New guy checking in

fulltilt · #1 02-01-2010, 10:44 AM

Hi everyone. I purchased a 2004 X5 3.0 with manual transmission about 4 months ago. I owned a 328i before that and drove it from 80k to 150k, and plan to do the same with the X5. I have been a loyal Bimmerforums member, but felt in the X arena, there are more people doing more things to their vehicles over here. I do nearly everything myself, and you guys have already helped me out a lot. In the first months of ownership, I have already had to do the driver’s door handle carrier, rear window regulator, and CCV valve (froze up and blew a valve cover gasket after two hours of driving in -17F in Iowa while 700 miles from home). I will post a couple DIY write-ups shortly to get them out there for the common good. Good to be aboard!

motordavid · #2 02-01-2010, 10:55 AM

Congrats on your X, and welcome to The Board!
Having an old '01 5 spd manual, I am envious of
your 6 speed!
GL,mD

cheappc · #3 02-01-2010, 12:04 PM

Welcome,

I also had to do a driver’s door handle carrier, thank God for this forums, it only cost me $88 and 12 hours of labor...

Im afraid of the CCV valve, I dont know if I can do that.. but I would really appreciate your DIY...

fulltilt · #4 02-01-2010, 12:12 PM

Sorry, I didn't do a DIY on the CCV, I found enough information on the forums to make do. I see people paying around your $88 for the door handle carrier. Mine was $125. I now get a 10% discount from my dealer, but that's still way higher. Is there a better source for that part that I am not aware of?

cheappc · #5 02-01-2010, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fulltilt

Sorry, I didn't do a DIY on the CCV, I found enough information on the forums to make do. I see people paying around your $88 for the door handle carrier. Mine was $125. I now get a 10% discount from my dealer, but that's still way higher. Is there a better source for that part that I am not aware of?

Yes, what I do is go here to this link:
(hmwautopartsdealer.com) and put in the part number
bmwautopartsdealer.com

(ps, just put in the part number and press search, you dont have to put your year and so forth, just the part number and click search)

Theyll give you the correct price on any part number, then call your dealer and ask them if they price match... they usually do, and if they dont, just order through these guys, they are great too! i ordered some parts through them when my dealer doesnt have them in stock and way over priced..