Taking the plunge 2005 X5 3.0

[Ebasista]

Glad I found this forum. I've owned a e39 5 speed (525i), 2 Z3s and now a 2005 e53 3.0 with the GM 5speed that I'm hoping to learn more from this forum.

So I took the leap on this one family car for 2500$ I found on Facebook (sold within hours of posting). Dr owned for most of its life, then the son who sold it before going to California for work

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...51886205473180



The Good:
87,000 miles
Clean interior
Clean body
Some dealer history (one owner Dr bought, son used in College)

The Bad
Oil leak
Tires shot (rears are down to the cord on the inside edges)
Evap system code (small leak)
Brake light warning
Side light warning
Torn CV axle (deferred maint)
Hazy Headlights


With the miles, 1st thing I did was change out the transmission fluid (it drove fine the 100 miles) so I'm doing this just as preventative maintenance, not because there is an issue. Used FCP Euro to get Redline fluid and new filter.

Dropped the skid plate to see where the oil leak is from. Tossed the insulating foam as it was good and soaked. Pass side of the engine is clean, doesnt look to be valve cover or the pan. Bought the oil filter housing gasket kit from FCP and plan to attack that as I'm fairly certain thats the source

Put a used set of E53 wheels/tires on it to be somewhat safe till I decide what I need to do, will see if I get uneven wear. Will need to see if there is an easy measurement (angle finder) to see if all is Kosher with the rear before I take it to an alignment shop. Seriously thinking about some AT tires in the future (17" wheels)


More to come as I get get her sorted out (oil leak and likely a coolant service next)

[zukgod1]

Let's see a picture..

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[Ebasista]

A few starting pics......in retrospect I'm lucky the tires didnt blow.

[cn90]

- The mileage is very good at 87K miles.

- You are in Kentucky so there is some salt involved.
Check the DIY I posted re brake line rust repair.

- Oil Leak is as you said: OFH gasket.
Don't strip the aluminum threads in the block.
The key with installation is that: torque the bolts in sequence, wait and torque again. I'd reduce the torque a bit such as let's say the book says 18 ft*lb, I'd go down to 16 ft*lb.

- CV boot: use GKN brand only.
Mine is 134K and the CV boot is still stock.
I guess that CV boot was probably hit by road debris.
There is an easy way to do it, search forum for that.

- Cooling system: I wrote a partial cooling overhaul.
You may want to consider that at 87K miles.

- ATF drain and fill. My X5 is 6spMT but my 2004 X3 is auto (also GM), so search X3 section for the ATF drain and refill using Dexron VI and tubing (I use gravity fill, very very easy as compared to suction pump). I posted the DIY 2004 X3 ATF in the E83 section.

- EVAP is probably air pump.
I pulled the fuse controlling the air pump to shut it off.
Then I used black electrical tape to cover the CEL light and scan for new codes once a month.
There is no inspection here, not sure about Kentucky.

[Effduration]

Looks okay...

The rear tire wear is very likely due to worn rear lower rear ball joints and /or rear upper control arms. It's a common problem with E53, and I suggest you replace both.

[Gregory891]

I second Effduration on the rear issues, I had the same tire wear issue. I also replaced the rear lower rear ball joints (you need a special puller, it's reasonable), the dog bone and rear upper control arms. Problem solved. Use Lemforder parts only (OEM to BMW). If you have air suspension on the rear, it's a smart idea to replace the rear air springs (Arnott) at the same time - easy to do. A pressurized air bag that folds and moves will degrade over time, I replaced mine when I saw cracks but BEFORE leaks started.

[amancuso]

Nice, and welcome. Can't really add much as it looks like the others got you sorted.

[Ebasista]

Thanks everyone.

1st task was putting some tires underneath her (used x5 wheels) so I can safely move it and work under her.

Read a ton on the ATF fluid debates. Dropped the pan and put a new filter in with Redline D4 fluid based on what little consensus was out there for fluid type

Changed oil and dropped the skid....tried to put a Fumoto valve in for the oil drain, but even with the extension the pan gets in the way. Fingers crossed that the oil leak is the OFH gasket (parts arrived yesterday).

What is a "partial" cooling system overhaul? On my E39 and Z3 I did a full one to prevent catastrophic issues. I read the X5 is a bit different for failure points.

Appreciate the advise on the rear suspension. Looks like I need to find the right ball joint tool (unless the Harbor Freight one works) to do the job.

[cn90]

At 87K, no need to do full cooling overhaul as the factory radiator, fan blade should be able to go to 150K...

It all depends on mileage: partial vs full cooling overhaul.

DIY: 2006 BMW X5 3.0i PARTIAL Cooling Overhaul @ 116K miles
https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...16k-miles.html

[Effduration]

Originally Posted by Ebasista

Appreciate the advise on the rear suspension. Looks like I need to find the right ball joint tool (unless the Harbor Freight one works) to do the job.

You need a BMW-oriented ball joint tool that has a flat spot in the largest cup. I have the CTA TOOL($120), but ECS sells one for about $100, and there are Chinese-made eBay option for about $50. I have 2 X5’s and two E39’s (same tool), so it made sense for me to buy the CTA tool