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

[Joshdub]

Originally Posted by jgerry2002

PDC install complete. Had to piece everything together since you can't buy the retrofit kit anymore (I think). Front mudflap install complete too. Parking is much easier and my wife will actually want to drive it now.

The spherical bushings in the thrust arms are amazing. Still amazed at the difference in handling.

Do you have any info on retrofitting this? I have been thinking about doing this.

[jgerry2002]

Originally Posted by Joshdub

Do you have any info on retrofitting this? I have been thinking about doing this.

I used this guide -> http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/e53/X5_pdc_retrofit.pdf

However you do need to piece everything together. Which actually wasn't too bad. Worst / longest part for me was finding original BMW sensors that people didn't want insane amounts of money for.

The other step that wasn't clear is that there is one small section of rear bumper wiring that you do need to locate that was included with the "kit". I got lucky on a parts X5 that was local to me on craigslist. About the only useful parts left on it was the rear pdc bits that I needed.

As long as you have xenon lights from the factory, you likely have the PDC wiring in place. I have a list of P/Ns that should be useful. Just let me know and I'll post them.

[Ricky Bobby]

Any reason you used BMW sensors and not the aftermarket ones? I replaced 2 dead sensors with aftermarket a year ago and they seem to work fine.

[jgerry2002]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

Any reason you used BMW sensors and not the aftermarket ones? I replaced 2 dead sensors with aftermarket a year ago and they seem to work fine.

I probably could have just bought a set of generic ebay chinese generics, but decided I wanted original ones.

[Serb404]

buffed out major scratches, bodyshop actually removed most of my brake dust too on my stock rims complimentary, and when I get back I will replace the OEM plastic trim piece right above the windshield (starting to peel) which I heard is a common issue with the E53's

*still looking for a new set of rims and tires for the spring too

[Joshdub]

This morning I found out some dbag rubbed one out on it. I have no idea when or where this happened. Pretty disappointed though.

[Ricky Bobby]

^That would piss me off to all hell - says the guy who still hasn't visited a PDR guy to get some dents pulled (on my to do list before end of the year)

I bet it was while parked at the mountain.

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by Joshdub

This morning I found out some dbag rubbed one out on it. I have no idea when or where this happened. Pretty disappointed though.

Sorry Josh. Always sucks having that happen.

People never cease to amaze me. Or disappoint me maybe is more appropriate?

[Joshdub]

Yeah it blows. The mountain was the first spot I thought of too, but the past two times I went I got there after and left before the people parked next to me.

Pretty frustrating regardless. I don't know what I want to do. I'm leaning towards waiting until after winter, or I found a semi local silver 4.6is being parted. They want $500 for the rear bumper assembly (won't sell just the cover) with rear parking sensors. Do I just sack up and get the rear IS bits? The front had an electrical fire so the bumper is melted but it looks like the lower IS lip may have made it unscathed, maybe I could get a good deal on it.

[525iT_Feen]

Replaced the vacuum pump, oil pressure switch, vacuum pump seal, flushed the coolant, and balanced the wheels. Alignment this weekend and then off on its 3500 miles road trip to Miami next week.