What's broken on your E53 today!

[luvmy03E53]

Originally Posted by srmmmm

Better check your crap expansion tank too...

I'm on top of it... Thanks for the reminder...

[weiln12]

Got the X5 back from getting the transmission replaced. Feels like it should now. It's still new, and I have my habits from when it was broken, so I'll give it some time and report back on how it's doing. So far, so good.

However now I have SELFLEVEL SUSP INACT. Looks and sounds like the left rear shock is bad. I can hear air while the truck is running, and I can hear air bleeding off and watch the rear fall when I turn the truck off. Fun times!

[weiln12]

Just got it back from getting the left rear airbag replaced. They used an Arnott bag and gave me a lifetime warranty. Error is gone, and all is well again!

Also, the transmission appears to be doing great. It's so much more fun to drive now that I don't have to worry about gear shifts and things going ker-plunk.

[lhordmclain]

Seeing washer fluid on the ground - just underneath the engine.
And got Washer fluid low warning (5 days ago, I topped it off).
I am at 100,600miles

Will check the pump (the usual culprit) - this time I will probably buy the vdo/siemens pump versus the genuine + grommet . If the said part is the root cause.

[hunds02]

My CV boots have been torn for almost a year! I think the joints are still good as I don't hear any clicking noises. But since they were torn for awhile I may consider replacing the axle shafts since they have brand new joints and boots.

This would be the third time I had damage to the front outer boots (left and right). Does that sound normal for a 10 year old car with 164k miles?

[johnlacson]

Broken inner hatch light (I know it's a simple fix and part replacement just haven't gotten around to it yet)

Oil pan gasket leak

Thrust arm bushings beginning to crack

[xbimma]

I think the rear external door handle is on its last leg. I opened the door for my 27 months old and I just felt the handle was loose and did not align properly after I let it go. Anyhow I just ordered a new door carrier. Ready for the worse

[srmmmm]

Originally Posted by hunds02

My CV boots have been torn for almost a year! I think the joints are still good as I don't hear any clicking noises. But since they were torn for awhile I may consider replacing the axle shafts since they have brand new joints and boots.

This would be the third time I had damage to the front outer boots (left and right). Does that sound normal for a 10 year old car with 164k miles?

In my experience, you're right at the average life interval of those outer boots. Mine last about 75,000 miles and even though most of my driving is highway mileage as opposed to city (tighter turns), I suspect the Texas heat, ozone & UV provides plenty of wear & tear. I inspect mine every oil change, tire rotation, and brake inspection. The minute I see grease, both sides get changed.

2002 X5 3.0 290,050 miles
2004 325i 123,000 miles

[hunds02]

Originally Posted by srmmmm

In my experience, you're right at the average life interval of those outer boots. Mine last about 75,000 miles and even though most of my driving is highway mileage as opposed to city (tighter turns), I suspect the Texas heat, ozone & UV provides plenty of wear & tear. I inspect mine every oil change, tire rotation, and brake inspection. The minute I see grease, both sides get changed.

2002 X5 3.0 290,050 miles
2004 325i 123,000 miles

Yeah I should be more diligent when it comes to CV boots. By no means do I neglect my car, I just got ticked off with repair bills for the CV boots. I should tackle the job on my own this time. Looks like I'll be searching axle halfshaft repair DIY's soon!

[StephenVA]

Originally Posted by srmmmm

In my experience, you're right at the average life interval of those outer boots. Mine last about 75,000 miles and even though most of my driving is highway mileage as opposed to city (tighter turns), I suspect the Texas heat, ozone & UV provides plenty of wear & tear. I inspect mine every oil change, tire rotation, and brake inspection. The minute I see grease, both sides get changed.

Town and City parking will reduce this approx 40%, but extra care like some washing and a spray of Armor All at oil change times may help extend their lives.