So, what happens when 47 year old kid falls in love with X5 2600 miles away?

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by timmyc

Great looking X. What a find!

You are likely correct. There cannot be many out there in that condition. Especially, like you said, that haven't been hacked on by inexperienced mechanics. I bought mine knowing it had been worked on by a "BMW mechanic". Was clearly not the case. I have owned and wrenched on many bimmers so I wasn't too worried. Especially for the price I got it for.

Again, it's a beauty! I'm sure it will be on the road for many years to come. Enjoy it!

Thank you!
I'll use my response to give quick update:
Currently, X5 is at my good friend house getting proper buffing. It was taken care of and clearly been garaged some of its life but never properly buffed.
I did VC gaskets and top of engine is extremely clean . I also did thermostat (it was stuck open), new NGK BKR6EQUP plugs, new Bosck O2 sensors and few other cosmetic things.
It runs like a dream.
I cleaned the BMW stupid coating of the steering wheel and cleaned all 4 wheels inside and out and change wheel caps.

[X5only]

Originally Posted by bmw540san

Thank you!
I'll use my response to give quick update:
Currently, X5 is at my good friend house getting proper buffing. It was taken care of and clearly been garaged some of its life but never properly buffed.
I did VC gaskets and top of engine is extremely clean . I also did thermostat (it was stuck open), new NGK BKR6EQUP plugs, new Bosck O2 sensors and few other cosmetic things.
It runs like a dream.
I cleaned the BMW stupid coating of the steering wheel and cleaned all 4 wheels inside and out and change wheel caps.

How did manage to cleanup the silly coating so neatly? I'm always afraid to end up with a scratch or something? Really need to do this.

[Overboost]

Cheap enough to just replace with new. I don't have the time or patience to restore my 18 year old trim. $69 and enjoy new.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...k/32306778412/

[X5only]

Originally Posted by X5only

Yeah, I know - I'm now on my third one and fed up replacing them with new after 3-4 years.

Ok, I know what I'll do now - buy from fcpeuro and get lifetime warranty and always get new when replacing - bingo!
Slightly more expensive but one time expenditure https://www.fcpeuro.com/BMW-parts/X5...ds=32306778412

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by X5only

How did manage to cleanup the silly coating so neatly? I'm always afraid to end up with a scratch or something? Really need to do this.

It's actually quite simple. About 1 hour of careful elbow grease with my long trusted friend "Einszett Deep Plastic Cleaner".
They recently changed name to Nextzett but same formula.
You spray it on rag and slowly rub. It dissolves the coating while not scratching plastic underneath.