Just got a 2001 4.4l v8 X5! Any suggestions?

[TMAJ]

2001 4.4 V8 X5
Just inherited this beast from my uncle. Plan on doing some changes!

First and foremost, I would like to solve some of the issues with the X5. It hasn't been driven in a while! Only has 77k miles on it!

It has some dings here and there:
-service light is on
-some lights on the speedometer are on even though the services are working fine ex. washer fluid checked (is there some way i can reset the lights that come on the speedometer?)
-dent on the trunk of the car
-center console button is jammed, does not close properly
-PRND gearbox face is chipped off, needs a new one
-rear brake lights do not turn on
-some leaks are seen from time to time (I believe it is washer fluid, not sure)

Need help allieviating these situations! Although, it is driving perfectly fine as if right now, I want to make this car top notch and brand new again.

I have installed:
-K&N air filter
-stock OEM rims (i think they look better)
-new tires
-matte black grill
-led side lights

I want to install different headlights (to show off the black trim) with angel eyes (with a stock look). New rear lights (maybe smoke out the reverse/clear lights). Maybe clear the corner lights as well. Also want to plastidip the rims to see if it will look good matte black to match the black trim. Also thinking about a muffler delete to give out a good roar.

Any help/suggestions/concerns for the ride would be great! I want to turn it into my new project/weekend car. Thanks for looking!

[tmv]

GL with it.

[X5SND]

Congrats!

First things first....get all the bugs/maintenance items out of the way first, then mod mod mod!

If it's washer fluid leaking, it may be the seal for the pump (common issue). For the CEL, you're likely going to have to get the codes read and report back.

[civdiv99]

Ok, but I'm pretty sure there's a couple of tests that you gotta pass here to establish yer bonafides - we'll start with this one -

1. Decode for the forum members the meaning and not so subtle implications of the following cryptic message:

"SELFLEVEL SUSP.INACT"

Originally Posted by TMAJ

2001 4.4 V8 X5
Just inherited this beast from my uncle. Plan on doing some changes!

First and foremost, I would like to solve some of the issues with the X5. It hasn't been driven in a while! Only has 77k miles on it!

It has some dings here and there:
-service light is on
-some lights on the speedometer are on even though the services are working fine ex. washer fluid checked (is there some way i can reset the lights that come on the speedometer?)
-dent on the trunk of the car
-center console button is jammed, does not close properly
-PRND gearbox face is chipped off, needs a new one
-rear brake lights do not turn on
-some leaks are seen from time to time (I believe it is washer fluid, not sure)

Need help allieviating these situations! Although, it is driving perfectly fine as if right now, I want to make this car top notch and brand new again.

I have installed:
-K&N air filter
-stock OEM rims (i think they look better)
-new tires
-matte black grill
-led side lights

I want to install different headlights (to show off the black trim) with angel eyes (with a stock look). New rear lights (maybe smoke out the reverse/clear lights). Maybe clear the corner lights as well. Also want to plastidip the rims to see if it will look good matte black to match the black trim. Also thinking about a muffler delete to give out a good roar.

Any help/suggestions/concerns for the ride would be great! I want to turn it into my new project/weekend car. Thanks for looking!

[TMAJ]

Thanks! I'm gonna take it to the shop to read the codes and get full maintance done.

[740ilDuke]

Autozone will read the codes for free, and you can look them up online.

Washer Fluid - that huge tank has two pumps, one for headlamps, one for wipers. The
gaskets inside the pump fail after 12+ years of age. They sell for $15-$20 at oembimmerparts.com - to be clear they will still pump, but they will leak all over. DIY 15 minute job to swap.

Brake Lights - Very common. Remove the side walls inside the rear and take some emory cloth (etc) and scuff the contacts on the bulbs and inspect the bulb holders. This will most likely solve the issue. They get
light corrosion which prompts the message you are getting.

With the age (just like mine!) I would do a total change of fluids. Brake fluid attracts water and goes from clear to coca-cola in color. A glance at the reservoir will most likely show that its ready to be changed. There is a synthetic brake fluid you can replace it with that should last much longer as it doesn't absorb water.

With the miles being relatively low I would do a drain and refill of the transmission and transfer case. On the 2001, it's easy to do and BOTH run on transmission fluid. Eight years behind the wheel Ive used Valvoline Maxlife, sold anywhere. Cheapest is at Wal-Mart. If you or I had a newer X5 we'd have to reset the adaptive values on the transfer case, but since we dont, kudos to having an older one.

If the coolant has not been changed, that is another big thing. Cooling systems on BMWs are one of the weak points. I recommend using BMWs coolant because of the
anti-corrosive properties. (heater valves are finicky amongst other things in the system) But if Prestone etc. are more aligned with the wallet, its' better than not doing it at all.

The power steering lines tend to leak, so inspect those. Valve cover gaskets are another
common problem with age on these, and at this point spark plugs and a fuel filter are ready to be replaced. Fuel filters get overlooked, but they get packed with dirt and put a lot of strain on the fuel pump. Preventative maintenance has such a domino effect of positivity.

That is a certain list of things I'd do before spending on cosmetics. They are fun to drive and very reliable if you maintain them. Enjoy the ride!

[TMAJ]

Thanks for the great response!. Made a list of all that you listed. I'm gonna start with the washer fluid and brake lights problem.

[Ricky Bobby]

Take care of your fluids, maintenance items, any leaks, then replace your broken pieces in the interior, and the dents on the car (go to a dealership and get a PDR 'paintless dent removal' to do them for cash, shouldn't be much), before worrying about upgrading your headlights, tails, and signals. However, you may want to replace the tail lights first, because the rear brakes not coming on are most likely due to corroded circuit boards in the stock tails, many of us have upgraded to aftermarket LED taillights to bypass this known problem.

Powdercoat your rims if you want to do it right, usually costs about 100-150 per wheel, you have nice 87's do them right, they are chrome now but they are among the most desirable wheel design for the E53! What stock wheels did you put on instead?