X5 WORST BUILT CAR IN THE WORLD!!!!!!

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by KCMoore2013

I was in a wreck about a year ago that totally destroyed the other car, and just cracked my bumper...no airbags deployed. Honestly, I wouldn't worry about the SRS not working, just wear your seatbelt

You didn't hit your head?

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by TerminatorX5

what were the errors?

F0/80 Internal control unit fault

0D/C0 Airbag, driver, stage 2

Scanner was BMW 1.4

[KCMoore2013]

Nope...didn't hit my head. Saw the lady shoot out in front of me and slammed on the brakes and hit the horn...she looked right at me as I swerved to miss and smashed into the rear half of her car. I was braced for impact way before it happened.

Update: Got the car all buttoned up and coolant poured in and fired it right up. Let it run a few minutes and topped off coolant...took 2 gallons total. After about 10 minutes noticed a coolant drip on front lower passenger side radiator hose. Turned out to just be the O-Ring on the temperature sensor in the lower hose. I just ordered a whole new sensor cuz it was like $15 and I would have to wait for the O-Ring to be shipped anyway, so ordered both of those and the expansion tank coolant level sensor because I noticed the electrical connector was a little cracked when I put everything back together.

Got the parts tonight and just finished putting everything back together, again. Warming up inside before I go back out to do the coolant-fill procedure again. 10 degrees outside and about 20 degrees in my garage.

I've learned so much in the past 30 days about this car. I'm almost tempted to keep it just because it's paid for and I know (hopefully) that all the major repairs have now been done. Most of all though, if anything else under the hood fails, I know what parts need to come off and how to do it in a hurry.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by KCMoore2013

Nope...didn't hit my head. Saw the lady shoot out in front of me and slammed on the brakes and hit the horn...she looked right at me as I swerved to miss and smashed into the rear half of her car. I was braced for impact way before it happened.

Update: Got the car all buttoned up and coolant poured in and fired it right up. Let it run a few minutes and topped off coolant...took 2 gallons total. After about 10 minutes noticed a coolant drip on front lower passenger side radiator hose. Turned out to just be the O-Ring on the temperature sensor in the lower hose. I just ordered a whole new sensor cuz it was like $15 and I would have to wait for the O-Ring to be shipped anyway, so ordered both of those and the expansion tank coolant level sensor because I noticed the electrical connector was a little cracked when I put everything back together.

Got the parts tonight and just finished putting everything back together, again. Warming up inside before I go back out to do the coolant-fill procedure again. 10 degrees outside and about 20 degrees in my garage.

I've learned so much in the past 30 days about this car. I'm almost tempted to keep it just because it's paid for and I know (hopefully) that all the major repairs have now been done. Most of all though, if anything else under the hood fails, I know what parts need to come off and how to do it in a hurry.

Great satisfaction doing the work yourself! Well done!

Almost tempted or seriously considering to keep it?

[StephenVA]

Originally Posted by davintosh

This. I live in an even smaller midwestern city (who here has ever heard of Sioux Falls, SD, much less been here? ) and I have zero problems finding the tools to get the same jobs done that this guy has been unable to do. In fact, the socket needed to get the axle nut loose was part of a cheapo Chinese 1" socket/ratchet set that I bought at a local farm and home store (like this one, except with a metal case and a price tag about $120 less.) If he can't find these things in KC, he isn't looking very hard. And we do realize that even though that nut is 36mm, a 1 5/16" would work just fine.
Wrench Size And Conversion Table

As for the so-called mechanics that can't get the job done, words fail me.

I'll cut the OP some slack and guess that his rant was fueled by alcohol or low blood sugar; at any rate, his silence since page one is deafening.

I have been there! My mother's family owns a farm west of town in Emry, SD. Population approx 6 people. ha ha

Been there done that not going back anytime soon.

[jarbackwards]

I haven't put as much $$$ maintenance in any other car I have owned than I have in the e53.

A lot of minor electrical things (window regulators) just went bad over time, as they would with a lot of cars, but it just costs a lot more on a BMW.

But I will say, I have had two cars (honda and nissan) smash into me... and the x5 had barely any damage, while the other cars were near totaled.

[jarbackwards]

I haven't put as much $$$ maintenance in any other car I have owned than I have in the e53.

A lot of minor electrical things (window regulators) just went bad over time, as they would with a lot of cars, but it just costs a lot more on a BMW.

But I will say, I have had two cars (honda and nissan) smash into me... and the x5 had barely any damage, while the other cars were near totaled.

[KCMoore2013]

Well she is running better than before, and aside from getting stuck in the snow last night (16 inches, 20 below zero) I haven't had any problems. The steering is harder than I remember, but I'm sure it's due for a fluid flush and screen clean.

The snow I got stuck in was rock hard...I thought it was still powdery when I decided to park over it. Funny thing is, when I dug it out this morning and drove off...all the oil, coolant, degreaser, etc. that had been accumulating on the underside of the car was neatly wiped off onto the snow!

[lhordmclain]

E53 2004 3.0 with only 80k miles

Some will say dang! Some will say its normal

So far my repairs ( common to e53 or any models)
- cv boots (outer)
- door weather strips
- trunk lid grip
- both angel eyes bulb
- both turn signal bulbs
- both rear stop light bulbs
- hood sensor alarm switch
- body module ( not too common)
- final stage resistor
- door carrier
- valve cover
- oil filter gasket
- PS suction hose
- PS hose
- coolant water hose
- hood emblem/logo
- wiper blades
- I always wait when brake sensor turns on
* replace pads n sensors
* measure rotors , if below specs replace them
* rattle clip every 3rd pads change

Note: decided to closed my broken pan roof forever

Preventive maintenance
- expansion tank
- ps reservoir
- serpentine belt
- ac belt
- idler pulley
- Oil separator and associated hoses (updated Cold)
- replace battery every 5-7 years
- temperature sensor (lower radiator hose )
- tstat
- water pump
- vanos line
- ATF fluid / filter / gasket every 50k - 100k miles, optional update EGS
- Transfer case and reset Vtg
- oil filter change every 6k-7500 miles
- bleed coolant/anti freeze every 3-4 years
- bleed brake fluid every 2 years
- cabin micro filter yearly or 15k miles
- engine air filter every 2 years or 30k miles
- ps fluid every 30k - 60k miles
- front and rear differential fluid 50k to 100k miles


I think I'm good for another 50k miles (except for future repair items)
Let's c .... Next milestone 100k miles

Saving up for the following ( future repair items)
- 140a alternator
- secondary MAF
- fan clutch
- tensioners
- ps pulley
- wp pulley
- front thrust rod bushing
- idle control valve
- DISA valve
- fuel filter
- fuel pump
- intake boot

[Ricky Bobby]

Sounds like you are on top of maintenance! Nice job!