2003 4.6is 3rd owner but the 1st who gives a damn.

[Plattus1000]

Hello. I thought it was time to say hi. My wife loved her pickup and previous vehicles but mentioned she'd always liked X5's. Me being a fan of bimmers, I thought I'd start researching. I liked what I read about the 4.6is and began to study-up.
We bought this rig last year with 150k on the clock. Since then another $12k into repairs/service in Seattle.
I have had a '88 735i, '97 Dinan 540i and currently drive the 2003 540iT m-sport you see below. I try to do any work I can that doesn't involve a lift, I live in the city so it has to be stuff I can do on the curb. These are the first pics after purchase, tint and install of the Hartage red "x" The only "Mod" she would let me do. She doesn't ever drive it in sport. It kills me.

First steps:
Tinted windows
New guibo
Removed driver side rear light, cleaned and fabricated new contacts where needed, made a drain hole so water won't pool up and continue to corrode the new connectors.
Swapped in huge marine LED navigation lights for backup lights. (because the tint made you roll the windows down to see)
Replaced floor mats with Weathertec's
Replaced interior lights and courtesy lights with LED'S
New brakes all the way around
New alternator
Thermostat
Water pump
FSU
Tore apart and re-assembled the HVAC control panel
Full suspension refresh
New air bags
New keys/w remote functions programed by a buddy
New injectors/plugs
New front wheel bearings
New Nav software
Installed reverse camera but waiting on the TV module
Added the quick release hatch springs
Replaced the starter
Replaced lower tentioner bolt/spring
New MAF
Other misc crap
Subframe bushings
A-arm bushings, again...

It's the wife's vehicle but her 1st bimmer.
I drive a 2003 540iT m-sport
You can find me on bimmerforums or m5board.
Fun rig, I enjoy it best around 5.3 grand on the tach.

[Joshdub]

Welcome! Those are two sweet bimmers.

[Plattus1000]

Originally Posted by Joshdub

Welcome! Those are two sweet bimmers.

Thanks, we like them. I'm trying to learn as much as I can about both and am enjoying the journey.

It's nice that my car and hers are so similar. I learn 2X as fast as the issues come up, I tear into my car to learn how to fix stuff.

She came from a Ford background. I assured her that outside of the timing guides, some gaskets and cooling parts, the motor was rock-solid. Turns out I was right but everything connected to it decided to die, one part per month it seems. Poor girl learned the hard way what the phrase "pay to play" really meant.

[Motorsport1207]

Welcome, nice ride. I have the 4.8 is and I love this truck.

[Plattus1000]

Originally Posted by Motorsport1207

Welcome, nice ride. I have the 4.8 is and I love this truck.

Thanks!
I was amazed that I like it too. For years I had always assumed these things were just soccer mom toy cars but damn if this thing didn't take me back. I find I make all sorts of excuses to steal her X5 and go do illegal stuff in it. I've had it @ 130mph and it felt pretty solid. I don't let her drive my car but if there was a way I could swap motors with her rig without her knowing about it I would. I prey a tree falls on the rear half one night so I can do just that.

[jopecasa]

Welcome and cool car and sav!

I got 530i and 4.8is here.

[Plattus1000]

Originally Posted by jopecasa

Welcome and cool car and sav!

I got 530i and 4.8is here.

Well thank you too. So you get what I mean about the similarities.
I just picked up the creator c110 code reader and updated its software. Neat little reader and for $60 a big solid win. It won't read my PDC but has real-time readings with datastream and graphs. It reads engine, transmision and body components. It will even register individual cylinder stats while running. I think this will save me some time and money.

[tmv]

They both look good. Almost thought that you have the M5-swap Touring.

[Ricky Bobby]

I love that 540iT Msport - Welcome!

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by Plattus1000

Well thank you too. So you get what I mean about the similarities.
I just picked up the creator c110 code reader and updated its software. Neat little reader and for $60 a big solid win. It won't read my PDC but has real-time readings with datastream and graphs. It reads engine, transmision and body components. It will even register individual cylinder stats while running. I think this will save me some time and money.

I have a 540it titanium silver with the sport bumpers, 2003 E39M5 and the new edition 2003 X5 4.6is. still sorting through the IS but it is a hoot to drive. I have been around a number of the new BMWs and their build quality is not there and many of the models feel artifical in driver feedback.