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

[DillonInCO]

Replaced front sway bar drop links (no more clunking woooohoo!), got new wheels and tires, and had an alignment done. Also washed the outside, and cleaned and detailed the inside. You guys weren't kidding when you said the tan interior is hard to keep clean But with the sway bar links fixed, and with heavier wheels and tires, I can now feel that the front control arms are probably the next thing I'll need to replace. D'oh.

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

I replaced with Meyle HD, ride quality is solid. Powerflex is almost 4x the cost of the Meyle HD bushings and I didn't think it would be 4x better of a bushing considering the originals lasted 10 years.

Many have reported that the Powerflex bushings are nice, but again, just playing the other side of the coin that any replacement bushing is going to be better than a shot OE bushing. One would have to put a fresh OE/Meyle HD bushing in, and then swap out for Powerflex to see if you actually "feel" the difference.

That link says it's for E36? Does the X5 use the same shocks? I've considered replacing my subframe bushings, but I gather there's not really a need to unless they're so worn out that it causes the rear end to be unstable.

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by DillonInCO

Replaced front sway bar drop links (no more clunking woooohoo!), got new wheels and tires, and had an alignment done. Also washed the outside, and cleaned and detailed the inside. You guys weren't kidding when you said the tan interior is hard to keep clean But with the sway bar links fixed, and with heavier wheels and tires, I can now feel that the front control arms are probably the next thing I'll need to replace. D'oh.


That link says it's for E36? Does the X5 use the same shocks? I've considered replacing my subframe bushings, but I gather there's not really a need to unless they're so worn out that it causes the rear end to be unstable.

Dillon this is the Meyle HD bushings (x4) you need for your subframe:

BMW Axle Support Bushing Rear (X5) - Meyle HD 33316770454 | FCP Euro

If you are over 120k I'd recommend it, you definitely will feel a difference in the rear end. If you need the tool I have it for rental as well as another member, although it will be going to TwinTurboGTR soon and he will be sending out future rentals, I will be just coordinating for them.


As for the tan interior I hope you are using a really good cleaner on the interior, seats, door panels etc, my personal favorite is 1Z Deep Plastic Cleaner, use it before applying any interior plastic/leather protectant.

http://www.detailersdomain.com/1Z-ei...ner_p_106.html

[DillonInCO]

Typically use Meguiar's Interior Detailer / Cleaner for the small stuff (to wipe the dust off basically), and simple green on plastic parts that get streaks on them easily. For the seats and other leather or vinyl pieces, I use Lexol or Mothers VLR. The VLR especially works well, but I will have to try 1Z for plastic parts, 'cause simple green isn't the most pleasant smelling thing in the world. Plus, I need something like that for another car I have which before I owned it, was smoked in and sat outside with the windows down a lot

[Ricky Bobby]

The 1Z plastic cleaner is definietly a straight up cleaner, simple green on the interior is ok but even diluted I couldn't deal with the chemical like smell.

The great thing about the DPC from 1Z is that it is a perfect cleaner for all interior plastic, vinyl, and leather surfaces, prior to treating with Lexol or Mothers VLR (which would be more along the lines of a last step product/conditioner after all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned)

Willing to talk detailing with you anytime, just shoot me a pm if you need anything

[srmmmm]

Finally time for a transfer case and engine oil change. Now with the 100 degree days showing up and the annual big towing trip to Arkansas coming up it was time for the "M" weight oil as well. My how that engine runs smooth with the good stuff in it!

2002 X5 3.0 260,259 miles
2004 325i 115,000 miles

[sv1cec]

Well, not today, but during our last trip to Ukraine, I had the followings done on my X5.

1. Changed oil, oil filter, and brakes fluid. Cleaned the air filter.
2. The starter motor started acting wierd, so I had it rebuild.
3. The driver's door handle stopped working. A clever mechanic repaired the mechanism with a piece of steel wire, he installed in the mechanism. The handle doesn't sit well on the door, on the outside, so I guess, I'll have to replace the internal part at some time, when the steel wire breaks.
4. Replaced the front antisway bar links and the two ball joints.
5. Going through Bulgaria, I replaced the tires with four new Bridgestone Duellers. Having to change them on a Saturday, didn't give me a lot of options (I would prefer Michelins), but the Bridgestones feel quite nice, so I am happy with them.

Now, if I could find a cost-effective way to fix the aux fan and my mirrors........

[tmv]

Only have enough time to complete the front suspension overhaul. The rear would have to wait for the coming up Sat. The lower ball joints were really stuck on there good, after 110k miles. One of the control arm was replaced at some point since it has different bushing type on it. The big control arm on the passenger side slide off center. No wonder why it feels difference recently.

[Ricky Bobby]

Wow the whole bushing shifted out of the thrust arm?

[tmv]

More like the arm slid to the side and only stop by the metal frame there. Crazy right?

[Ryoken]

today I finally put back on my passenger side door card, I now have a complete , x5