Taking the plunge 2005 X5 3.0

[Ebasista]

Yes, short of basic maintenance it looks like not much was done on her. I planned on about 1000 in PM parts to cover the aging parts. So far between the trans and OFH I'll be at 250

Then comes some cooling and suspension work. Should make a nice daily driver.

[crystalworks]

I always budget $2000 in initial parts/repairs to bring a used (usually neglected) BMW back into daily-able service. If it comes in under that... awesome. But it's usually pretty close.

I'm at $2500 on the e61 wagon I picked up. But it has come in handy already as it holds more than the X5's can so I'm happy we saved it from the crusher.

[EODguy]

CW, let me know if you want that New "Old" Stock front end for your e61 and maybe I can get on a flight as a carry on

Sent from my SM-A730F using Tapatalk

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by EODguy

CW, let me know if you want that New "Old" Stock front end for your e61 and maybe I can get on a flight as a carry on

That would be a sight! But it's the rear end that's the problem. Front end is already swapped out. Stupid e61 m5 never came here so only way to get the rear bumper is abroad. I don't even want to think what all the mounting brackets and accoutrement is going to run on top of the bumper cover.

[Ebasista]

CN90: Did you ever go from the CCV system to a PCV (I read you did the CCV once)? I'm reading the two massive posts on bimmerforums and here on the long term affects. Also considering the valve cover upgrade.

I did the CCV on the M52TU on my E39 and I can't honestly say I want to go thru that again.

[Ebasista]

CN90: Scratch that, sounds like youre a firm believer in the CCV to PCV mod. Good to hear, I'm either going that route or the M56 valve cover if I can find one at the yard Thursday.

[Effduration]

An OEM CCV, replaced every 100k miles or so, and not from an (apparently) defective batch, works fine in most cases.

IMO, a key skill among the M54 DIY'ers who plan on keeping their cars for a while, is the ability/confidence to remove the intake manifold.

If you are willing to remove the manifold (really not that bad) the CCV is almost trivial to replace. If you do take off the manifold you could also replace the plastic heater pipes, which may be okay, but I think they deteriorate with age as much as miles.

Use a new intake manifold gasket, and use only OEM heater pipes and CCV

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by Effduration

An OEM CCV, replaced every 100k miles or so, and not from an (apparently) defective batch, works fine in most cases.

IMO, a key skill among the M54 DIY'ers who plan on keeping their cars for a while, is the ability/confidence to remove the intake manifold.

If you are willing to remove the manifold (really not that bad) the CCV is almost trivial to replace. If you do take off the manifold you could also replace the plastic heater pipes, which may be okay, but I think they deteriorate with age as much as miles.

Use a new intake manifold gasket, and use only OEM heater pipes and CCV

Agreed. Never had a problem with our M54 CCV's or mayo but they were replaced every ~80k miles and had the intake manifold off each time. No way were my gorilla hands getting in there with it on. But, I do admit I don't live in a very cold climate. Coldest we typically get here is high teens to low twenties and that's usually only a day or two each winter.

[cn90]

The reason I went with "BavarianE39" CCV Mod was to:

1. Prevent the possibility of "oil hydrolock".

2. Reduce oil consumption...this was a success the last 4 years/20K.
It went from 1 qt/400 miles to no oil consumption.

[cn90]

Originally Posted by Ebasista

I'm going to be impatient and try and make the tool myself...

Sure, you can build your own tool if you have time and desire.

Or go to ebay and search "bmw water pump tool", you will see the same tool sold for anywhere between $9.99-$14.99 with free shipping.