One of those "different" types... - 2001 3.0i

[yodman]

Good Morning XOutPost Team!

I'm Cody, and I live near Flint, MI.

A few months ago, I picked up an E53 with some issues, over all the systems.

Traded my old VW Rabbit Pickup for it, because as much as I loved that, I didn't really fit in it due to my awkward stature. Got uncomfortable on any drive more than a half hour.

I'm mechanically inclined, enough to be dangerous anyways. Not afraid to try working on a newer vehicle.

It's a silver base model (if you can call any BMW a base model) with a moonroof and an automatic. That's about it.

It's lived a rough life here in Flint for most of its life, I'm sure. At 125k, the miles are low and the running condition of the M54 and the auto trans are actually quite fantastic.

Here's a checklist of what it needs over the next few months while I start to enjoy driving it:

Tires - Done (32" BFG All-Terrain KMs, 255/75/17)
Alignment - to be done tonight (will determine full extent of damage from it's two-accident history)
Body Damage - to be pulled
Rear shocks - nice and squeaky originals in there now
Front sway bar Links - clunkety clunk
Windshield - nice big spider in the upper left corner, not in my view
Valve cover gasket - I changed it once, it still leaks, need to attempt it again
HVAC control panel - most buttons work, it makes excellent heat and AC, the dual zone works nicely, but the fan speed button is kaput
Power window work - doesn't every E53 need it? (driver regulator replaced, switch panel needs work, driver rear needs regulator)
Engine sensors - thermostat code, cam sensor codes
Brakes - at least fronts
Battery - seems like it's weakening from the few months I've been storing it and hardly starting it
FSU - replaced due to constant-on fan blower, works flawlessly now

Here are some pictures of the piece of work, including a few with the new (used) tires: