Questions you thought were too dumb to ask E53 edition

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by TerminatorX5

I haven't had a chance to test it in the E53, as it is an "all-wheel" drive, but I have tested it in the rear-wheel drive E34 and E39...

when I rocked the car out of a deep snow, i moved the gear selector from R to D without touching the brakes - it is a special built-in feature for "rocking" a car out of a deep snow or sand... the shifting had to be done fast and if i would delay a moment, then i would have to start rocking again as i had to press the brake...

not sure if the E53 has it...

Last I knew rocking a vehicle with an automatic made the tow truck driver grin.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

Last I knew rocking a vehicle with an automatic made the tow truck driver grin.

Yup, if you do it wrong (usually meaning too much). I was able to rock my E53 with no damage. You have to use the weight of the vehicle to your advantage, and not fight it.

[racingbmwm3]

ah yes, the mechanical inhibitor. Will someone (at their own risk) try running up to around 100mph, press the brake pedal and see if it will go into Park or Reverse? hehe.

[jc1surf]

Originally Posted by racingbmwm3

ah yes, the mechanical inhibitor. Will someone (at their own risk) try running up to around 100mph, press the brake pedal and see if it will go into Park or Reverse? hehe.

i'll stay off the highway when this is being tested. Hay fellas, Happy New Years....Thanks for all the above replies/tips. When do you guys use the M1-M6 mode?
I usually shift into S mode while accelerating, I will lift my foot off the pedal, then shift into Smode. Thanks Qsilver for your post ..
Going to be driving up to the mountains this wknd for some boarding action, and going to put the X in S-mode going up, hope i'll feel a diff.

Here's a side question, my service interval light went down to the red square, with the "inspection" light on, i checked the dip stick and oil is right below the max line, and color looks gold/darker shade. I just recently had the VCG & OFHG, 6plugs, fixed. I still need to fix the T-stat. Wondering is it safe to drive up to the mountains this wknd? I live in Socal no weather is not winter crazy here, its just a 2hour drive. Should I squeeze in some repairs before the trip or i should be ok?

Thanks fellas, and sorry for the long write up...

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by jc1surf

...Here's a side question, my service interval light went down to the red square, with the "inspection" light on, i checked the dip stick and oil is right below the max line, and color looks gold/darker shade. ... Wondering is it safe to drive up to the mountains this wknd? I live in Socal no weather is not winter crazy here, its just a 2hour drive. Should I squeeze in some repairs before the trip or i should be ok?

Thanks fellas, and sorry for the long write up...

The SI (service interval) Display's function is only to inform you that you have consumed enough fuel...and that it's time to change your oil & oil filter...plus the other things BMW recommends during the OIl Serv or Inspection service. This feature is about maintenance...mainly preventitive maintenance...it doesn't illuminate as a warning that something is wrong with the vehicle (other than neglect...especially when the red light illuminates which means that service is PAST DUE).

[racingbmwm3]

must be deep snow to get the X5 stuck, good luck to someone who has to test that out.

@jc1surf - what is wrong with the thermostat? if it is throwing codes, or mechanical issues, I'd definitely replace it before driving up the mountains(or in traffic in socal). Thermostats aren't typically maintenance items anymore. They throw SES lights if having activation issues, or they default to stuck open (car runs cold all the time) when they do break.

[jc1surf]

Originally Posted by racingbmwm3

must be deep snow to get the X5 stuck, good luck to someone who has to test that out.

@jc1surf - what is wrong with the thermostat? if it is throwing codes, or mechanical issues, I'd definitely replace it before driving up the mountains(or in traffic in socal). Thermostats aren't typically maintenance items anymore. They throw SES lights if having activation issues, or they default to stuck open (car runs cold all the time) when they do break.

Thanks Qsilver.

-racing.... Yes it's been defaulting for a few months now. Takes very long to warm up. When it does, the needle will drop to below the midline. The boys on here told me I just need to replace. Just wondering if I can do it after I return from the road trip w/o further damage.

Thank you for the tips.

[THE VEIN]

went to autozone to buy some german castrol 0w-30. The front said European formula but when I checked the back it said made in Belgium not Germany and it did say it was LL-01 approved so is this stuff the same? it was on sale for $6 a bottle

[THE VEIN]

Also it was rated API-SL

[Ricky Bobby]

That is European formula castrol 0w-30 for sure, it is made in Belgium as you noted. Really nice oil too, your X will enjoy it!