Just Purchased 2007 BMW X5 4.8l

[03ac]

So I just bought a used 2007 X5 4.8l with the sport package and all the other goodies and 87k on the clock. First of all let me say that im a DIY guy all the way, I do all my on mechanical work from pulling motors to complete tear down and rebuilds. I love getting my hands dirty and find all mechanical experiences very rewarding when knowing you have trouble shot (correctly) and fixed a problem that saves you a substantial amount of money.

The start of my issues begins:

Problem- ive had it for less then a week and had the 2 stage taillight fault pop up on me. Now this was after a hard couple days of rain in VA and noticed some moisture in the hatch taillight housing

Fix- I replaced all the bulbs and would not clear the fault. Removed the taillight house from the body and the hatch, cleaned the contacts on the bulb sockets with 320grit Sand paper as well as the metal contacts on the taillight housing. This is what made the fault go away.

Problem- level control system malfunction came up on the dash this morning when I started it up to go to work. First time ive seen this fault since I bought the car last week. Drove to work (22 miles) and didn't notice anything that stood out about the ride, extra harsh etc nothing, no significant drooping after parked either. Its really hard to even hear if the compressor is cutting on. Should I hear it? and how long does it normally stay on for? . I let the car sit for about 3-4hours walked back to take a look at it, again nothing significant to report, started the car back up and the fault cleared itself.

Question- Do you think the level control malfunction was a Sensor issues or a leaking air bag issue. What ways can I do effective trouble shooting?

Can I buy new sensors without having to replace the airshocks? What is the part number or aftermarket replacement?

if I need to replace the airshock, what is a good replacement? Again I have the sport suspension and not sure if it takes a different airbag then a standard suspension.

Also I just ordered an ISOFT BMW Scanner and should be here in a couple days but not sure if it will be able to help me trouble shoot the airshock issue, just a thought though.

Im very happy with the vehicle, the interior and outside are in great shape for the age and mileage, the motor runs very strong. I expected corkey issues like this and am all about trouble shooting and finding a fix action.

Thanks in advance for the inputs.

[jfoj]

A few things.

1. Get ready for a water pump, these engines seem to consume water pumps before 90k from what I understand. The bearings go and start out with a light knocking sound. I just had my water pump go on my 2008 at about 76k miles.

2. Rear airbags probably need to be replaced - https://www.arnottindustries.com/par...98_gid911.html

3. Suggest a lower temp thermostat, these engines run a 105C as measured at the thermostat, not the coolant output of the cylinder head - https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E70-X5...tat/ES2807159/

4. Suggest you get Carly for BMW with the appropriate wireless interface. This way you can easily code a number of features.

You want OBDFusion, for the iProducts it is $9.99, for Android is is $3.99.

For iProducts you NEED a Wifi adapter, for Android you can use the Bluetooth adapter.

iProducts adapter - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WPW6BAE/...BWNPO9BZ&psc=1

Android adapter - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WPW6BAE/...BWNPO9BZ&psc=1

So for the basic OBFusion, you are at $30 or less for iProducts and under $20 for Android. Very worth while once you find out what you can do with these Apps.

Another up and coming App is Carly for BMW, for the E53 it is a bit slow to the table with some of the features as they are working on most of the newer models, but it can read most of the modules on the vehicle and it is in a convenient smart phone or tablet form factor.

NOTE, Carly WILL NOT REPLACE OBDFusion, you will want BOTH.

If you think you want to get Carly for iProducts, you should really get the Carly interface.

You can use this discount code for the Carly Interface/Adapter.

Discount code can be added in the cart at check out for the Adapter/Interface at the ivini-tech site - E8FAKM

For users ordering an interface through Amazon UK or US, please contact Carly/ivini-tech before their adapter purchase via [email protected]. They will then receive a voucher code for Amazon directly from Carly/ivini-tech. Provide the above discount code in your email message to Support so they understand what you are requesting.

Visit the Carly web site at www.mycarly.com

The shop Website for voucher code: www.ivini-tech.de/en/

Android interfaces - Android BMW REMINDER - E46, E39, E38 etc REQUIRE USB cable option.

Apple interface - iOS BMW

5. I know you have purchased other software, but YOU REALLY WANT OBDFusion, for the iProducts it is $9.99, for Android is is $3.99.

If you buy a Carly interface, this will work for OBDFusion, so all you will need is to do is purchased, download and install the OBDFusion App.

For iProducts you NEED a Wifi adapter, for Android you can use the Bluetooth adapter.

iProducts adapter - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WPW6BAE/...BWNPO9BZ&psc=1

Android adapter - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WPW6BAE/...BWNPO9BZ&psc=1

So for the basic OBFusion, you are at $30 or less for iProducts and under $20 for Android. Very worth while once you find out what you can do with these Apps.

6. Learn about the BimmerFix coolant stent. If you replace the water pump, I would suggest installing the BimmerFix coolant stent - Bimmer Fix | Coolant Pipe Repair System

7. Read this post. I do not think the earlier E70 have the drive shaft warranty extension. But I do believe the newer drive shaft may work in all E70 and might be worth investigating. I will be looking into this more over the next few months of either the newest part number working in the early E70 or investigating a custom drive shaft with the long spline yoke - http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...iscussion.html

Enjoy your new X5.

[Infiniti24]

I'd look into a aftermarket warranty for your car. Personally I bought a 2007 X5 4.8i with 85k on it last year. 2nd owner here and I now have 103k miles on the car. So far it has been in the shop 3 times for the following repairs covered under warranty thankfully

Power steering pump failure
Alternator failure
Intelligent battery sensor
Hydraulic sway bar failure
Power steering rack failure x2
Water pump leaking
New hoses
New coolant expansion tank due to a crack
New air compressor due to time out error
New air shocks in the rear due to sagging
New rear blower motor
New front blower motor
New valve cover gaskets
New timing cover gaskets
New spark plugs
New brakes front and rear with rotors
New tires
New belts
LCM module
New fluids

This week it's going in the shop for at least two weeks for
Valve guide seals due to smoking
hydraulic suspension is currently leaking yet again third time now all replaced prior with new parts.


In all I've only spent 900$ in deductibles for the warranty. Also brakes , tires and fluid but that's to be expected. The warranty was well worth the 2.5k the original owner paid for as it's had about 16k in repairs billed to the warranty company. Not sure if this is normal for a 2007 E70 4.8i but it's in the shop more often then my E46 ZCP ever has...

[technologiq]

Relatively simple calculation to figure out how much 4.8i X5 will cost in maintenance.

Original MSRP
MINUS What you paid for the vehicle used
= Out of Warranty Maintainaince costs