Did just purhase the cheapest X5 ever?

[Skyline]

Check this site for very reasonably priced refurbished wheels:

Hubcaps Hubcap Wheelcovers Hub Caps Rims Wheels

I just bought a set for my 4Runner; ~$250/wheel and they look brand new. From the dealer, these wheels were $800 each. Similar pricing on the BMW wheels. Just pick what style you like. IMO, the staggered wheels are the only ones that look right on the X5.

I would take a close look at the entire suspension before putting additional mileage on her. It is not uncommon, especially at that mileage, to need all four front arms, one or both sway bar links, and possibly tie rods. Rear upper arms should be looked at as well. But keep in mind that bad ball joints and other bad suspension parts can compromise the safety of the vehicle, so this should be high on your list. You could easily spend $800 or so on parts alone just on the front end.

Not sure if the brake shudder from you description was the bad suspension components or if the car just needs brakes. If it's a steady vibration, you need brake rotors and pads. If it's just an initial shudder or clunk, I'd be thinking about suspension components bad.

I'd also look underneath and see if you have any oil leaks. They are very common, and there are DIY threads here to address them. A close examination of the whole underside while on a lift is really a must ASAP.

Best of luck with the X5.

[Dark5yde]

Originally Posted by Skyline

I would take a close look at the entire suspension before putting additional mileage on her. It is not uncommon, especially at that mileage, to need all four front arms, one or both sway bar links, and possibly tie rods. Rear upper arms should be looked at as well. But keep in mind that bad ball joints and other bad suspension parts can compromise the safety of the vehicle, so this should be high on your list. You could easily spend $800 or so on parts alone just on the front end.

QFT Been there, done that lol

[theblue]

I've take a pretty good look through the front suspension... most of it looks good with the exception of the one thrust arm bushing that came with the car. I even got an extra set of thrust arms so I can get new bushings pressed in when the time comes before I take the current ones out.

I'm probably going to just plasti-dip the current 19" wheels in gunmetal and live with them at least until the tires are done. After that I might go hunting on craigslist for a set of OEM wheels, I'm expecting to pay 300-500 total.

There is a decent bit of oil under the engine... if you link to the oil leak thread I'll check it out because any tips or tricks beyond the obvious valve covers would be nice to know.

[Dark5yde]

Originally Posted by theblue

I'm probably going to just plasti-dip the current 19" wheels in gunmetal and live with them at least until the tires are done. After that I might go hunting on craigslist for a set of OEM wheels, I'm expecting to pay 300-500 total.

Wanna trade?

[cfmistry]

I'm suprised the suspension has such few problems, maybe more of the parts have been replaced? At 100k I had to do thrust arms and control arms from and rear. But I suppose 20" wheels put more wear on those items.

BTW, also a plastidip fan here... just did my rims.

[theblue]

tons of parts have been replaced on this thing. I think the previous owner just sort of gave up around a year ago when he got a new pickup and didn't need this to be reliable anymore...

so I'm really just playing catch up.

also, these 19" rims weight a decent bit less than the stock 17" (I took it out of trunk and compared).

[theblue]

trade what for what?

[Dark5yde]

you were looking for OE's, i'll trade my OE's for your 19's. lol

[theblue]

maybe if you have like OE 18s or 19s... but not interested in 17s.

[Dark5yde]

Yea I got the 57's. Hey I had to toss it out there right? I'd like to find the 87's or 132's ideally. (for reference if unfamiliar) BMW X5 (E53) wheels