Vehicle maintenance advice?

[BustedKnuckles]

Hello Everyone!

I just purchased a 2007 X5 4.8l sport package with 77K miles.
I'm big into car maintenance and wanted to get everyone's input on things to look out for and recommendations on things to replace/check right now.

A few things I've already done...

~ Liqui Moly 5W-30 "Top Tec 4605" oil change as soon as I got it and another change 300 miles later. (trying to flush out old oil)
~ Purchased OEM coolant and will be replacing it in a week or so (I looked at Motul coolant but wanted to get input on it first)
~ K&N drop-in air filters
~ Brembo brake pads (thought about CarboTech pads but also wanted input first.)
~ LUX Angel Eyes
~ WeissLicht LED fog lights
~ WeissLicht LED turn signals
~ LED brake lights, license plate lights, and reverse lights. Everything is CANBUS but still hyper flashes. My car looks like a god damn laser light show for the first few seconds after startup...

I was also wanting to replace the trans fluid but the dealership wanted over $30 a liter! and they told me I needed 8 liters. Any alternatives? I am wanting to put the best of everything in my X5 but didn't know if there was stuff just as good or better at a better price.

It has the dark brown leather interior. The seats themselves are in immaculate shape and I hope to keep them that way. I tried two different leather conditioning products but wasn't happy with the results. Hard to buff out hazy finish with one (Griot's) and the other just didn't seem to penetrate and moisturize well (Lexol) . I ordered 4x bottles of Allen Edmunds "leather lotion" I've used it before on shoes and have always heard they make amazing leather care products. Anyone else have recommendations?

Oh yeah, and here's a crappy pic of it dirty in the driveway I just took real quick. Better ones to come..



I was hoping to get input on the things I have already done and suggestions on what else may be a good idea and things to look out for.
Thanks in advance everyone!!
~Nathan

[BustedKnuckles]

So I messed around with the search function on the forum more. I found some info on the trans fluid topic. I just ordered 6 liters of ZF lifeguard fluid from BavAuto.

[Mackskibum]

Bavauto is a great source.

Never liked Lexol- always seemed greasy. Have had good luck with Griots products.. Spendy but work well.

At 77k, some of the maintenance items are a ways away. Trans is early but changing now won't hurt you any.

I can't specifically speak to the 4.8, but the 4.4 would begin to show some leaks about now. Take a hard look at valve cover gaskets and such.

Are you the same bustedknuckles that used to be on TDS 6.0 forum?

Good luck with the new machine!

[Socale39]

If you like the feel of the OEM pads but want lower dust levels check out the Textar ePad

[ard]

Dont waste your efforts on flushing oil. Just change it in 7500 miles. Done

Stock air filters likely FAR better than K&N crap...hype and $$$.

Your search must have shown you there is a trans pan filter you are missing.... I bought 12L, drained and filled...drove to temp...then drain and final fill. You end up with ~25% old fluid as opposed to 50/50 (approx). (Unlike engine oil, this will go another 50-75k before the next service, hence the desire to flush old fluid)

Transfer case?



Why exactly "brembo" pads? Seems like we are moving into the modding phase with these cars where people feel compelled to smear around names on their cars....

Finally the lights arent 'maintenance'... whatever floats your boat.


Oh, just reread- you already did a bunch of that stuff...oh well.

Enjoy the new toy!

[the_ulf]

Originally Posted by ard

Why exactly "brembo" pads? Seems like we are moving into the modding phase with these cars where people feel compelled to smear around names on their cars....

because E70s are now at a price range that makes them appeal to that kind of owner...?

[BustedKnuckles]

Originally Posted by ard

Dont waste your efforts on flushing oil. Just change it in 7500 miles. Done

Stock air filters likely FAR better than K&N crap...hype and $$$.

Your search must have shown you there is a trans pan filter you are missing.... I bought 12L, drained and filled...drove to temp...then drain and final fill. You end up with ~25% old fluid as opposed to 50/50 (approx). (Unlike engine oil, this will go another 50-75k before the next service, hence the desire to flush old fluid)

Transfer case?



Why exactly "brembo" pads? Seems like we are moving into the modding phase with these cars where people feel compelled to smear around names on their cars....

Finally the lights arent 'maintenance'... whatever floats your boat.


Oh, just reread- you already did a bunch of that stuff...oh well.

Enjoy the new toy!

I found the elitist!! . Just giving you a hard time... as far as the lights are concerned, just trying to dress her up a bit and wanted input on my selection since its the first time I've purchased their products and the first time I've owned an E70 X5. Sorry for not including that in the title, didn't know that warranted being pointed out.

Is a dry paper air filter really better than an oiled cotton one!? I figured the difference in protection was probably negligible but there may be a little increase in air flow with the K&N.

I would actually like to change the trans filter and thank you for reminding me of it. I will order one today. BUT, I keep reading and am getting told different things about the trans capacity. the dealership told me it took 9.5 liters but 8 would be sufficient due to torque converter and etc. BavAuto says 6 liters is sufficient. if you are telling me 12L for a fill, drain, and re-fill then it sounds like 6L it is. I'll order the filter and 6 more liters tonight to do exactly what you did.

I'm taking it into the dealership for the Transfer case. I read on here that they have to reset the computer after doing so. I don't want to mess with that so I will shell out the extra $$$ to have the stealership do it.

The Brembo pads I got from BavAuto. They are OE size replacements, Not a big brake kit or anything... I just wanted low dust and longer life, the difference in "feel" to me is irrelevant.

As far as "smearing around names on my car" I don't give two turtle shits about people knowing what brand parts I have on my car. I'm not buying these brands to impress people but rather simply have high quality parts. No window stickers and I'm not bragging about it. Just wanting input here... I didn't know putting higher end/quality parts on your car was looked down on. strange...

Thanks again everyone!

[BustedKnuckles]

Also,

I purchased Redline fluid for the front and rear diff's. A new serpentine belt, and new cabin air filters.

Mackskibum,

Thanks for being a nice guy and helping me out.

I am not the BustedKnuckles from the TDS forum, I'm on a few other forums but not that one. E46Fanatics, theGSResources, WeldingWeb, etc...

[BGM]

Congrats. I have an '08 with 80K miles. FYI if you are looking to get it up to snuff, unless the picture is bad, that front left wheel looks like it has curb rash on it. You can get those re-coated for a decent price (think my dealer charges like $100/wheel). It's like having a nice suit, you can't have bad shoes ha.

[BustedKnuckles]

Originally Posted by BGM

Congrats. I have an '08 with 80K miles. FYI if you are looking to get it up to snuff, unless the picture is bad, that front left wheel looks like it has curb rash on it. You can get those re-coated for a decent price (think my dealer charges like $100/wheel). It's like having a nice suit, you can't have bad shoes ha.

Thanks for the info!!

All 4 wheels have some road rash in varying severity. Aparently the PO wasnt good with curb's...

I had no idea the dealership would offer that type of service and especially for so cheap! If that's truly the case I will get all 4 re-finished within the next month or so. Thanks again bud!