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

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by X5chemist

Look carefully. There's a small opening on the forward side. Use a small flat screwdriver. Push the tab down! Once it's far enough down, the shade pops off.

I'll order new parts today. With the door panel off, I'll replace the bad speaker too. It's the only speaker not working.

Thanks!

[X5chemist]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

Gorilla tape will hold the window up while waiting for parts

I had to grab my Gorilla tape. My neighbor called me late yesterday afternoon. The two suction cups didn't hold the window up. I taped the top and one side. With black window trim, you can't see the tape. You have to be up close. I could probably drive it and no one notice the tape. :
Since I had time, I reached into the door and felt around. I felt a string or spring of some kind. It wouldn't come out. The regulator is probably broken good. I ordered a replacement regulator from FCP. It's been almost a year since something broke on it. I might take it out of service next week. On the list, rear wheel bearings, new RR speaker, new regulator, and waxing.

[Salty B.]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

Gorilla tape will hold the window up while waiting for parts


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Suction cup hook from IKEA held the window up for about two weeks until I could get to replacing the winder-upper thing. It’s really strong.

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/tisken-...hite-70381275/


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[andrewwynn]

I usually use gorilla tape up the side front and back and outside where it's easier to goo gone after


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[X5chemist]

Can you see the Gorilla tape? Two sides are holding well. I completely took off the door panel. The new regulator arrived on Thursday. Looking at the new part, I suspect the cable broke. The motor is transferred over. Nice, I know it will roll up and down fast.
RockAuto had rear hatch struts on clearance last year. I finally installed them. Wow, how heavy is the upper hatch? One strut is not enough to hold it up. I had to grab an extendable paint stick to hold it up. The old pair lasted about 4 years. With helper springs, the latch will knock you out if you stand too close.

Next week, the X5 will be down for maintenance. It's been a year since something big failed. Maintenance list: rear wheel bearings, new RR window regulator, after market Curt towing hitch, OEM trailer harness, and possibly a new fuel pump.

Updated my maintenance spreadsheet.
Cost per month = $128.96 and dropping.
Cost per mile = $0.33 (29,768 miles since purchase)

[X5chemist]

The Lemforder 63.80808.0 RR regulator was installed. The hardest part. Removing the dang Gorilla glue residue.
Sure enough the white window bolt clip was broken in half. Luckily, I had a spare one. I have to keep two more spares in a small parts bag. The new part fit perfectly. I recommend the part as a replacement. The broken cable was wrapped all around the gear. The OEM motor swapped over perfectly. Once door clip holder did come unglued. Luckily it was the middle lower one. I was able to fit it back. I'll glue it back later.

[X5only]

Originally Posted by X5chemist

The Lemforder 63.80808.0 RR regulator was installed. The hardest part. Removing the dang Gorilla glue residue.
Sure enough the white window bolt clip was broken in half. Luckily, I had a spare one. I have to keep two more spares in a small parts bag. The new part fit perfectly. I recommend the part as a replacement. The broken cable was wrapped all around the gear. The OEM motor swapped over perfectly. Once door clip holder did come unglued. Luckily it was the middle lower one. I was able to fit it back. I'll glue it back later.

Acetone does a great job removing that glue. It quickly evaporates so leaves no stink. Make sure to tighten all the bolts on the door. I found some loose. I used blue thread locker before rightening them. My driver's door now closes with a solid BMW thud and no rattles.

[g300d]

Speaking of closing the doors and window regulators, a great tip I've read on here and bears repeating is to avoid closing the doors with the windows down. It was pointed out that the glass shakes noticeably doing that, not good for the regulator and clips.

Like operating the outer door handle with your thumb on the key cylinder cover, one of those E53 habits that make fragile parts last longer.

[andrewwynn]

Good off or good gone are my go to for adhesive residue. But you do have to follow up with some cleaner like glass cleaner.


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