Recently purchased an E53. Have questions!

[SineDeviance]

EDIT: Added a couple new curiosities, they're at the top.

Hi all! First-time poster.

Last month I purchased a 2002 X5 3.0i that just rolled over 200,000 miles (LP38804.) After buying, I replaced a dead alternator and installed new tires on all four corners. I've put about 2,000 miles on it so far. This is my first BMW and I love it! I'll toss up some photos further down. But like any 14-year-old luxury car, it does have a couple of minor quirks. Any fixes, I can probably perform on my own - I'm mechanically-inclined, have a BAFX 34t5 Bluetooth OBDII scanner, and I am going to order a K-Line cable very soon.

Aftermarket Audio:

I have a single-DIN Pioneer DEH-X4800BT laying around from my last car. It's less than a year old and is quite a nice unit. My questions...

1. Can I ditch the Business CD player and replace it with this unit while keeping the MID where it is?
2. Do I need to rewire anything manually, or do adapters exist to separate audio control from the MID?
2. Do adapters for relocating the MID exist if I decide it's easier to go with a regular bezel/pocket kit?
3. What do we do about steering wheel controls?

My X5 Doesn't Go To Sleep:

As it says on the tin, mine does not seem to go to sleep after 16 minutes like most do! I've confirmed with the 12v outlet next to the ashtray; mine never turns off. I've also noticed that the Park light is still on hours after I've locked the vehicle. I've read on various forums that this is normal for some models?

Key Memory:

This has become the bane of my existence! The key fobs/remotes seem to be programmed to the previous owner's seat positions and no amount of trying steps I find on the internet seems to help with programming in my own settings. I'd even be fine with disabling the feature entirely at this point!

1. Is there any way to achieve this without special tools or paying a stealership?
2. Barring that, can I do it manually via K-Line with INPA/NCS?

Transmission:

As far as I can tell, mine has the A5S390R. Sometimes, the transmission exhibits hard up-shifts even with fairly restrained driving. Going from start to stop will kick like a mule about every 10th or 15th time. This also occurs at random gear shifts seemingly through the entire range; it's not always 1-2, or when I go from stop to start. Transmission temp seems to have no bearing on hard shifting.

More worrying - when I floor the pedal on the highway, it will very rarely rev up past redline and hold it for about a second before shifting. This has happened a few times since I've owned the car.

I've Googled these problems extensively but nothing concrete has presented itself.

1. People say there is an EGS firmware update. Could that solve the problem?
2. Service history shows no transmission service; could it just be old fluid/filter causing these problems?
3. Would I be taking a risk by draining it and replacing the fluid/filter at this point?

Rear Camber:

The rear wheels sometimes look as if they have excessive camber after I drive it. But, sometimes it looks okay. The tires are definitely going to wear on the inside faster.

Upper control arms?

Rain Sensor:

From what I can gather from the VIN decoder this vehicle is equipped with the rain sensor (option S521.) However, it does not seem to work. When I flick the wiper stalk up to Position 1 it only gives intermittent interval whether it's raining or not. The adjustment knob also does not seem to have any effect on the interval.

Any way I can diag this? My wiper stalk looks like this:


Headlight Washer Pump:

Unfortunately, mine is out. Anyone know the manufacturer part number for this? AutoZone and Advance don't even know it exists, and I don't want to pay BMW $150+ for a pump that should rightly cost $25 at most.

Rust Spots:

The hood has these odd sections where paint seems to be missing in the body gap on both sides! Rust has started forming there.

1. Is this common?
2. Is there a cheapish way I can fix this?



If anyone has any input into these questions I'd really appreciate the insight! And if you've made it this far, thanks for reading

Photos!
Pre-buy:








First cleaning:




Checking for old fault codes (none) and logging live data:

[Qsilver7]

For the headlamp washer pump...just use any of the online part databases to find the 11 digit BMW part number for the washer pump. If you don't know any of them...the 3 below are bookmarked/saved to my favorites for quick access at anytime. You can type in the last 7 digits of your VIN or select the model/year/build date etc to find the diagram you seek. The washer pumps are probably found under VEHICLE ELECTRICAL :

1. BMW Parts Catalog
2. RealOEM.com - Select Your BMW Model
3. https://www.etkbmw.com

Once you have the correct 11 digit BMW part number...you can type "BMW xx xx x xxx xxx" into a google search box to find vendors and dealers that are selling the part...makes it real easy to find common parts.

The KEY & SEAT memory issue needs a bit more clarification. I'm not sure if there's an issue or a misunderstanding of the key/seat memory...nor how the issue is playing out. Are you trying to set a seat memory using the controls on the driver seat? Are the keys moving the seat to a position that was set by a previous owner? Yes, it does require special coding for some key/seat memory settings...but there's also the simple seat memory setting one can do using the button controls on the seat.

[acidgreeny]

On my car 2006 diesel the auto wipers need to be activated each time you start the car. Move the stalk to POS 2 and then a quick move to POS 3 and back to POS 2 the wipers will wipe twice and then your good to go. On my wife's Honda the are truly automatic . Hope this helps.

[SineDeviance]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

For the headlamp washer pump...just use any of the online part databases to find the 11 digit BMW part number for the washer pump. ... Once you have the correct 11 digit BMW part number...you can type "BMW xx xx x xxx xxx" into a google search box to find vendors and dealers that are selling the part...makes it real easy to find common parts.

Thanks, I'll definitely try that in the future!

I actually found the pump and grommet on Rock Auto for just $12! I could have sworn I had already looked there and it was around $90. I must have been thinking of a different supplier.

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

The KEY & SEAT memory issue needs a bit more clarification. I'm not sure if there's an issue or a misunderstanding of the key/seat memory...nor how the issue is playing out. Are you trying to set a seat memory using the controls on the driver seat? Are the keys moving the seat to a position that was set by a previous owner? Yes, it does require special coding for some key/seat memory settings...but there's also the simple seat memory setting one can do using the button controls on the seat.

The memory buttons on the side of the seat are working just fine. I've got my seat profile programmed into all three profile buttons.

The problem is the key memory. Every time I use the unlock button on the keys to unlock the car, the seat and mirror positions are reset to either key's stored driver profile. As a result, every time I get in the car I have to hold a profile button to put the seat back to where it should be. I would like to reset or disable the profiles stored in the keys to solve that problem. Does that make sense now?

Originally Posted by acidgreeny

On my car 2006 diesel the auto wipers need to be activated each time you start the car. Move the stalk to POS 2 and then a quick move to POS 3 and back to POS 2 the wipers will wipe twice and then your good to go. On my wife's Honda the are truly automatic . Hope this helps.

I appreciate the input. Sadly, that doesn't seem to apply to this model. According to the book, I've got to put the wipers in position 1 and the sensor is supposed to take over:



However, it doesn't seem to work. If I set the wipers to position 1 they will wipe intermittently even on a totally sunny day. When it is raining there seems to be no difference in speed or interval when it rains harder.

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by SineDeviance

I appreciate the input. Sadly, that doesn't seem to apply to this model. According to the book, I've got to put the wipers in position 1 and the sensor is supposed to take over:

However, it doesn't seem to work. If I set the wipers to position 1 they will wipe intermittently even on a totally sunny day. When it is raining there seems to be no difference in speed or interval when it rains harder.

Sounds like the windshield sensor has failed (or been disconnected) and the system is in a "failsafe" mode or something. Fifty150hs may be right about the windshield replacement thing, although there are non-OEM glass replacements that are known to work - but the installation process is critical.

[Overboost]

Originally Posted by wpoll

Sounds like the windshield sensor has failed (or been disconnected) and the system is in a "failsafe" mode or something. Fifty150hs may be right about the windshield replacement thing, although there are non-OEM glass replacements that are known to work - but the installation process is critical.

Looking at the front end image of the OP, the sensor on the windshield just doesn't look right. Are those bubbles or foggy area on the prism? Hard to see but zooming in shows it just doesn't look right. This can definitely be causing his auto wipers issue. Fifty150hs also suggests testing to see if the auto headlights are working and this would rule out a K bus or wiring issue.

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by SineDeviance

Thanks, I'll definitely try that in the future!

I actually found the pump and grommet on Rock Auto for just $12! I could have sworn I had already looked there and it was around $90. I must have been thinking of a different supplier.





The memory buttons on the side of the seat are working just fine. I've got my seat profile programmed into all three profile buttons.

The problem is the key memory. Every time I use the unlock button on the keys to unlock the car, the seat and mirror positions are reset to either key's stored driver profile. As a result, every time I get in the car I have to hold a profile button to put the seat back to where it should be. I would like to reset or disable the profiles stored in the keys to solve that problem. Does that make sense now?



I appreciate the input. Sadly, that doesn't seem to apply to this model. According to the book, I've got to put the wipers in position 1 and the sensor is supposed to take over:



However, it doesn't seem to work. If I set the wipers to position 1 they will wipe intermittently even on a totally sunny day. When it is raining there seems to be no difference in speed or interval when it rains harder.

Most of URO components are junk but at least you won't have to go to far to access the pump once it fails and you have to do it again. If it was an E39 I would highly encourage you to get a better brand of pump due to difficult to access.

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by acidgreeny

On my car 2006 diesel the auto wipers need to be activated each time you start the car. Move the stalk to POS 2 and then a quick move to POS 3 and back to POS 2 the wipers will wipe twice and then your good to go. On my wife's Honda the are truly automatic . Hope this helps.

My 2005 3.0d works just like the book says. I generally leave the wiper stalk in position one all the time, and if it rains (when it rains!) they start working, just like magic. No need to activate anything.

[Fifty150hs]

On your wiper sensor problem, I am guessing the windshield may have been replaced with one that wasn't a BMW part. I had mine replaced last year by SAfelite and the wiper sensor doesn't work properly. Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't. My research on line leads me to believe there is something about the OEM glass that is different than after market. The same sensor is used for the automatic head light function. Is that working?

[SineDeviance]

Thanks for the replies so far, great info here! There's also a couple other things I forgot to ask about in my OP.

Aftermarket Audio:

I have a single-DIN Pioneer DEH-X4800BT laying around from my last car. It's less than a year old and is quite a nice unit. My questions...

1. Can I ditch the Business CD player and replace it with this unit while keeping the MID where it is?
2. Do I need to rewire anything manually, or do adapters exist to separate audio control from the MID?
2. Do adapters for relocating the MID exist if I decide it's easier to go with a regular bezel/pocket kit?
3. What do we do about steering wheel controls?

My X5 Doesn't Go To Sleep

As it says on the tin, mine does not seem to go to sleep after 16 minutes like most do! I've confirmed with the 12v outlet next to the ashtray; mine never turns off. I've also noticed that the Park light is still on hours after I've locked the vehicle. I've read on various forums that this is normal for some models?

Originally Posted by Fifty150hs

On your wiper sensor problem, I am guessing the windshield may have been replaced with one that wasn't a BMW part. I had mine replaced last year by SAfelite and the wiper sensor doesn't work properly. Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't. My research on line leads me to believe there is something about the OEM glass that is different than after market. The same sensor is used for the automatic head light function. Is that working?

Originally Posted by Overboost

Looking at the front end image of the OP, the sensor on the windshield just doesn't look right. Are those bubbles or foggy area on the prism? Hard to see but zooming in shows it just doesn't look right. This can definitely be causing his auto wipers issue. Fifty150hs also suggests testing to see if the auto headlights are working and this would rule out a K bus or wiring issue.

Here's the high-res version of that photo. I didn't notice that before, but it looks like glue or something...
http://i.imgur.com/MJhAmHL.jpg

According to the service history I received with the car and the previous owner's knowledge (both of which go back to about 2004) the windshield has never been replaced. I guess the first owner could have had it done and it wasn't in the history?

Either way, I'm going to check out the windshield tomorrow. If it's not BMW glass I'm just gonna live with it. I've heard that OEM windshields for these can run over $600 :/

As for automatic headlights, isn't that just a DRL/idiot mode on U.S. 2003 and below? When I set the lights to Auto they run all the time (day and night) until I turn off the vehicle. Since I have the Xenons (and they're pricey) I never use the Auto setting.

Originally Posted by wpoll

My 2005 3.0d works just like the book says. I generally leave the wiper stalk in position one all the time, and if it rains (when it rains!) they start working, just like magic. No need to activate anything.

...

Sounds like the windshield sensor has failed (or been disconnected) and the system is in a "failsafe" mode or something. Fifty150hs may be right about the windshield replacement thing, although there are non-OEM glass replacements that are known to work - but the installation process is critical.

Right, I'll check on it tomorrow. I can honestly live without the feature so it's not a huge deal.

Originally Posted by X53Jay4.8is

Most of URO components are junk but at least you won't have to go to far to access the pump once it fails and you have to do it again. If it was an E39 I would highly encourage you to get a better brand of pump due to difficult to access.

Eh, I dunno. I put a URO window washer pump in my Miata two years ago and it's still running strong. Even it if fails in three months it's a ten-minute swap so I'm not too worried