TIPS - Winter is on its way for North America (and Europe)

[StephenVA]

Now is a great time to get ready for winter BEFORE it gets really cold. All X5 owners might benefit from a list of items to complete while there is time. I will start the list but others will post additional items everyone can learn from their experiences.
First up Preventative Maintenance
1. Oil change w/ filter
2. All filters including fuel if not done yet
3. Air pressure
4. Check fluids! Replace that antifreeze now if older than 5 years!
5. Drive belts
6. Tires (worn treads?) REPLACE NOW, Dedicated snow tires- makes a big difference in the go anywhere at any time for the daily drivers.
7. Wiper blades - just replace them.
8. Wax and more wax!
9. Rubber floor mats
10. Check your battery health!!- Dking078
11. Get some low temp washer fluid - Dking078
12. Carry extra fluids - Antifreeze, Washer Solvent, and Oil - CleanIsFast
13. Gas line antifreeze - 80Stech
14. Mount snow tires and double check pressure once you hit 32 F and below
15. Clean battery terminals and make sure battery will hold full charge -Drive28
16. Fill with -20F windshield wiper fluid and check wiper blade condition.- Drive28
17. Change to winter weight motor oil....nothing above 5W30 - Drive28
18. Mount ski and snowboard rack - Drive28
19. Hang pine scented air refreshers in car so it doesn't start smelling like a locker room with the heat on high while wearing sweaty damp ski clothes, Spoken from experience - Drive28

Do it now before it bites you...
A. OIL SEPARATORS (CCV)
B. Oil leaks
C. Different and transfer case fluids
D. Lights!
E. Door handles - lube everything!
F. Silicone lube on the door weatherstripping - 80Stech
G. Add a coat of sealant on your door jambs, will make salt and grime less likely to set up and corrode, as we know the lower inner door seams rust. - Ricky Bobby
H. Fix worn out suspension parts as it cold in January!

Now, what would you recommend to another X5 owner to get ready for a fun and safe winter driving experience?

[80stech]

I put some silicone lube on the door weatherstripping to keep them from freezing shut. And usually just one small bottle of most expensive (pure, I use kleenflow) gas line antifreeze you can find, just once a year at the start of winter to help dissipate any moisture that might have built up in the fuel system. And check block heater or oil pan heater cord.

[Dking078]

10. Check your battery health!!
11. Get some low temp washer fluid

Side note: lube.. An automotive enthusiasts go to never-stucker (and then some). There i said it.

[yes_its_neil]

Can we have your June tips? Towns west of me at 45c (113F) a couple of days ago. I guess we won't be getting a white Christmas again this year.

[dannyzabolotny]

I'll keep these in mind for my freezing cold winter days here in Phoenix where the temperatures average a bone-chilling 65ºF in the daytime.

[CleanIsFast]

Thanks for the tips Stephen, but we all know you won't be taking any of those precautionary steps while the X is under a cover the entire winter...

I always carry a spare quart of oil, coolant, and portable air compressor.

[StephenVA]

Originally Posted by yes_its_neil

Can we have your June tips? Towns west of me at 45c (113F) a couple of days ago. I guess we won't be getting a white Christmas again this year.

The voices from the upside down world.

That was a good post.....

[StephenVA]

Originally Posted by CleanIsFast

Thanks for the tips Stephen, but we all know you won't be taking any of those precautionary steps while the X is under a cover the entire winter...

Working away on my E39 TiSi War Wagon....
I would drive the X5 but keeping her clean in the "when there is rain forecasted and the temps are at 40 degrees, so let throw down salt brine" makes me nuts. Dark colors are not a good winter choice. The X5 hit 60K the other day. Gave her a bath and a interior detail, stuck on the bat tender, and covered her back up. A great day!

[dannyzabolotny]

Originally Posted by StephenVA

Working away on my E39 TiSi War Wagon....
I would drive the X5 but keeping her clean in the "when there is rain forecasted and the temps are at 40 degrees, so let throw down salt brine" makes me nuts. Dark colors are not a good winter choice. The X5 hit 60K the other day. Gave her a bath and a interior detail, stuck on the bat tender, and covered her back up. A great day!

Kinda funny how you're driving the touring and putting the SUV in the garage for the winter... most people would be doing the opposite haha

[srmmmm]

My best winter preventative maintenance action was moving to Texas and staying out of the salt belt After 16 winter cycles with various BMW vehicles though, I've still always found cold temperatures to really impact engine starts with slower cranking, so it's definitely wise to start the season with fresh oil of the correct viscosity and a battery that's up to the task. And don't forget to inspect those terminals and cables too.

2002 X5 3.0 313,700 miles
2014 428i 23,700 miles

2004 325i sold at 123,600 miles
2001 325i sold at 66,000 miles

1970 Firebird - Under restoration