New X5 Owner

[Elsberry]

So I took the plunge and bought a previously owned 2003 X5 last week with 126K miles. Certainly a nice car and it is in good condition given it's age. A California car, shipped cross-country to NC apparently. Other than noticing that it looks like it probably has the original shocks and struts in it, it seems to be solid. My only concerns are a slight whine from the engine (M54) that could be coming from the alternator area, and the radiator cap is leaking, but a new one has been ordered already. Someone has put an Eonon 5166 in it which on first impression seems a little unrefined. I'm considering hunting down an original navigation screen for it since it was originally equipped with it, and all the remaining pieces are there.

Anyway, thought I would say hi, and that I'm very happy with my 'new to me' SAV. I suspect there will be challenges, but I restore Triumph cars as a hobby, so I'm handy in the garage.

Dave

[upallnight]

Nothing on restoring Triumph cars is going to assist you in keeping the X running. No SU or Stromberg carbs to fiddle with. You'll need to get a scanner that can display real-time data such as long term and short term fuel trims. You probably be able to replace brake pads, but if the ABS module or DSC is acting up you will need the use of a scanner to determine the problem. Bleeding the brake will also require the use of a scanner to activate the ABS pump.

Welcome to the forum.

[Elsberry]

Good point, no SUs or ZSs but I have other cars too. I have a very good scanner already that has ABS functions that work with the X5, displays real-time monitors and records quite a bit of data for storage and replay.

I'm looking forward to the challenge.

Thanks for the welcome!

Originally Posted by upallnight

Nothing on restoring Triumph cars is going to assist you in keeping the X running. No SU or Stromberg carbs to fiddle with. You'll need to get a scanner that can display real-time data such as long term and short term fuel trims. You probably be able to replace brake pads, but if the ABS module or DSC is acting up you will need the use of a scanner to determine the problem. Bleeding the brake will also require the use of a scanner to activate the ABS pump.

Welcome to the forum.

[itsbrokeagain]

Welcome aboard. The stock navigation I've found to be a bit laggy and outdated, a new Eonon GA6166 or Dynavin N6 would spruce things up nicely. Or if you want to spend the $$ get the NBT conversion from a 2013+ BMW.

Keep up on the maintenance and it will be a great truck.

[ylwjacket]

Welcome aboard, and congrats.

[Fifty150hs]

The noise can be coming from idler and/or tensioner pulley bearings gone bad. It was on mine. Replaced them and noise gone. An automotive stethoscope will help you drill down on where the noise is coming from.

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by Elsberry

So I took the plunge and bought a previously owned 2003 X5 last week with 126K miles. Certainly a nice car and it is in good condition given it's age. A California car, shipped cross-country to NC apparently. Other than noticing that it looks like it probably has the original shocks and struts in it, it seems to be solid. My only concerns are a slight whine from the engine (M54) that could be coming from the alternator area, and the radiator cap is leaking, but a new one has been ordered already. Someone has put an Eonon 5166 in it which on first impression seems a little unrefined. I'm considering hunting down an original navigation screen for it since it was originally equipped with it, and all the remaining pieces are there.

Anyway, thought I would say hi, and that I'm very happy with my 'new to me' SAV. I suspect there will be challenges, but I restore Triumph cars as a hobby, so I'm handy in the garage.

Dave

Welcome Dave, if the cooling system has not be serviced/overhauled on this X5 then you will want to address this. Leaking radiator cap is a sign.

[tmv]

[squidzilla]

Welcome. If you are not familiar with the m54 engine you have I would read up on the weak points on it so you can be ahead of problems. The cooling system comes to mind for starters.

[ylwjacket]

Also check to make sure it's the cap, and not the tank. If the tank grenades, you're stuck. Happened on my '05 at about 110k miles on the freeway in Atlanta.

Loads of fun with that one.