X5 Tune Up anyone??

[HamannE53]

Folks...its been a great run. However my X5 just clocked the 100,000 mile mark. I recently came across the screws leaking oil at the side of my valve cover gaskets. From what I understand its a costly job -Labor wise! Since my mechanic is going to be dismantling that much of the car, can anyone reccomend another common problem with the X that might need changing on the 4.4 while their at it? ...either major jobs that could use replacements while theyre at it, or maintenance proceudures? Water pump, valley pan gaskets etc...

And for the love of god, I dont wanna hear "If it aint broke dont fix it!"

[Hit Redline]

I would say.

1. oil separator
2. Water pump
3. Change plugs
4. Flush Tanny fluid and replace. (see my recent posts for reason)
5. Coolant hoses.

I am sure others will chime in.

[jst2878]

dont forget the valleypan...thats a must and new o rings for the coolant pipes above the pan. havent seen you in a while, prob since the first x5 meet in stamford

[X5Dawg]

Transmission rebuild

[m5james]

If you really wanna go all out for the 100k refresher....

OSV Vavle (oil seperator, PCV, whatever) and the flush/replace the hoses going to it since they clog - can freeze over in the winter causing all kinds of issues, also causes the infamous blue smoke at start up
Valley pan gaskets - Since you've got the intake off. If you're looking for a great and cheap mod, search your local junkyards and get a pre-VANOS intake manifold, then get some $$Dinan$$ or Powerchips software to make it work better.
Waterpump - They're usually fine, but bearings can go out at any time. Find the composite one per 'killcrap' suggestion since he says the metal blades tend to bend under the fluid pressure
Verify the heater diverter valve is working properly and aux pump (one unit) - confirm the plungers inside move up and down, they control the driver/pass side heaters. The aux pump assist w/ flow, you'll hear it
Radiator hoses - preventative maintenance
Radiator - necks get hairline cracks
Coolant - duh Zerex G05 is phosphate free and cheaper than the BMW stuff by a few bucks
Expansion tank - they just burst sometimes
Thermostat - I've had two fail on me, one original and one BMW dealership replacement...it sucks.
Spark plugs - NGK Iridiums from your local, reputable auto parts store for $8 vs the dealership ones for $25
Drain and fill transmission - Valvoline Max-Life is compatible w/ Esso for 1/5th the cost. Techniques can be found on www.e38.org since the trans need to be at a certain temp for this procedure Also follow that site for links on proper bleeding techniques of the cooling system, that's VERY important.
Drain and fill diff and transfer case - Redline fluids
Fuel Filter - just because
Brake Fluid - just because
Check the power steering fluid color - always overlooked and an easy job using ATF

This is all I can think off of the top of my head. I get a lot of stuff off www.autohausaz.com. Search for some of Weasels threads, he posted a cheap place for the radiator. Also find an Inspection I and II checklist and go over some of those things as well.

[01 BMW_X5]

Originally Posted by HamannE53

And for the love of god, I dont wanna hear "If it aint broke dont fix it!"

Leave good alone!!

[chiefcorey]

HAMMANE53... fyi... on the valve cover gaskets... I picked up the gaskets from autopartsway.ca (in Canada), and my indy is doing the work for a max of 1hr per side.

So it's not that big a job. In total, it will be $60 in parts, and $160 in labour.

[chigga]

Originally Posted by chiefcorey

HAMMANE53... fyi... on the valve cover gaskets... I picked up the gaskets from autopartsway.ca (in Canada), and my indy is doing the work for a max of 1hr per side.

So it's not that big a job. In total, it will be $60 in parts, and $160 in labour.

Vancouver!! where do you get your stuff done? that's cheap labour! labour on my valve gaskets were 400 bucks

[chiefcorey]

L&T Motors 35 East 3rd (just off Quebec). His name is Thai. He mostly does fleet service to dealerships that sell high end bmw's, mercedes, etc. He also does the overflow service for Yaletown Mini.

His rate is $80/hr and he always charges me for less hours than the BMW books says it should take. So you save on rate and time. I'll confirm on the costs later today as I'm picking it up tonight. He quoted me 1 hour per side, and he has always stuck to his word.

Plus I buy my parts from Autopartsway.ca and he installs them for me. He's not concerned about where the parts come from. he can get them if I'm in a super rush, but the on-line shop is actually located in Richmond and I have them within 2 days anyways.

[chiefcorey]

okay, I have my bill in front of me. The BMW book says 4.6 hours total to replace both valve cover gaskets. He kept his word and charged me only 2 hours total. He forgot that it was an 8 (4.4), not a 6(3.0) and there is a significant difference in work to get it done.

Less 20% of course. Which is awesome. so only $125 plus tax in labour to get this done!!