2002 4.6 iS

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Hi All

Firstly I want to say what a truly fantastic site you have here - I have read just about every DIY article in each section - but admittedly some of the mods look pretty complicated and Im not sure whether I would have the skills/confidence to tackle some of them on my own.

Having said that, I am from Australia and have just purchased a pre loved 2002 X5 4.6 iS. What an absolute beast this thing is. I have never driven anything quite like it. I have had 3 series beemers in the past, a Range Rover and I even bought a new Landcruiser Turbo Diesel back in 2001, but nothing and I mean nothing prepared me for the truly awesome power, handling and comfort of this mean machine! Its like its on steroids!

The original owner had H R stuff fitted on it as well as a different exhaust system. I wasnt sure what the exhaust was all about so I had my mechanic hoist the X5 up, and I noted that it was a full stainless job, it had the BMW logo stamped on all of the parts with the word Boesner? beside it. I am not sure what this exhaust system means in terms of performance, but it sure as hell sounds beefy. Apparently the guy reckons he paid AUD$8000.00 for the exhaust alone. I am not sure if the dealer fitted it or if the factory did, but I am told it was delivered new that way

Anyway, I have identified a number of small problems with my X5. I have taken the time to search the forums as well and I have worked out that some of my problems are quite common. However, I would appreciate your comments on the issues I am experiencing below as I feel they could be inter related:

1) when I select reverse, the passenger side mirror does not tilt down automatically

2) I have the common folding mirror problem where if I push the button, both mirrors fold in, press it again the passnger side goes in/out and if pressed again the drivers side mirror goes in/out

3) when setting up the memory only the seat and steering wheel are memorised, the side mirrors do not readjust and stay the way they are

4) when taking the key out, the steering wheel stays put whereas my understanding is that it should adjust to make entry/exit out of the seat easier

5) the little led (?) light over the passenger door handle doe snot light up, is there a way to replace this DIY?

6) liftgate hanndle terribly oxidised internally, the lights didnt work and the switch to operate the liftgate seemed to have seized, I bought a new one and it fixed the problem. Just getting it repainted and fitted tomorrow

7) how much more performance does the exhaust provide over standard?

8) generally mechanically it looks good, full bmw service history, however I did have to change the radiator, pressure cap and plastic tank. The oil breather hoses were also badly worn so replaced those too.

Other than that, I am extremely happy with the car.

Im just spending every minute waxing it and admiring it from every angle. My wifes not too happy with me right now!!

Cheers

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[dr.jay]

Great looking X5, I would get a black grill for it fro bimmian.com

[ljnlaw]

Sweet ride good luck with her. The exhaust will not really give you any additional performace but you'll definitely love the sound..if you do not want to spend a lot of $$$ look into straight pipes or an x-pipe...if you go the exhaust route look into Borla, B&B Triflow, Super Sprint or Eisennman (sp?).

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Thanks for your comments guys!

Re the exhaust I have - the Boesner - I have tried looking for specs on it on the net but cant seem to find any info

There was a site I found last week - to a BMW Boesner mod factory but cant seem to find it again!

Does anyone know a little more about this exhaust - Im just curious why someone would spend so much money on it if it doesnt offer any additional performance

I thought that maybe the all blacked out grille may look too heavy? I dont mind the existing grille

Cheers

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[Obeticus4.6is]

Sweet ride, looks exactly like mine even the titanium interior package.. this car is on steroids no doubt about it!!

[ncx]

Love it. And you are right... it is a beast. Your 4.6 is almost identical to mine except your steering wheel was installed on the wrong side!

Welcome to xoutpost.com

[Schanck]

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Welcome mate ..... I took this one for a test drive 4 weeks ago ..... hadn't found anything in over 12 months of looking then bang ..... 3 in a week ..... suffice to say I got one of the other ones ..... your guy definately looked after it

I hopefully pick mine up tomorrow ..... so will post some pics!

Schanck

PS ..... re your questions

1) when I select reverse, the passenger side mirror does not tilt down automatically

the left/right button to select the mirror needs to be on drivers side

2) I have the common folding mirror problem where if I push the button, both mirrors fold in, press it again the passnger side goes in/out and if pressed again the drivers side mirror goes in/out

as mine is a one owner/bmw purchased mine getting fixed under warranty .....http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...hlight=gremlin

3) when setting up the memory only the seat and steering wheel are memorised, the side mirrors do not readjust and stay the way they are

?????

4) when taking the key out, the steering wheel stays put whereas my understanding is that it should adjust to make entry/exit out of the seat easier

I think this is a key programing issue ..... I am going to sit down with the bmw tech to go through the options for each key ..... wifes and mine

5) the little led (?) light over the passenger door handle doe snot light up, is there a way to replace this DIY?

?????

6) liftgate hanndle terribly oxidised internally, the lights didnt work and the switch to operate the liftgate seemed to have seized, I bought a new one and it fixed the problem. Just getting it repainted and fitted tomorrow

7) how much more performance does the exhaust provide over standard?

8) generally mechanically it looks good, full bmw service history, however I did have to change the radiator, pressure cap and plastic tank. The oil breather hoses were also badly worn so replaced those too.

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Thanks for the welcomes!

I feel like a young kid again when Im driving this thing - kinda like when I got my first chromoly bike :P

Schanck, thats interesting that you drove this one, im curious to know as to what stopped you from buying it?

When I was looking around for a 4.6 iS I could only find four of them for sale in Melbourne - I really couldnt be bothered buying one interstate

And as I had sold my other car I needed one quick smart, so this was the one that I chose based on the condition of the car and of course my budget

I looked at the other two in Melbourne that were with dealers and there was a private one in Toorak, which looked great but was out of my budget so I did not bother

Which model did you end up getting?

Re the issues, ye I have the switch on the drivers side for the mirrors but no go

Anyway, looks like I will just bite the bullet - shes booked in at my dealer to have the above done

You were right, the guy did look after it, he was taking last minute pics of it when I was handing him the cheque!

Cheers

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Where

[Schanck]

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I was about to check out the exhaust system (like you) and the lowering with Doncaster who have done the servicing ..... i'm wasn't really into the interior and was looking for light poplar but settled for dark poplar (if there are any Australian's with the light that want the dark we should meet up for a swap!)

I got a call from from a mate at one of the dealers a week pre June with a Black/Black/Dark Poplar 2002 4.6is and took it straight away (similar price ..... as your bloke called me to tell me he was going to drop the price ..... mine was basically the exact same price/same km's but with 1 owner/BMW serviced and 1 year warranty ..... so jumped at it)

I know what you mean being like a young kid again ..... I was supposed to pick it up today after a few oem mods and fix ups and they obviously started it a bit late and gave me a call to say they will need it overnight and I can pick it up tomorrow!!!!!

I was so pissed off ..... am heading down the coast to play golf and they have given me a 750Li and it's like "I don't want it ..... I want my X5" (I've owned a 740iL for a number of years so same shit different bucket! ..... X is for excitement and I have had a bucket load of fun in nearly the month i've had it!

Schanck ..... pics are now overdue ..... I know! ..... I know!

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Schanck

OK sounds nice.......one thing I might say about Doncaster is that I had them look over the car the day before I bought it - they said the car was mechanically A1

The only thing is the radiator let go less than a week later

Now thats either plain bad luck on my part or Doncaster not being thorough. I guess I have to give them the benefit of the doubt. But in any event I would have thought that they should have at least picked up some of the items above. Maybe Im too fussy?

I must say they look elegamt with the dark poplar but I prefer the titanium insides. I bought a new merc for the missus last year and it has that dark wood trim look, so when I jump in the X5 its a refreshing change of interior

Having said that, you have done well with the warranty - good luck to you

I just didnt realise that this car would be such a chick magnet - (kidding) :P

Im surprised no one here on the forum knows a little more about the Boesner exhaust - Im still trying to get a little more info on them

Cheers n Beers!

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