New X5 owner, in love so far

[moenaboulsi]

Hey everybody, just bought a 2004 x5 4.4I metallic toledo blue color, it's a sports package and I THINK it has some sort of an M package or so or factory aero kit. I am going to post some pics soon. It's got 146km not miles, in canada. I drove it for 4 hours straight from Toronto to my home and drove beautifully. It's in excellent shape in and out. The only thing is no panorama roof which I would've liked. I am looking forward to join and chat with the X community. It's nice to have to have that support. In 3 days of reading your posts and comments, I've learned so much already.

The only things I did so far was order some led angel eye bulbs because one of the original bulbs was burned, so I thought I mind as well upgrade for the same price. Ordered a bentley manual because I would wanna do whatever I can myself.

The car I believe was serviced at the dealer and she used bmw oil in there, should I keep using the same oil? I'd like to do my oil changes but the car come with a lubrico warranty and they require to send an invoice from a shop with oil changes done on time. So I was thinking of just keeping the same oil for now?

I also want to upgrade my head unit, from what I've been reading I would have to do much because I have the business CD style now and no dsp. So those Chinese units should be plug and play.

Lastly Is there anything or rules I should know about this ride being a new owner? All feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks

[upallnight]

Welcome!!!

[Pierce330]

Congrats...You need to find a good indy dealership down there...I think that the only dealer is Overseas...

[motordavid]

Congrats...
Agree with Pierce on finding a good Indy, to have in your pocket.

Fwiw, any warranty I am familiar with, here in the States, provides for DIY oil/filter changes if one keeps the store receipts and notes date & mileage of your action.
GL, mD

PS: Moon roofs are overrated imo: have had mine open maybe a dozen times in ~13 yrs, and my CEO's Hyundai Tucson has a pano roof, opened maybe a few times.

[TerminatorX5]

welcome!!!

[Pierce330]

I have some relatives that live in Windsor and I know that the city mainly drives the "Big 3", so finding a good indy shop will be important. Hopefully the previous owner got most of the big item maintenance items out of the way for you...Off hand, I know of a few shops but do not know if they are really experienced with foreign models like the X5...

[Ojai5]

I am new as well and have to say how much I enjoy my X so far. Went over a windy mountain road yesterday and the truck killed it. I still can't get over how well it handles.

Congrats and enjoy.

[tmv]

and congrats.

[StephenVA]

Welcome to the family. As a serious DIY, I would recommend flushing and replacing all the fluids as most BMW dealers do NOT do those services unless directed by the owner.
Antifreeze – Use BMW only
Engine oil (use a good name brand synthetic Mobil One, Castrol, etc- the viscosity for your temp swings and change often.) There are as many opinions on what brand and what weight to fill a book. Changing frequently and religiously will keep you in good shape. My personal recommendation is, 5-7,000 miles or annually whichever comes first. Lots of stop and go? Cold temps? Short Drives? Change, change change.
Diffs and transfer case
Brake Fluid
Power Steering
Etc
Install new filters, plugs, and check for oil leaks before they turn into rivers. Check the CCV and ensure operation and lack of sludge
Get out your shop vac and clean up all the junk living in the HVAC cabin filter cavity, and Engine air filter box (the leaves & sand alone will scare you). Lube all the door locking assemblies (search forum under "door lock broken".

Check out the front & rear suspension parts. Replace what is necessary. While down there, double check the front outer CV boots as they only last a short time (unless Armor All treated). Clean them and spray some on with each oil change. Members swear by it.

Our engines are great and the electrics are OK. Some of the parts are poorly designed for a super long life, so expect a few odds and ends to break before their time. Heavy vehicles with big tires, that handle well, chew up suspension parts. If you stay on top of them and fix as needed, your new ride will be fun fun fun. Nothing beats a BMW SAV- ride, performance, and style, even these “older” models.

This forum can provide lots on insight on tips, tricks, and pit falls to avoid when doing repairs. Search FIRST and ask questions if you cannot find something. The depth of knowledge available is first rate. Someone has experienced it before and posted.

Keep her washed waxed and “fixed” and she will turn heads and make you smile on hard stomps. People who see these vehicles cannot believe they are going on 14 years now.

Other will add to this list, so keep a running wish list as well as what has been done, and you will stay one happy owner. Build a spreadsheet, but don’t add up the cost amount, you will be happier.

[moenaboulsi]

Thanks everybody for your replies. Overseas motors is only main bmw service dealer here, I wouldn't go there if I don't have to. Yesterday I called for an oem angel eye bulb and I was explaining for ten minute what Iam looking for and he didn't know and couldn't pull it up.

I do know two shops that specializes in German cars, O & On auto and Euro fix. The euro fix was a previous employee of O & O and just opened up his own. I asked the about oil and they said they use stuff from germany called liquid moly, have you guys heard and have experience with this oil?

Stephen thanks for you input, that's a lot of stuff to handle but will try my best to be on top.