Questions you thought were too dumb to ask E53 edition

[upallnight]

Flash light was missing in my X along with the connector. Brought a connector, installed it and now have a charge port for my flashlight.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by stackz

looked in my glovebox and I guess mine didnt come with the optional flashglight.

its either just the template for that to be cut out or there's a block plate in there but either way its blocked off and I cant seem to get it to pop loose.

For those following this topic...the glove box flash light is #8, #9, #12, & #13 in the diagram and part nbr index. If you don't have the flash light or its mounting bits...item #13 is the wiring harness...and if you have it...you could use it as a wiring junction if you wanted a switched electrical outlet.

Again, sadly it appears BMW has stopped selling the auxilliary power adapter that has been available for this socket for decades which made it easy to hook-up additional electronics.

RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.4i VARIOUS LAMPS/SPARE BULBS BOX

If you have the flash light (torch) or if you don't have it...and are handy with a soldering iron...you can easily make your own socket if you have a spare flashlight (or pick one up off the internet). It'd be cheaper than what the gougers are charging now for the original BMW adapters. Here's a link to a DIY on how to make your own power adapter from an old "torch" and a 12v socket: BMW-Driver.net Forums - View Single Post - Glovebox Flashlight Auxiliary Power Adapter

(okay..this is the last post on this topic in this thread...again, all this information buried in a thread that gives no indication that this information is even here )

[Consonar]

All
Hope I'm under the correct thread. I have researched all over and cannot find a thorough description of the Crankcase Ventilation System for the E53 (2004 X5 3.0i). This car had multiple oil leaks when I bought it. The oil filter mount spaghetti seal was bad. A local shop changed CCV (or started to) when their mechanic quit. I'm left with remnants. Had it towed home.
Questions: is replacement system the "cold climate" one with insulation lines and valve. 2). They installed an old type and there is a nipple to no where on the side. BavAuto thought I should plug it. Is it supposed to go somewhere?
BavAuto (Otto) has 3 terrific YouTube videos on replacing this system but nothing on this little vacuum line (11-72-7-545-323). Can you help?

[puddinboo]

post a pic of the vacuum line ,it could be just comming off the tranny ,which it doesn`t hook up to anything.

[Perrier]

Originally Posted by Consonar

All
Hope I'm under the correct thread. I have researched all over and cannot find a thorough description of the Crankcase Ventilation System for the E53 (2004 X5 3.0i). This car had multiple oil leaks when I bought it. The oil filter mount spaghetti seal was bad. A local shop changed CCV (or started to) when their mechanic quit. I'm left with remnants. Had it towed home.
Questions: is replacement system the "cold climate" one with insulation lines and valve. 2). They installed an old type and there is a nipple to no where on the side. BavAuto thought I should plug it. Is it supposed to go somewhere?
BavAuto (Otto) has 3 terrific YouTube videos on replacing this system but nothing on this little vacuum line (11-72-7-545-323). Can you help?

I went through the bag auto YouTube video, and they were very helpful. Pay attention to every detail they show, it is very important especially the angle and screw driver position to get at parts otherwise you will struggle.

The nipple coming out of the ccv unit should be plugged. It has a rubber cap, may be yours fell off. R

[stackz]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

For those following this topic...the glove box flash light is #8, #9, #12, & #13 in the diagram and part nbr index. If you don't have the flash light or its mounting bits...item #13 is the wiring harness...and if you have it...you could use it as a wiring junction if you wanted a switched electrical outlet.

Again, sadly it appears BMW has stopped selling the auxilliary power adapter that has been available for this socket for decades which made it easy to hook-up additional electronics.

RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.4i VARIOUS LAMPS/SPARE BULBS BOX

If you have the flash light (torch) or if you don't have it...and are handy with a soldering iron...you can easily make your own socket if you have a spare flashlight (or pick one up off the internet). It'd be cheaper than what the gougers are charging now for the original BMW adapters. Here's a link to a DIY on how to make your own power adapter from an old "torch" and a 12v socket: BMW-Driver.net Forums - View Single Post - Glovebox Flashlight Auxiliary Power Adapter

(okay..this is the last post on this topic in this thread...again, all this information buried in a thread that gives no indication that this information is even here )

found a flashlight and the receiver in an x5 at the u-pull the other week. also, grabbed the pigtail just in case as well.

havent had a chance to pull out my glovebox and see if my car has the pigtail already installed in a dummy slot or not but will hopefully this weekend. would be nice to know if cars without them from the factory have the ability to have it added easily.

[Hairbear]

Why is it an oil temp instead of pressure gauge? On every car I've every owned you read oil pressure and if it's showing low oil pressure there's a problem. So at what temp is there a problem?

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Hairbear

Why is it an oil temp instead of pressure gauge? On every car I've every owned you read oil pressure and if it's showing low oil pressure there's a problem. So at what temp is there a problem?

A few reasons.

1) because low oil pressure is very uncommon
2) because generally, nobody watched or acted on an oil pressure gauge. This gauge was pulled from most vehicle designs because it was almost universally ignored. Low oil pressure was so uncommon that when it did happen people ignored it because they had decided the gauge was faulty.
3) because oil temp matters. People look at the coolant gauge and decide that it is the whole story. Not so.

If your vehicle ends up in the shop related to a temperature issue, it is far more likely to be due to not getting the oil up to temp that it being too hot. Most BMW gauges should be at mid range for normal. If it doesn't get up there, you aren't driving it long enough to get to temp. It takes longer to get the oil temp to spec than the coolant.

[stackz]

so my brake pad light came on the dash yesterday afternoon. going to stop and get pads later today and then replace them this weekend.

will I need to replace the brake pad sensor or is that only needed when you ride on the low brakes for a while and grind the sensor down or something?

[Hairbear]

Thanks JCL for the info.