What did you do to / for your E53 today??

[Maruzo]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

^ Had that recently on the newly acquired F15. Wheels were stuck on pretty good. Took a few kicks on top and bottom to finally pop them off. Went at the rotor hubs with drill and metal wheel brushes. Light sanding on the wheel hub and then followed up with copper grease on reinstall. Shouldn't be a problem going forward.

Nothing major done to the E53. Checked the connector for the thermostat as it threw a code for it and all appeared in good order. Temperatures have been fine when driving. One of these days I'll change out all the cooling system stuff that I have sitting in a box. One of these days... LOL, I'm still rolling around on a URO expansion tank.

Also changed out the license plate frames as the old ones were getting pretty crusty. Small change, but makes a big difference visually. At least to me. Someday I'll tackle the faded shadowline trim.

Attachment 79786

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Understated and classy. I went with the M plate since the 4.6 is like the equivalent of an X5 M Sport.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by Maruzo

Understated and classy. I went with the M plate since the 4.6 is like the equivalent of an X5 M Sport.

To each his own. However, If BMW thought is was worthy of the M badge they would have labeled it as such.

[Nolimite39]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

To each his own. However, If BMW thought is was worthy of the M badge they would have labeled it as such.

Back in the day they reserved the ///M for properly ///Mad cars. I love my 4.6iS and I think that buying into all the marketing garbage has made BMW a lot of money but has cheapened the ///M. IMO it should never have been put on any of the trucks. What Motorsport are they competing in?

[bcredliner]

The M division started in the early 70s to create high performance race worthy vehicles available to the public. As soon as the late 70s BMW was introducing 4 door sedans labeled as M cars. In the last few years they have added models that have an M label that have a 'true' M car in the same series. I question that logic. I think they are diluting the M brand. Doesn't seem like a good idea to have almost an M such as the M440i to muddy up the waters.

I understand their rationale to capitalize on the brand awareness and brand equity of the M label but I to question risking the exclusivity of the M label and the up pricing they command.

I have an X5m and I think it is worthy of the M label. The 0-60 times are right there with other M car models. The handling is amazing. I'm fine with it being an M. It is such a great vehicle I don't even think of it as a truck.

[Nolimite39]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

The M division started in the early 70s to create high performance race worthy vehicles available to the public. As soon as the late 70s BMW was introducing 4 door sedans labeled as M cars. In the last few years they have added models that have an M label that have a 'true' M car in the same series. I question that logic. I think they are diluting the M brand. Doesn't seem like a good idea to have almost an M such as the M440i to muddy up the waters.

I understand their rationale to capitalize on the brand awareness and brand equity of the M label but I to question risking the exclusivity of the M label and the up pricing they command.

I have an X5m and I think it is worthy of the M label. The 0-60 times are right there with other M car models. The handling is amazing. I'm fine with it being an M. It is such a great vehicle I don't even think of it as a truck.

Fair statements, and I wont beat anyone with my opinion. I have very much love for all of the iS/M Xs and BMWs in general. As you said thought they've diluted the brand. On top of that its really painful knowing that though plenty of M cars are owned by enthusiasts, even more are owned by self-indulgent jackoffs that bought it for the little emblem (which signifies a price tag) and not the performance or the pedigree. But I guess that's the case with all high-end "flashy" vehicles. I've repeatedly looked at selling off part off the better part of my stable for an F85 but I just cant bring myself to do it. I love my E53 and E39 too much (those would have to be the first two to go).

[StephenVA]

Audi and Mercedes are all leveraging their "performance logos" to sell lesser models with add on parts with M, S, or AMG logos. It drives additional sales and revenue margins. This is what drives the market in car sales which is what auto companies do. They are NOT niche car builders who build for select clientele.

Gov mandates for low and ZERO emissions cars will force the auto industry down even more paths that are not profitable but are required to see cars in Countries and States like The USA, CA, and all the other green obsessed political locales.

In the battle of world market Profit is king as it gives you the money for for R&D on emission demands, new models, and keeps everyone employed.

[Maruzo]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

To each his own. However, If BMW thought is was worthy of the M badge they would have labeled it as such.

You are not wrong. I do have a proper M truck in the E70, and I agree it’s handling and performance qualifies its pedigree.

The 4.6 is a special truck nestled between the V8 class and the M class. Certainly not an M yet.

My love of vanity knows no boundary when it comes to the M badge, I’m afraid.

[Happy]

Originally Posted by Maruzo

The 4.6 is a special truck nestled between the V8 class and the M class. Certainly not an M yet.

My love of vanity knows no boundary when it comes to the M badge, I’m afraid.

Where does my 3.0 fit in?

Never, will I fasten an M badge on Ole’Girl. I, along with numerous mechanics and engineers built that vehicle from its stock form.

We, made that performance SAV, perform!

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by Maruzo

You are not wrong. I do have a proper M truck in the E70, and I agree it’s handling and performance qualifies its pedigree.

The 4.6 is a special truck nestled between the V8 class and the M class. Certainly not an M yet.

My love of vanity knows no boundary when it comes to the M badge, I’m afraid.

I agree the 4.6 is very special and I understand based on the other models available those years it could have been labeled an X5M. My guess is that at that time BMW thought the M label on the X5 was blasphemy.

BMW was late to the party. There was already a demographic category embracing high performance SUVs that was being served since at least 2008 by major competitors including Audi and Porsche. If you are late for the party you better bring something great. I think that is likely when they blessed the X5M development.

[andrewwynn]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

I agree the 4.6 is very special and I understand based on the other models available those years it could have been labeled an X5M. My guess is that at that time BMW thought the M label on the X5 was blasphemy.



BMW was late to the party. There was already a demographic category embracing high performance SUVs that was being served since at least 2008 by major competitors including Audi and Porsche. If you are late for the party you better bring something great. I think that is likely when they blessed the X5M development.

4.6 would maybe get the “m sport” tag. Definitely not in the same class as twin turbo v8. I’m not a fan of the dilution of the M badge with M-ish hardware