about to get '03 X5, how hard is timing chain/guide?

[acannell]

Originally Posted by J.Belknap

BMW TIS

does that go to brain dead or is it similar to the bentley?

[J.Belknap]

TIS contains the correct procedure.

[romeokc10]

Originally Posted by acannell

thanks for the warnings!

i think they bought it yesterday, and i dont think i could have dissuaded them from it, they really like it..as you all do haha

if they can put another 50k on it to bring it from 106k to 156k, i think they'd be happy.

they arent DIY but im going to try and DIY for them

if it took 36 hours to replace the timing guides but there was a accurate procedure to follow, id by happy with that. ive had to do piston swaps after i cracked them from boost controller failures in my daytona and it only took about 12 hours round trip because i had already written a detailed procedure with every bolt and tool needed, it almost becomes a fun way to spend a couple days at that point.

the thing about the X5 is that if you get one in reasonable condition they are such nice vehicles that if you can somehow manage the service yourself it can really become a great experience..we shall see

btw i had seen that procedure above, i wish it was an x5, but it does seem to be the closest so far.

maybe i can "make it" an x5 version by finding other procedures which show radiator removal and all the other missing parts of the procedure and then come up with a huge 100% detailed one lol

Well if they already bought it all I can say is may god help them, I'll keep my fingers crossed and say a few hail mary's them...lol! The good thing is there's plenty of info here and guys are here are more than willing to help. But even so it gets old having your head stuck under the hood of your supposed upper class auto because something else broke again. Good luck, I have a feeling you're going to be one busy fellow in the not too distant future.

[TheClaw]

Theses are some interesting comments. I would expect more positive things coming from a X5 forum. I've gone back and forth about selling mine for about a year now. I've changed the CV boots, air leveling compressor, front struts, alternator and the sensor in the AC. I bought it from my dad with 50k miles on it about 4 years ago, it has around 83k on it now. From what I hear in this thread I have a ticking time bomb on my hands. I have complete history on the vehicle, my dad took very good care of it. However, I'm concerned listening to you all.

Time to sell? The all wheel drive sure came in handy this winter.

Jeff

[slowlanemcvane]

I wouldn't call it a ticking time bomb. I see that you have a Porsche in your avatar, so I would think that you would be aware of the phrase "Nothing is more expensive than a cheap German car."

As far as I know, that phrase applies to BMW, Porsche, Audi, Mercedes Benz, or any other performance-based German car. The point is, do your maintenance when needed, do your inspections when due, and always have a few spare parts on hand (coolant lines, expansion tanks, thermostat, things like that). BMWs are as reliable as the mechanic that services it: Do your maintenance when you should and avoid neglect, and they will run forever. Neglect them, and they will punish you.

[TheClaw]

That's helpful. Thanks. I don't show this car the same love as I do my Porsche but I'm capable. I just need to want to. There are things about the vehicle I really like and its in very good cosmetic condition. I was getting leery of the repair costs as it get 85k plus miles so I was wondering if its time to let it go.

[romeokc10]

Originally Posted by TheClaw

That's helpful. Thanks. I don't show this car the same love as I do my Porsche but I'm capable. I just need to want to. There are things about the vehicle I really like and its in very good cosmetic condition. I was getting leery of the repair costs as it get 85k plus miles so I was wondering if its time to let it go.

Like the previous said just try to stay ahead of it but sometimes even that's not enough. Just take it year by year, your wallet will let you know when it's time to let it go, usually over 150K miles is when the fit will hit the shan...lol!

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by TheClaw

Theses are some interesting comments. I would expect more positive things coming from a X5 forum. I've gone back and forth about selling mine for about a year now. I've changed the CV boots, air leveling compressor, front struts, alternator and the sensor in the AC. I bought it from my dad with 50k miles on it about 4 years ago, it has around 83k on it now. From what I hear in this thread I have a ticking time bomb on my hands. I have complete history on the vehicle, my dad took very good care of it. However, I'm concerned listening to you all.

Time to sell? The all wheel drive sure came in handy this winter.

Jeff

Keep the PORSCHE sell the BM Trouble U. Get a Cayenne

[romeokc10]

Originally Posted by upallnight

Keep the PORSCHE sell the BM Trouble U. Get a Cayenne

Porsche! Are you trying to get the guy to commit suicide, those things are worse than the BM Trouble U...lol!

[slowlanemcvane]

Besides, a Cayenne is mostly VW/Audi anyway. Those are worse than BMWs.