New Owner, Starting a "To Do" List...

[Sundayjumper]

Hi all,

New owner from the UK here. I've just bought my first X5 - a 2001 4.4i Sport I've wanted an X5 for years and now the prices have tumbled I've finally been able to buy one ! PHOTO HERE CLICKY.

Not surprisingly for a ten year old car it has a few things to sort out but I got it for what I think was a pretty good price so I don't mind spending a little to get it all shipshape. I've done some reading up and I think I know where I'm going with it, but figured I'd put all my current queries in one place for now. If any of them turn out to be complicated they can have their own thread.

In no particular order....

1) It has a Dynavin headunit and it's rubbish. Well, to be fair, the nav & bluetooth works OK, but the iPod functionality is rubbish and the radio reception is dire. It also looks nasty. And it means the OBC functions don't work. I believe the car originally had a 4:3 nav unit, am I right to think that a 16:9 will plug straight in ? Will it need a software update or coding ?

2) There's a creaking from the rear when pulling away. Sounds like rubber or plastic moving on metal. I'm assuming this is the subframe bushes but haven't looked under the car yet to check. Will it be obvious if they're falling apart ? I'm happy to DIY the bushes.

3) Vibration in the steering. It comes and goes to an extent but is generally there from 50mph upwards. Usual culprit seems to be the bushes / ball joints. One of the arms was replaced last year (I have the receipt). I've no idea why they didn't do both at the same time. So same as above, when I get under the car will it be obvious if one of the bushes / joints has failed ? I'm inclined to just buy two complete arms & ball joints and be done with it. Again, I'm happy to DIY, and get the alignment checked afterwards of course.

4) Passenger mirror has a bit of play in the main pivot (where it would fold). Any chance this is repairable ? I've no need for the folding function, I'd just like it to stop wobbling. I've seen how much second hand units are

5) Really random one - the window switches on the driver's door are from a LHD vehicle, bodged into the RHD bezel ! This results in the driver's side / passenger side controls being flipped. Not a big deal really, but annoying, so I'll be on the lookout for a replacement.

6) The usual pixel problem. Looks like £20 for a ribbon cable to DIY it, or £80 for someone else to do it.

7) Headlights (non-xenon) seem weak, is this normal ? Worth buying aftermarket xenons ?

I think that's all for now.

Thanks,

Steve.