Hi, thank you, and a question on unplugging things

[BCM_X5]

First off, just wanted to say hello. As of March I am a new owner of an '04 X5 4.4L with 80k miles.

Second, thank you. One of my new projects has been chasing an electrical gremlin causing my alarm to go off randomly. Based on some recommendations on this site I have hopefully solved it with a combination battery replacement and hood contact switch disconnection. The battery was probably not the cause but it was old and it failed a test performed by my independent mechanic. It also turned out not to be the correct amperage to begin with. I didn't expect a new one to be $530 installed BUT hopefully it will last me a decade+

As an aside, I've also recently had both front air struts replaced with the Arnott models. It's been an expensive month.

Anyway, my question: the e53 is getting old but I love it. I'd like to add another 80k miles to the clock. I know there be will costs involved to that but I want to spend my money wisely. This hood switch for example. Had I not Googled it first and instead taken it straight to the shop (because my neighbors were about to form a pitchfork mob) it would have cost me hundreds. Instead I just unplugged the sensor and couldn't really care less if now my hood can be opened without the alarm going off.

Are there any other common failures where the feature can simply be "deleted", or if replacement is needed, improved upon as time goes on? I looked into spring conversion kits when the front airbags went out but couldn't find many positive reviews from those that had made the switch.

I don't know, maybe this is a dumb question but I thought I'd ask what seems to be the largest community of owners keeping this model on the road.

Thanks again,