Another X5 3.0D owner

[huntertec]

Hi DanX5d.
I have put a number of posts on the Inter'nl forum regarding the lurch I'm not aware of any real success with updated software fixing the problem, BMW downloaded two updates with limited results, they changed the trans oil twice as was recommended by ZF which totally fixed the problem, thats my experience anyway.

[JCL]

Most recommended manual for the X5 is the Bentley publication. Don't know how specific it is to your local market vehicles, but the basics should be well covered.

[DanX5d]

Thanks for the welcome and replies...

Huntertec - I had the trans fluid changed and it reduced the thump by half. I figured I would try it for another year and then change the fluid again if the software updates are not fixing this or much else?

JCL - Have used the Bentley manuals before with my previous E34 and I will probably get that anyway, but I would like a diesel based book.

Fraser - Thanks for the info. I have used BM Spares and Peninsula BM with my previous BMW renovations with availability always being the issue. Nick and Mat at BM Spares quoted $220 for the Cargo blind and $330 for the Cd stacker that is also missing.

JDM 20L - Olivine Met/Pearl Beige according to the paint code under the bonnet. Looks Brown to me most of the time.

Schtonky - Autologic are located in Ardena Court off Boundary Rd in Bentleigh East. 10 minutes from my place which I really like. Don't expect tiled floors, mirrored walls or cappucino machines. Ian Crane has this operating as a proper workshop and not as some lifestyle experience or for the wannabe boy racer types. If you get the chance, check out what he has out the back in the long term project area. I also got the proper wheels as the 19" look great but ride like cement shoes. I drove it with the 20" wheels and that was even worse. In fact I reckon it stops faster with less drama from the ABS on the 17s. That said I picked up a set or factory 18s from the V8 which I will put on later.

Cheers, Dan

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by DanX5d

In fact I reckon it stops faster with less drama from the ABS on the 17s. Taht said I picked up a set or factory 18s from the V8 which I will put on later.

Cheers, Dan

The 17s have many advantages, not the least being the spare is a full match for the road wheels/tyres.

The 17s also ride better, bump-steer less, wear more evenly, are less prone to sidewall damage on potholed and/or gravel roads and are cheaper to replace.

Agree on the 19 and 20s but then, I go for function over fashion. 18s aren't a bad compromise. They were standard on the V8.

Is your 3.0d a Sport?

[DanX5d]

I don't think this is a Sport. How do you tell?
My X5 doesn't have a sunroof (I had an MX-5 for 12 years and a hole in the tin roof doesn't exactly light my fire), nor a CD stacker, but gets Sat Nav and TV for some reason.

Judging by the wear on the spare (10 spoke 17") the car must of come with 17s. I suspect it only had 20s fitted for the car yard period. I also drove it on 19s with the wider rears, but they wanted extra $$$ so I suggested they could keep them and give me a set of OE 17s.

I thought 18s was the ideal compromise until I really started to throw the X5 around to explore the limits. An old motor racing habit of mine where you find the limits of adhesion and then you know what the car feels like if you ever need to use everything at your disposal to avoid a big bang. My car is currently wearing Toyo Proxes on 235/65/17s which have shown a remarkable level of grip for a 2 tonne Tessie. The roll centres (suspension) on this car are really well set and makes the car feel much closer to the ground when cornering than I would have expected.

The tyre noise on smooth tarmac is a bit much for a road tyre though.