SMOKEY - My 2005 E53 3.0D Run Sheet

[SMOKEY53]

Update, got a wheel alignment on the weekend.

Requested that it be set to minimum -ve camber front and rear, and 0.01 toe on the rear.

They were able to get it all to those specs except for the rears, they could only get it back to -2deg camber (factory -1.5 min). Will keep an eye on the tyre wear, but not really keen on the K-MAC camber kit, lots of people say it squeeks after a while. I'd rather rotate the tyres more often.

[LVP]

How fresh are all the joints in the rear? My upper arms and lower outer joints helped bring the alignment within spec. This upgrade didn't really drop you enough to put you out of spec I would imagine. With toe that minimal, it'll stretch the wear out. I was out by 0.5 degrees more on the one side than the other and you could see the difference in wear. And that was with the same toe setting as you.

[SMOKEY53]

Originally Posted by LVP

How fresh are all the joints in the rear? My upper arms and lower outer joints helped bring the alignment within spec. This upgrade didn't really drop you enough to put you out of spec I would imagine. With toe that minimal, it'll stretch the wear out. I was out by 0.5 degrees more on the one side than the other and you could see the difference in wear. And that was with the same toe setting as you.

I haven't changed them in my 6 month ownership and don't have any service history to indicate they've been done. I've done all the fronts, but they were showing signs of wear where as the rears were fine based on visual inspection.

I'll keep an eye on the wear patterns.

[SMOKEY53]

Update, suspension has further settled another 15mm - so that's a 25mm drop up front, 35mm in the rear.

I think the V8s would drop the front further with a heavier motor than my 6.


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[squidzilla]

Wow. Great write up.

[SMOKEY53]

Originally Posted by squidzilla

Wow. Great write up.

Thanks mate!

Not much else to report. Springs have settled a further 5mm so it's now the full 40mm drop all round. Car handles like it's on rails - it's kind of scary to be able to throw a car this heavy into a corner so hard, but tbh, it's a compromise. All of a sudden I'm very aware of all the road imperfections on my daily work commute. The car isn't crashy, but when it hits a bump the impact is short and sharp then the car is straight back to being dead flat - which I guess is the way a good sport shock should be, but probably not the best for touring. I must be getting old.....

[crystalworks]

As always, very nice work. I'm still jealous we don't get the diesels over here... would have bought one of those over the 4.4i for sure.

[Salty_Dog]

I'm lost for words Smokey, look what you've done!!!!
Not only have you been very helpful to me on this forum, but take a look at the concourse work you have done to this vehicle!

I hope you are proud, you should be, its looks fantastic!

We still have our 2006 E53 3.0d Sport/Premium package X5
But i am going to have to sit down and read your build thread throughly, some great advise and hard work in there.
I love what you have done, congratulations mate, i know how long and hard you were looking for the right vehicle.
P.S. And i thought i had OCD

It's also made me realise, how much our X5 3.0d Sports/Premium came standard with.
So many things i just took for granted, but were missing on other 3.0d X5s'.

I'll be trying the ERG Delete, i am sure it will solve that horrible lag you can get when you hit the gas right at the wrong time for the motor and ECU, when they seem to be having an argument, instead of working together
And that Head Unit, what a job.
I looked up the UK company... So, they still use the Amp in the boot of car (Radio Module) to connect too?

Did you ever have any issues with the output transistors on the OEM Radio Module in the boot?
(IE: Speakers dropping out)

I'd be interested in getting the ECU remapping, but, we are pretty happy with power (Yes, more is always better)
But not sure i can spend the coin just to lean the car out Would be nice though.

[SMOKEY53]

Sorry, have not been on here for some time.

I put the car up for sale recently as I've pretty much got it to where I want it, which is usually followed by me quickly getting bored and searching for the next project (e36 coupe with LS2 conversion).

To answer your Q's, I'd highly recommend the EGR delete. There really is no downside.

Regarding the ECU tune, it doesn't 'lean' the AFR out at all. Exactly the opposite. Diesel tuning takes pretty much everything you know about petrol combustion tuning and throws it out the window. The basic approach is, more fuel = more power until either it makes so much smoke that you can't drive anywhere respectably - or you blow the transmission up. As there is no spark in the combustion process there is minimal chance of pre detonation. Most 'cheap' tuning boxes just bump fuel rail pressure up, the BlueFin is a bit more complex, including remapping the transmission map to make it shift better.

I'll probably be uninstalling the BlueFin before sale and returning it back to stock tune so if you're interested let me know, otherwise I'm sure I'll have no trouble selling it elsewhere as it can be loaded with a map for any car that BlueFin caters to.

[nice1guv]

You're selling it!?

That's a shame after getting it into great shape.

Oh well, best of luck with the new project and thanks for all the time detailing your work on the car.