My 1st BMW: Welcome me to the board, would ya?

[SlowRider]

After a couple months of lurking around this forum, I have to say... Xoutpost kicks butt! I just bought a 2003 X5 about a month ago and and I'm very thankful for the resources posted here. I did a lot of research here before I purchased, so I was aware of the potential problems and cost of repairs.

I bought my X5 from a private owner, so I anticipated that some service and maintenance would be required. I've already used the DIY articles here to replace the 7 year old OEM battery and identify a faulty window regulator (Probably would have paid to replace the motor too if I didn't diagnose the problem myself.) I also soldered a broken tail light after reading a thread about it. I've learned so much about my new vehicle from this forum - thank you everybody who contributes here!

This is the first BMW I've ever owned. I'm very amused by the BMW-haters and BMW-snobs out there, but I'm thankful that most members here are just cool people who take pride in their X5!

My favorite thing about driving the X5 is the HANDLING. I've driven several truck-based SUVs and my previous car was a 1996 Toyota Celica, and I'm very impressed by how well my X5 handles despite its height. Can't wait to cruise it to Tahoe!

My X5 had the original BMW DSP stereo system with navigation when I purchased it but the screen was going bad and the sound was mediocre. Audio quality is important to me, so I scrapped the entire system and replaced it with a JVC KW-AVX730 and JL Audio amp/speakers. I left the original DSP subwoofer but will probably replace it with the JL Audio Stealthbox soon.

I plan on visiting Xoutpost often and helping out when I see something I'm familiar with. Hope to meet some friendly folks here. Leave me a note to say hi!

Now that formalities are out of the way, would you like to meet my new baby?

2003 X5 4.4i
64K miles
Premium and Sport Packages
Steel Gray Metallic on dark gray interior