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

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

[email protected] I didn't offend anyone.

[X5SND]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

@ S, subscribed for live updates on the new suspension and especially excited to hear about the Rover heating element, regarding specifically how much modification is needed to make it work (I read an old thread about a universal heating element and lets just say that the install was lacking something for me )

LOL. Speaking of which, I may need to borrow that US address of yours again.....not only for some more oil for the rover.... but because the so called "Land rover INTERNATIONAL" won't ship my heated seat to me because my shipping address (United states) differs from the billing address (Canada)....go figure.

[four.8is]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

Be aware of the need for replacing them every year or two.

SS brake lines are one of the few track use parts that see more stress in DDs then on "track only" vehicles (speed bumps, parallel parking, potholes).

The SS wire strands fatigue and break at the fittings over time.

IMHO, this is one item I would consider a downgrade for a DD.

Called the dealership to check the pricing on the OE ones...460$ after tax ; they include the solid metal pieces of piping as well...(not sure what he meant by that?)
"the OE ones have actually stronger braid than the aftermarket ones.just cut one of the old ones open and you'll see for yourself"
After some research on different forums it seems like he is right.OE ones are not just rubber but are indeed SS braided lines wrapped in reinforced rubber.or is it just on the M3/M5's?

"People notice improvements in brake feel because they have new lines not necessarily better lines than the OE lines.change with OE and you will get the same feel"

^quote found on a different forum.
Do you guys agree?

[Junkycosmos]

Fluids today. Records indicate these are original (97k miles/2005)
Rear diff: golden and stinky


Front diff: good bit darker but not horrible


For rear and front diff I used redline 75w90 and added LubroMoly. Sure changes the golden redline to gray.

Transfer case: rather dark


For TC I used BMW special unicorn sauce and reset the TC adaptations

[Junkycosmos]

four.8is

Here is the set of factory brakes lines that came off my 2005 4.8. The fronts are on the left. Rears have a flexible section then metal pipe then flexible again. The middle solid pipe goes in the line carrier on the rear suspension arm.

On the ESC rears are all "ss flexible"/ no mid pipe. I had to adjust the line carrier a bit on the rears to hold the ecs line. No big deal but figured I would mention.



Interesting what you are finding on the BMW lines. Are they saying the old ones were SS inside too or only the new ones ?

I too have read a bunch of posts about SS lines not lasting. The ESC set is rubber coated but the SS is exposed near the connectors which has me wondering about corrosion etc.

[Joshdub]

I looks like the soft lines are split into two sections, which isn't uncommon. But I don't see a reason to replace the hard line unless it is corroded.




As far as OEM vs SS lines go on the X5, I am not sure. I do agree that most of the feel probably comes from new lines compared to old lines instead of rubber to stainless steel ones. If the OE ones are in fact braided steel that would work. The OE ones on my E30 are braided nylon, and have since been replaced with aftermarket SS ones.

460 seems outrageous though. ECS has the genuine BMW ones for 180, and ECS is typically on the high side.

As far as corrosion goes, after a few years my SS lines do not seem to have worn at all, even with many trips up the pass and to the mountains. I'll replace them if/when I start seeing fraying though. I have probably 20k miles on them along with track days. Although we don't have the same corrosion problems in the PNW as we do in other parts of the country.

[four.8is]

Junkycosmos/Josh ,I didnt even notice ECS sells the OEM ones too.might go that route and call it a day.The OE ones lasted almost 9 years, a new set will another 9 for sure lol
Info found on the internet might be confusing sometimes or most of the times....you still have the old lines?i was curious if the statement the parts guy made is actually standing.

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by four.8is

Called the dealership to check the pricing on the OE ones...460$ after tax ; they include the solid metal pieces of piping as well...(not sure what he meant by that?)
"the OE ones have actually stronger braid than the aftermarket ones.just cut one of the old ones open and you'll see for yourself"
After some research on different forums it seems like he is right.OE ones are not just rubber but are indeed SS braided lines wrapped in reinforced rubber.or is it just on the M3/M5's?

"People notice improvements in brake feel because they have new lines not necessarily better lines than the OE lines.change with OE and you will get the same feel"

^quote found on a different forum.
Do you guys agree?

Cut an OE brake line on my E46 330i, found they were rubber coated braided lines.

Totally agree.

[Junkycosmos]

New side signals and stealth bulbs.


Vs

[Ricky Bobby]

Ahhhh clean as a whistle.