Emergency! Please read and help if possible or able.

[Golfknar]

BMW frantic, and fanatic.

E53 - spent 1050 with ECS tuning on new cv joints and front suspension. They are great but didn’t spec me the bearing for the carriage joint. It’s a single piece. Link below.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/31531428646/

And it’s what BMW says “needs” to be replaced with this job. A new shop to me says it’s good to repack and is in a place which will not be under much stress so does not need to be new as we Can’t find one this weekend.

Really could use your advice!

And then there’s the shocks. New struts are needed up front but can’t ship until Wednesday. What are trusted brands I could find locally and anyone know of a Seattle parts dealer where I could find these things?

Super appreciate you all, and the time you spend helping! I wish I could provide more than questions at this post but I’m learning.

Costing me while it’s up in air and if I bring it down will cost to tear down again. Killing me. So poor right now.

[Clavurion]

Usually there is no actual need to renew shaft seals or support bearing if they are not clearly worn or seals damaged while removing/installing the shafts.

What model/year are we talking about? Basic or M-sport suspension?

[Effduration]

I took a look at struts. These are pretty important on a BMW and contribute a lot to the ride.

I would use Sachs, Genuine BMW, or Bilstein (not the harshest model) only
I would not use Monroe, Duralast, etc.

The only one I think you could source THIS WEEKEND is genuine BMW from a dealer parts desk..and man, is that pricey..maybe 2x what OEM from FCP ould be. .If you are a BMW CCA member, you can usually get a discount. Otherwise take the car off the lift, and order what you need from FCP Euro or other.

Can I suggest you add something more descriptive to your titles other than just "Help"...
Maybe " Help need decent struts this weekend"? You also need to identify which model you have and whether it has sports suspension..

[Golfknar]

Thank you! Just learning how to be a part of the community here.

Took it off the lift and will work to get the right struts. Even the dealer didn’t have stock and damn at $600 each kinda glad.

Thank you for the bearing advice too!!!

It’s the 2005 E53 but not sure about sport struts it’s not the M version.

[cn90]

The X5 is heavy.

Whenever I work on it: 2 jack stands per side.
Then a tire + wood underneath for safety.

Anyway, the E53 (X5) setup is very very similar to the E39 (5-series).
I wrote the front susp overhaul for the 5-series 10 yrs ago.
Hope you find this useful...


1998 BMW 528i COMPLETE FRONT SUSPENSION OVERHAUL
https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/d...erhaul.399580/