM nav OEM hitch OEM cargo liner Black housing SPYDER headlights - Evo-XR projectors 2017 GMC Sierra, 7K miles... 2017 GMC Sierra, 60K miles... 2015 GMC Sierra 280K miles... 2011 GMC Sierra, 500K miles... Previous wheels: --First love~ 1969 Chevy C10, 396BB bored, 3 on the tree, Black ~SOLD~ --2011 Chevy Silverado LT 2500HD CCSB, Black, 250K miles ~SOLD~ |
#7
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I want this Indy!!!!
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David.X5 2001 X5 4.4i Sport SOLD! at 160k miles |
#8
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Was so worried about the story and price tag when I came in to read your thread Prop (and I do enjoy reading them)
Left very happy for you, and happy that your X can make the Wild West '15 trip! Glad it wasn't too bad of a fix, yet again though, another chalked up reason to being ecstatic to have my E53 MT.
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2018 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins 68RFE 19k miles -Bright White/Black - Big Horn Sport - Crew Cab Short Bed 2013 X5 35D (CEO's) - Born on 5/17/2013 - 82k miles - Alpine White/Cinnamon Brown/Premium Pkg, Sport Activity/Premium Pkg and Sound/20" Style 214/Running Boards |
#9
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I think we need more of these 'good ending' stories posted. I often cringe when reading some of the posts on this forum and wonder when malady I've that's been described will afflict my X5.... It's really nice to read someone's good news for a change. Thanks for making me smile!
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#10
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We actually have about 12 stops before the '#2' there and about 15 after '#29". Roadtrippers.com (awesome btw) only allows for 40 waypoints. I am a planner (to the extreme) so I had to break the the trip into smaller ones. My daughter (age 11 by then) and I will have about 10 stops along the old Rt66 before we rendezvous with my wife in Phoenix. And yes. We'll have a picture standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona.
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Last edited by PropellerHead; 04-22-2015 at 12:39 PM. |
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