My Project Saturday

[UCrewX5]

Today I blocked out the day to get some projects completed and to get the X tuned up and ready for the winter. Here was my day.

I started out with installing the BMW hitch. I have to say that without the tips and knowledge shared by Phil (pepatrick) and Bill Barnes in this article - http://www.xoutpost.com/showarticle-91.html - this would have been much tougher to do. The BMW installation instructions leave a lot to be desired, to say the least Having Phil's and Bill's tips allowed me to get this done in about 3.5 hours.

Next I put all new pads and rotors on the X. I still had the original rotors, so with 80K on the odometer I figured it was about time to replace them. The pads that I had been running were the Mintex Red Box's, which I put on at 24K miles. So I got 56K miles from that set of pads. The front pads were definately about due, but the rears could have probably gone another 30K miles. The setup that I went with was Brembo rotors and Axxis Deluxe pads on all 4 corners. I used Adam's (hayaku) article as my guide and I was able to get everything done in about 2 hours - http://www.xoutpost.com/showarticle-196.html

With the wheels off to do the brake job I also went ahead and took off the 19" Y-Spokes and swapped over to my 18" Style 69's with a brand new set of Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22's. Bring on the snow

Finally, I did an oil and filter change. Again I followed Adam's (hayaku) article and got this done in about a half an hour - http://www.xoutpost.com/showarticle-83.html

A full day of projects, but now everything is ready to go for winter

[Juanted]

OK... Where is the "This thread is worthless without pics" smiley?

Let us see the new shoes with the brembos, Jeff!

Sounds like a very busy and productive day, Congrats!

(I need some brembos... tired of the brake dust.)

Juan

[LeMansX5]

That's a lot of mods for one day. LM-22s are very good. Your X5 must have a big grin on its face.

[Rob_]

Jeff,

Congrats on getting much accomplished in one day.
Did you get in any "beer breaks" or are you enjoying the cold one's after the work has been done?

Rob_

[AutoXer]

Good job, that's a lot of work for one day. I spent the day together with my X too, but on the cosmetic side.

We really bonded today. It was kind of like his one-year old birthday party. Gave him a good wash and wax, vacuum and cleaned all his leather, gave his wheels a nice black shine.

We then went out for a drive and took some pictures to celebrate. Then he whispered to me that he's outgrowing his 18" shoes and I promised that I will get him a 20" set before he turns two!

It was a good day! And like a proud father, I think he's a handsome little guy!

[Juanted]

OK, that's it. I am getting aluminum running boards! They just look SO sharp on this car!

By the way, AutoXer... your X is a "he"?

Juan

[alpac]

Originally Posted by UCrewX5

Today I blocked out the day to get some projects completed and to get the X tuned up and ready for the winter. Here was my day.

I started out with installing the BMW hitch. I have to say that without the tips and knowledge shared by Phil (pepatrick) and Bill Barnes in this article - http://www.xoutpost.com/showarticle-91.html - this would have been much tougher to do. The BMW installation instructions leave a lot to be desired, to say the least Having Phil's and Bill's tips allowed me to get this done in about 3.5 hours.

Next I put all new pads and rotors on the X. I still had the original rotors, so with 80K on the odometer I figured it was about time to replace them. The pads that I had been running were the Mintex Red Box's, which I put on at 24K miles. So I got 56K miles from that set of pads. The front pads were definately about due, but the rears could have probably gone another 30K miles. The setup that I went with was Brembo rotors and Axxis Deluxe pads on all 4 corners. I used Adam's (hayaku) article as my guide and I was able to get everything done in about 2 hours - http://www.xoutpost.com/showarticle-196.html

With the wheels off to do the brake job I also went ahead and took off the 19" Y-Spokes and swapped over to my 18" Style 69's with a brand new set of Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22's. Bring on the snow

Finally, I did an oil and filter change. Again I followed Adam's (hayaku) article and got this done in about a half an hour - http://www.xoutpost.com/showarticle-83.html

A full day of projects, but now everything is ready to go for winter

That is a lot of work in one day When can I bring mine for the same treament?
Let us know what you think about the new pads and rotors

[vinuneuro]

Lookin great . We too have a TiAg colored 3.0 Sport; I have noticed that getting real depth into this color isnt the easiest thing to do.

I too am wondering, if your X is really a he .

[hayaku]

wow.. thats one busy day!!!

i'll be putting on my hitch very soon as well... but I think i'll put on a super secret mod first... hehehehe.. except this time, i owe the manufacturer a very comprehensive review (including install instructions, measureable differences, objective review, and some performance testing if i can get clearance and the time to do it)

should i put a step by step for the hitch or is what we have here enough? i have yet to look at the instructions myself and know that i will be relying heavily on those same hitch install tips (don't mean to step on any toes either - sorry if i am)

[vinuneuro]

A very busy day indeed . Your DIY skills are ones I aspire to.