Well boys, we're near the end of the road I fear

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by X5chemist

EWWWWWW, no fender turn signal!

Nice ride!

I think that little silver thing lights up, don't it? The mirrors do as well- also, I think. LOL

That was my 1st 'mod'. I never liked the marketing of these years.. X3 XDrive 3.5i mouthful o' bull.

Gone!

It only needs one thing: Soul. It's a Lexus. Spongy, rubbery, quicker than snot, but so is the N62- especially without CATs. But at 135, the E53 just wants to go faster. The F25 makes you question the brand at 120.

Feels lighter. Feels cheaper. Feels less stable on the offramps.

OTH: Feels less deadful about the next failure. Feels like a new project. Feels like 27MPG on the maiden voyage home.

Life has it's balance, I suppose.

[Salty B.]

Originally Posted by PropellerHead

It only needs one thing: Soul. It's a Lexus. Spongy, rubbery, quicker than snot, but so is the N62- especially without CATs. But at 135, the E53 just wants to go faster. The F25 makes you question the brand at 120.

Ummmmm that IS km/h I hope?

I got the next-gen X5 (G-something?) as a rental once, with the B58 motor. It went real fast but felt huge.

Your N55 is known for leaking oil filter housing gaskets and leaky valve covers. I have that engine in my 3er, and so far no leaks despite being almost 11 years old but with low mileage. Both are a large pain in the ass to replace, and the OFHG failure can lead to serpentine belt failure or even ingestion through the front main seal. Just a heads-up.

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by Salty B.

Your N55 is known for leaking oil filter housing gaskets and leaky valve covers. I have that engine in my 3er, and so far no leaks despite being almost 11 years old but with low mileage. Both are a large pain in the ass to replace, and the OFHG failure can lead to serpentine belt failure or even ingestion through the front main seal. Just a heads-up.

Yeah. There's a little seepage that I'm keeping an eye on. Also, the downpipe. I have wondered aloud if the N55 downpipe from anything else would fit another N55? Like is there something in the way that's not there on an 3'er or 5'er with the same motor.

The downpipe, intake and intercooler are the 1st things I will do. Both for peace of mind in heat soak and maintenance as well as the performance. The N55 is great when everything is spooled. I want that torque quite a bit sooner.

[Happy]

Originally Posted by PropellerHead

Also, the downpipe.

https://www.vr-speed.com/vrsf-3-5-st...4-f25-f26.html


E53 RiPPeR
XOuTPoST jUNkiE
ReVELaTiON 22:21

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by Happy

https://www.vr-speed.com/vrsf-3-5-st...4-f25-f26.html


E53 RiPPeR
XOuTPoST jUNkiE
ReVELaTiON 22:21

Yeah. Doesn't work with EWG. I found one that does, but the rub seems to be in the CE light. I never had the light in my M2 with the ActiveAutowerke catted pipe and tune. I will have to check whether or not theirs is designed for EWG.

But, I did have a little fun yesterday. I found out that the little chrome things do NOT light up- nor do they serve any real function except to fill a hole left by the previous years. I find this annoying.

Little high gloss wrap...

[Happy]

Originally Posted by PropellerHead

Yeah. Doesn't work with EWG.

Aye Prop.. Recall.. I have an original build, manual E53 which is basically 80’s / 90’s technology. What is a EWG?

A waste gate maybe? That is electrical?

Is there such a thing?


E53 RiPPeR
XOuTPoST jUNkiE
ReVELaTiON 22:21

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by Happy

... What is a EWG?

A waste gate maybe? That is electrical? ...

Correct, EWG = Electronic Waste Gate.

There is a pneumatic (vacuum) version also - a PWG.

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by Happy

What is a EWG?

A waste gate maybe? That is electrical?

Let's be clear: I have yet to put my own eyes on it. But, I have read and understood that while the 3 series N55's after ~2014 or so had EWG, the F25's- and ALL of 'em supposedly, through production- have PWG.

Update:
But I'm collecting parts for the F25 and swapping stuff over from the 4.8is to the white one. The white one will heretofore be known as... The Unicorn.

It will have the 6 caliper StopTech's that my best-friend-become-brother designed the spacers for. He passed last month. I always think of him when I see those big ole things under there. The red StopTechs that were actually designed for the E53 will come off and be available for sale. Supposedly, they are the last set produced. For whatever that's worth. They look cool, and they're WAY lighter than stock. Makes that V8 feel like an i6. (Sorta)

Along with the tribute to my brother, these parts will come across from Blue:
Eibach sways, front and rear. (Done)

Dual pane windows.

Heated steering wheel. (Done)

Running boards (done)

Zionsville full aluminum radiator, tank, etc with electric fan (Done)

Euro mirror side mirror glass (done)

Underride

And these bits have been done for quite awhile now:
4.8is front and rear

Turner solid core bits up front

Turner power steering reservoir

Seals (yep. 2023. At around 58k miles.

AGA water pipe

Style 87's

Euro clear front HID

Factory hitch

And allll of this in (go ahead) Guess what? Yep, she's a small sunroof '04 Sport, Premium, Cold Weather, with 65k miles. White on black with dark birch trim.

When the part swap is done, The Unicorn will deserve the name.