Hello! - New Owner '06 X5 3.0i

[G FORCE]

Hello everyone!

I have always admired the e53 platform and think they are one of the best looking SUVs ever made. Last year I purchased a new '18 Civic Si while I was living in Seattle because I no longer had the ability to wrench on my vehicles (space and tools) and my old Audi B5 A4 was starting to give me issues. The Civic was a great little car and served it's purpose but now that I am back home I didn't need a "new" car and the associated payment anymore. Consequently, for the last 6 weeks I have been looking for a reasonable X5 as a replacement. As much as I drool over the V8 models, I opted to narrow the search for the 6 cylinder to keep things simple. Unfortunately, there was limited selection in Albuquerque so I had to expand my search to neighboring states. Even then, price vs. condition was a difficult scenario and a lot of individuals don't want to deal with an out of state buyer, which is understandable. I was getting a bit frustrated but finally found a potential candidate and ended up flying out to Las Vegas last Friday to buy this one, sight unseen.

It's got a lengthly carfax history with multiple owners and it is showing 1 front accident in 2015 but retains a clean title. 140k on it. Buying it from a smaller dealer, I knew the risks but after more detailed pics and discussions, a deal was struck. They picked me up from the airport and I started the trek back home, albeit with a detour in Phoenix. In any case, I was pleased with the overall condition of the vehicle and it drove smoothly and without a hitch through the 700 mile journey. I'm happy with the purchase and hope it continues to run well.

I do have some things I want to address in the near future and while I've started my research, opinions are welcomed!

1) Sideskits - They have been painted over and obviously it hasn't held up well. I could repaint them or plasti-dip them but it's just going to chip again. I think running boards are a bit more of an investment than I think is worth it but maybe an option.

2) Radio Pixels partially out. Does anywhere do a core exchange so I don't have downtime? All I have seen is services where I send mine in.

3) 2nd key - I only have 1 key and would like a 2nd keyfob key. Dealer best bet?

4) Foggy Headlights - The headlights had some bad clear coat peel and fading due to the desert sun so this morning I wet sanded them and buffed them out. Much better but there is condensation I need to clean up. Is this the best way or are there replacement lens options at a reasonable price?

5) What is the recommended diagnostic software for these? I see BC Cables offers something similar to what there was for the Audis? The ability to see more diagnostics and tweak default behaviors? Any good?

Anyway, thanks for looking and hope to read, learn and eventually contribute to this seemingly great community! Cheers!