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

[jopecasa]

Wow! What a difference with that kit!.......not liking the F & R bumpers though.

And for some reason.....it looks better with stock suspension height!

Congrats on the purchase!

[tmv]

Originally Posted by srmmmm

That sure is a clean looking 2000! I don't know if you need another vehicle, but if the engine has been maintained the way the outside appearance has been, I think I'd carefully inspect the front driveshaft and transfer case splines, and if they're okay, then install a re-manufactured transmission. The aero-kit definitely adds to the street appeal in my opinion. There could be another 200,000 miles left in it with the right care.

I do not need another vehicle. Already have more cars than drivers
Look like it worth more in parts than as a complete car. If I need a car, sure I'll fix it.

Originally Posted by crystalworks

Very nice score!!! Those e70 wheels look great on there too.
I wanted that aero kit in the worst way when i started shopping for an e53. I like it A LOT. Now that I have the IS though it has curbed my thirst for it. Maybe if I find a deal like you got I'll do the same... I wonder if you can still buy that kit new?

The kit is NLA. The only way to obtain it is to buy one with it installed.

Originally Posted by Joshdub

Those wheels are awesome. Let me know if you want to sell the IS stuff (minus the front)

I'll let you know when I have them removed.

This is the front bumper I'd like to pair with the kit. I think it should match.

[JBF]

Well, mixed day -

Positives - changed my front right driveshaft

Negatives - unexpectedly had to change one track rod end, driveshaft didn't fix the rattle

[Scott ZHP]

Replaced rear upper control arm and traction strut on the drivers side. Did the rear ball joint and the integral link on that side last weekend. No more squeaks from that side. Passenger side up next weekend, and new rear shocks/shock mounts.

[fxslin]

Finally got rid off my ugly 17" winter wheels and replace them with more correct 19" winter wheels.

Before:


After:



Nevermind the "skibox", it is coming off after winter.
Now my search for new 20" wheels for summer season is starting.

[Junkycosmos]

JBF,
What vibration are you chasing? I ask since I have a slight vibration at idle when cold (very slight) after doing water pump (4.8is) and suspect 8 torque head bolts which hold in the the engine vibration damper. Seems to be conflicting info on need to replace or reuse them.

#8 in the diagram
RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog


FXSLIN,
Nice looking! Even with that box
Do you notice a difference in mileage with the box on?

[Joshdub]

I haven't done anything yet, but I am scheming. Got a new tcase chain today and an extended driveshaft is on its way. Also going to replace the tcase mount.

[fxslin]

Originally Posted by Junkycosmos

FXSLIN,
Nice looking! Even with that box
Do you notice a difference in mileage with the box on?

Not really yet. Only had the box on for 3 weeks yet, I'll know more after this winter (I do track my milage via an Android app on my headunit).
However it is a tad more noisy and add extra height to the car. I purchased Prorack rack to "win" back a few cm's on the height and get the box more aligned with the car.

This is how we like to use the E53 during weekends, trips up in the norwegian mountains.

[northfork]

Oil change and next up installing the Carbon Fiber transfer case gear. Wish me luck.

[srmmmm]

Originally Posted by Junkycosmos

JBF,


FXSLIN,
Nice looking! Even with that box
Do you notice a difference in mileage with the box on?

I have a Thule box as shown here on an X3:

https://www.google.com/search?q=Thul...FaGx-jpEBdM%3A

With the front overhang necessary to allow the rear hatch to open, I'm afraid the box really sticks its nose into the windstream. My fuel mileage drops one mile per gallon at 65MPH with the box on, and two miles per gallon at 70MPH. And in a fast 80MPH holiday weekend pace on Labor Day, I was down at 16.7 MPG with my 3.0! I was glad the gasoline prices had fallen.

2002 X5 3.0 289,660 miles
3004 325i 123,000 miles