Recently purchased an E53. Have questions!

[srmmmm]

Originally Posted by SineDeviance

You sure? According to this, X5's were equipped with the A5S390R (which is BMW's part number for the GM 5L50.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_5L4..._.28A5S390R.29

The 5L40-E is rated for a max 4,000lb GVWR, while the 5L50 is rated for 5,000. It does make sense considering the X5 3.0i's curb weight is pushing 5,000.


As I read it, the 5L50 was used on the diesel engine. The torque capacity of the transmission is what is critical, not the vehicle weight. The 2002 E53 3.0 weighs about 4400 lbs.



That's not good. I'm guessing I need to remove the front driveshaft to check? How involved a process is that, roughly? And will I need any special tools?

My understanding is you can do it by removing the qiubo (flex disk) bolts, then drop the front of the driveshaft to get enough clearance to pull it out of the transfer case. Mine was inspected when it failed

2002 X5 3.0 317,700 miles
2014 428i 26,000 miles

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

1970 Firebird - Under restoration

[semcoinc]

Originally Posted by Fifty150hs

On your wiper sensor problem, I am guessing the windshield may have been replaced with one that wasn't a BMW part. I had mine replaced last year by SAfelite and the wiper sensor doesn't work properly. Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't. My research on line leads me to believe there is something about the OEM glass that is different than after market. The same sensor is used for the automatic head light function. Is that working?

I have also learned that the "rain sensor" windshield blocks many toll transponder signals if stickers are placed on the glass. I did find two small areas where no rain sensor treatment is located above the rear view mirror and just to the left and right sides. Upon closer inspection you can see the carve out areas where rain sensor treatment is missing from the glass. This rain sensor stuff also blocks XM radio signals, but does pass GPS signals down into my Eonon GPS antenna that is below the dash just a little offset right from center.

A little off topic but I thought I would mention these discoveries I made regarding my experience with the rain sensor glass (yeah I had a glass replacement and requested a BMW OE glass).

Mike

[Joshdub]

Originally Posted by semcoinc

I have also learned that the "rain sensor" windshield blocks many toll transponder signals if stickers are placed on the glass. I did find two small areas where no rain sensor treatment is located above the rear view mirror and just to the left and right sides. Upon closer inspection you can see the carve out areas where no rain sensor treatment is missing from the glass. This rain sensor stuff also blocks XM radio signals, but does pass GPS signals down into my Eonon GPS antenna that is below the dash just a little offset right from center.

A little off topic but I thought I would mention these discoveries I made regarding my experience with the rain sensor glass (yeah I had a glass replacement and requested a BMW OE glass).

Mike

Sounds like you are confusing the comfort glass and rain sensing system. The comfort glass blocks those signals you have mentioned. It has cutouts by the rear view mirror and down by the corners. I believe the rain sensing system is just a single sensor located in the rear view mirror. I have the rain sensing system but not comfort glass.

[semcoinc]

Originally Posted by Joshdub

Sounds like you are confusing the comfort glass and rain sensing system. The comfort glass blocks those signals you have mentioned. It has cutouts by the rear view mirror and down by the corners. I believe the rain sensing system is just a single sensor located in the rear view mirror. I have the rain sensing system but not comfort glass.

Hi Joshdub,

WOW

Thanks for making me aware of that distinction.

I had no idea there was such a thing as a "Comfort Glass" option.

Is that option S761 (Individual Sunshade) or S354 (Green windscreen)? Or???

Thanks for clarifying.

Mike

[Joshdub]

I am not sure what the option code is, but here is a thread for more info.

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...indshield.html

[semcoinc]

Originally Posted by Joshdub

I am not sure what the option code is, but here is a thread for more info.

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...indshield.html

Thanks Joshdub

That link was really helpful background on the "Comfort Glass" option.

Mike

[SineDeviance]

Originally Posted by srmmmm

My understanding is you can do it by removing the qiubo (flex disk) bolts, then drop the front of the driveshaft to get enough clearance to pull it out of the transfer case. Mine was inspected when it failed

Awesome, thanks! I looked up a diagram, and aside from needing to remove the front skid plate it doesn't look that complicated.

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by SineDeviance

Awesome, thanks! I looked up a diagram, and aside from needing to remove the front skid plate it doesn't look that complicated.

Make a list of other tasks you may want to complete while the reinforcement plate is down/off. Items like front diff fluid change, sway bar bush replacement etc. are going to need the reinforcement plate to be dropped too, so get 'em all at once.

[SineDeviance]

Today the rear passenger window wouldn't roll back up. I pulled the door panel off and of course the regulator had committed suicide. The window retaining clip was also broken, so I ordered both parts from Amazon today and they should arrive Sunday.

It seems like this kinda stuff always happens on a Friday. Just once I'd like some advance warning on a major failure

At least the parts were cheap; $58 shipped, and the regulator comes with a new window motor already attached.

Originally Posted by wpoll

Make a list of other tasks you may want to complete while the reinforcement plate is down/off. Items like front diff fluid change, sway bar bush replacement etc. are going to need the reinforcement plate to be dropped too, so get 'em all at once.

Yeah, might as well. Thanks.

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by semcoinc

I have also learned that the "rain sensor" windshield blocks many toll transponder signals if stickers are placed on the glass. I did find two small areas where no rain sensor treatment is located above the rear view mirror and just to the left and right sides. Upon closer inspection you can see the carve out areas where rain sensor treatment is missing from the glass. This rain sensor stuff also blocks XM radio signals, but does pass GPS signals down into my Eonon GPS antenna that is below the dash just a little offset right from center.

A little off topic but I thought I would mention these discoveries I made regarding my experience with the rain sensor glass (yeah I had a glass replacement and requested a BMW OE glass).

Mike

Mike your reference to Rain sensor glass are you confusing this with the solar shield glass that BMW offers as optional glass and BMW calls it comfort glass? The reason I ask is because you reference that the whole glass is covered with this material accept for 3 areas. This glass has a solar shield laminate in between the glass and has been known to cut down on heat transmission into the interior especially during the summer time. Living in Texas I opted to have this windshield installed as a replacement to my cracked original windshield. The cutouts on the windshield are there for toll tags, one at bottom for radar detectors, etc.