Any E83's left on the road?
 

Am I the only one left driving an E83 any more? This forum hasn't seen any activity for a long long time. I still check this forum every time I visit the here because I also have a spotless E53 and that forum is still going strong.

I just made a major mod to my E83. I installed a Havis computer docking station for my Panasonic Toughbook. This adds a full time internet connection and navigation in a Windows 10 machine with a touch screen mounted to my dash. I intend to mount some recording cameras in the car in addition to my existing dash cam because the new computer will be able to access them all in real time. I am looking forward to some stealth camping/traveling this summer where this will be my link to the world and home. :thumbup:
A real bonus to this arrangement is my Toughbook is also the computer I use along with an ICOM box to access my BMW's systems in case anything goes wrong while I am traveling.

If there are any E83 drivers left out there, chime into this forum. I am curious just how many BMW fans are still driving an E83.

AceEngineer :cool:

Isn't the "toughbook"a military issued laptop?

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My buddy just picked up a (relatively) low mile E83. 1 owner, 80k, & already has the dreaded transfer case actuator issue. Nice spec car, black with M-pack, & N52. He loves it, just needs to take care of the transfer case... in regards to how many are on the road... I see them more often then I see E53. And 90% of the time I see an E53, it is completely clapped out.

Toughbook in my BMW
 

Toughbooks are used by both the military and a lot of police departments, but they are available commercially. The used market is full of deals as the police departments upgrade, see eBay. I scored a CF-31 with an i5 processor 32Meg RAM and a high res touch screen at auction for $75 but I had to add the GPS and the aircard internet connection. Most used units come without a hard drive so I also added a 2 TB solid state HD when I got it. I like the Toughbook because it is really indestructible and has the ability to add GPS and internet sealed inside the unit. The docking station has a USB hub and antenna feed thrus in it so I can connect to some cameras and long range antennas with permanent wiring in my E83. I also used an earphone jack on the docking station to feed a signal to the AUX input of my stock radio, opening the way to a lot of music stored on my Toughbook.

AceEngineer :cool:

On my various outings I see the e83 occasionally. I really look for them when traveling. They do tend to be sparse siteings. Most times they look to be in good condition and whole. One of the reasons I like the e83 is that it's not attractive seems to have the stigma of "Grocery getter". But the more I visit these forums it appears that people are taking notice of this over looked gem. Heck! If you can take care of it on your own they are tanks! But who wants to put in the time to learn these things with its overly sensitive sensors...[emoji6]

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I still drive mine! I have a 2004 and just replaced the old cracked windshield moulding using the tutorial from an e90. Pretty much the same process and no need to remove the side windshield trim. Lots of glass cleaner to help lubricate the edge of the windshield so the moulding slides on easier. Started on one end, then installed the other end and used a rubber mallet to gently push the rest of the moulding in place. Easier than I thought it would be!

I agree with Getty150
 

I think Getty150 nailed it, E83's are just not that attractive. As shown in my signature, I have a 2005 E53 that my wife drives and it is ten times better looking than my E83. I bought mine for the way it drives (which is better than my E53) not for its looks. On top of that I got a color combo ideally suited for the climate here but not that attractive. My beauty is a silver exterior and grey Nevada leather interior, kinda plain but great in the sun and heat. I'll try to get some side by side pictures next week :whistle: and post them so you know what I mean.

AceEngineer :cool:

I'm still out and about in mine, though somewhat less with the current pandemic restrictions. My music, video and connectivity comes via this dash cuddy replacement head unit. It connects via 4G to the outside world from a USB modem plugged into the rear cigarette lighter socket. I had an E53 previously which I did enjoy driving more than the E83, though both were/are a pleasure.

It still starts
 

We still have a 2005 X3 3.0 with 132,000 miles that still starts every morning. It's had all kind of problems that I've fixed myself including: oil filter housing gasket (twice), valve cover gasket (3 times), transfer case wheel, front half shafts, oil pan gasket, front suspension bushings, starter, alternator, MAF, CCV, charcoal canister for emissions, rear propeller driveshaft, brakes, suspension, replaced the sagging headliner (great project during COVID-19 lockdown, will NEVER do this again) and recently the RTAB'S. It's also been rear ended twice.

We've thought about replacing it but there's nothing out there as fun to drive as this X3. Also, look at the list of repairs performed: it's almost a new car so we've agreed to keep this car forever and whenever we decide to buy something new (will be a Lexus) the X3 will be the beater Car.
My wife would like to have backup camera and navigation, we prefer Apple Car play but there seems to be nothing available yet.

Tell me what made you service/replace the charcoal canister?

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I had the fuel cap light on and the P1447 code. Replaced fuel cap, nothing. I inspected the evap lines, it was all OK then the solenoid also OK so I bought the canister and air pump which is a single component called DMTL, problem solved.
I did an autopsy on the old DMTL and found some cracks and the pump itself was running rough and noisy, I just thought it was normal. Once the new one was installed it was so quiet I thought it wasn't working!

There are tons of E83 X3's on the road. They just don't post in forums. Most issues can be found on 3-series forums, since they share the same platform

Mine has 150k. runs well.

at about 140k, I put a transfer case and recently an oil pan gasket.

I want to put Michelin Crossclimate2 tires, they do not make for my 17" wheels, would 18" stock rims be an easy swap?

I just replaced two camshaft position sensor‘s to clear a P0012 error on my 07 BMW X3. And she is more than a grocery getter! She gets plywood and 10 foot sections of Schedule 40 4” inch pipe and whatever I throw at her. When I throw her into an off ramp, she’s got her glue shoes on for me.
And I can still take her to the dance later that night. [emoji41]

We've been so impressed with the handling of our E53 X5 SAV versus all our previous SUVs, that we decided to try an E83 X3 SAV. So, we recently picked up our 3rd used BMW, an extremely clean US-spec 2008 E83 3.0si with S337 sport, S710 leather and S715 aero packages. My better half liked the style, and the idea that it'd be easier to squeeze into tight city parking spots.

Although the hood opened for me just before purchase (when I'd fortunately checked the fluids), it's had a stuck hood release ever since. Are there any tips or tricks on how to get the hood opened in order to replace the release cable(s)? We've already tried driving over railroad tracks while pulling the kick-panel lever, but no dice.

It's also apparently in need of a new transfer case actuator gear, which we've decided to upgrade to the metal version.

It had a small crack in the rear hatch lower plastic valance, possibly due to city parking and/or opening inside a low-ceiling garage. In attempting to replace, we seem to have picked up a smaller version (recessed from bumper). Is the larger valance at the bottom of the rear hatch (flush with bumper) a model year (and/or USA/Canada) difference, or possibly an aero package element?

The door jamb says 18" wheels. but it's got OEM 19". Would these have been added, or part of one of its options packages? If we winter drive it, I presume we can use E53 X5 17" wheels with smaller OD X3 tires; although at least one tire dealer says minimum 18", which doesn't make sense to me unless it's got bigger front brakes than the non-sport E83 - anyone know definitively?

My X3 has 17, 18 and 19 inch rims / tyres on the door placard. Mine had 235/45 19 front and 255/40 19 rear when I bought it. I have since had a set of 225/55 17's all round and a few weeks ago I changed to some E53 rims and tyres 235/65 17's. Each time I loaded the rim and tyre specifications (including offset) into a calculator (like this https://www.wheel-size.com/calc/) before fitting. It will highlight the changes so you can determine if it's a wise move. My current rim tyre combination has raised my vehicle by 29mm. There are no issues with suspension or brake clearance. On the plus side, I have a smoother ride and the speedo dial is spot on with GPS speed. On the negative side, the wheel alignment is not quite within specs on the rear. I will keep an eye on any tyre wear issues. The most important thing is to have the circumference the same on all 4 corners for Xdrive longevity. Each time I have fitted the different combinations I have reset the adaptions in the transfer case. Where different rim widths are used, such as with the factory fitted 19 inch option, tyre choice is critical to maintain the circumference parity.

18" and 19" wheels where factory upgrade options but the 17" wheels should fit without any issues as that's what came standard and the brake calipers are all the same from BMW.

Sounds like you have a sport package option which would give you color matched bumpers and the aero styling. The regular bumpers look like they were made by NERF compared to the other ones.

I haven't looked for replacement sport bumpers but I don't see them on the roads much so I'm sure it will be a pain in the ass to source in good shape and the color your want.

You might want to consider having the bumper plastic welded.

Still daily driving our 2004 X3 with 180k miles! Don't even think about replacing it.

Hey o2bad455, how do you like it?
 

I have both, an fully loaded E53 and an E83 outfitted exactly like yours except for the aero package. My wife drives the E53 and I drive the E83. I really like the styling of the E53 a lot better than the E83, but I drive the E83 because it handles like a much lighter and smaller car than the E53. We use the E53 for highway cruising and the E83 around town. Do you notice the difference in handling? My E53 has the sport suspension option with air springs all around. I don't know if it is the air suspension, but the E53 feels more like it is floating down the road. Mind you it does handle at its limit better that any other SUV I've owned (more than a few) except for the E83. I love both cars for different reasons.

AceEngineer :cool:

I would like mine to be on the road but currently having loads of fun trying to bleed the DSC, so been off the road last few months.

I've actually tagged onto a post in the X5 forum if anyone from here has any ideas!

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...ed-ista-d.html

I agree that the E83 X3 (with conventional coil springs on all four corners) presents a handling feel more like a car.

Our E53 X5 (4.4i) handles great for an SUV, but you still know you're driving a substantially heavier machine. Ours has rear air-springs and conventional front coils. I've noticed that when the air suspension is working perfectly, I can kick the rear out a bit when transitioning into sweeping corners. That is, the rear outside air-spring appears to maintain more stiffness than otherwise expected, and I'd guesstimate (as a former racer) more transitional stiffness than a comparable coil spring with the same effective steady-state spring rate. Perhaps the controller adds some anti-roll effect? We don't have the air-springs on all four corners like the 4.8 did (not sure if a separately available option), so I'm not sure how that plays out on yours. My guess is that the front air-springs (not to mention the adjustable ride height) could change the front-to-rear balance a lot, particularly in transitions (versus steady-state cornering).

Our E83 threw a DSC code, but our local indy said we can replace the piggy-backed controller without opening the hydraulic side. If so, it looks like a tight fit so I wish I'd tried when the intake was already off for the starter replacement. Anyway, I believe the appropriate software tool is needed either way (that is, for recoding and/or bleeding).

I'm currently doing a quick overhaul on mine. Fixing reluctor rings, swapping in a new to me transfer case and hoping it works. You know, regular x3 stuff. Also working on a preventative rust abatement stuff since I live in the rustbelt of upstate ny.

I thought I should add that the car runs great at 150k. It is the pinnacle of bmw's development of the m54. It's nice to know that under better than normal care 250k on the engine shouldn't be hard to reach.

Yeah, they are out there on the roads...last week I was on the hwy going about 65mph in the 04 and out of nowhere a young lady fires up out of nowhere next to me in a white 04 2.5. She waved,,,I waved...the car was clean and we got overtaken in the wave of traffic. [emoji6]

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I still see a number of them. Mine is technically still on the road but has been in a shop (front diff died after 203k miles). Ready for it to be back to give it some additional loving and get her back going. 2004 X3 2.5i with the 6MT.

Several years ago it was like the E53 was the official vehicle of choice for Tulsa suburbia as they seemed to be everywhere. With sprinklings of E83s thrown in for added enjoyment. I'm not seeing very many E83s but when you think about it the newest E83 on the road is now 10 years old.

These cars (e83) will be extinct soon seeing that:

●It's not...
popular
attractive
valued

●It can be...
costly to repair
time consuming
easily trashed

One has to be determined, dedicated and defiant to keep the e83 on the road...and in today's American "throw away" society that's a count against the e83 continued existence.
Most other cars have much longer repair intervals. Meaning that there is longer time between repairs.
I'm always replacing,repairing or refurbishing something but, then again its mostly by choice.
But don't get me wrong the e83 can be a tank with that m54 engine...(some sware by the n52) but nevertheless one has to look past the expansion tank, the leaky rear door vapor barriers or even the finicky ecu. A truly good car but sometimes with the many bells and whistles can bite you in the but tho. Well got to go! got to address a stuck glove box.
Cheers![emoji41]




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To answer your question
 

To answer your question, I have an '05 E53 4.4i and it is fully loaded including four wheel air springs, xenon cornering headlights, nav etc., equipped exactly the same as a 4.8is but just with the smaller V8.

AceEngineer :cool:

YOU WOULDN'T HAVE A LINK TO THIS SCREEN WOULD YOU? :D

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001802961041.html

Mine is superceded, (four years old now) the specs on something like this are better than mine. I actually messaged this seller yesterday co-incidentally. They have an upgraded version soon to be released with on-board android auto. In about a months time, which is probably worth waiting for.
There are several manufacturers out there if you search.

Cheers,
Neil

After 14 years (car was 4 years old when we bought it) I have decided to let go the E83. The wife got herself a Tesla and the X3 just can't compete. I left the X3 sitting on the driveway only to find out a huge sunroof leak which caused mold all over the interior. The battery drained and the wheel bearings (not the brake rotors) started to make noises. Sold it with 141,400 miles and a solid drivetrain: M54B30 engine + GM Tranny. Whoever buys this car will have a mechanically reliable car with shitty interior and electronics (radio volume knob does not work, sunroof cover is stuck in the back).
I no longer own a BMW car / SUV but I know one day I will come back because as we say in Spanish: men are the only animals who trip twice with the same stone.

I learned so much about cars with the X3. My Nissan SUV is boring, nothing breaks and is always reliable.

Good luck to y'all remaining X3 owners!

Well good luck, but you probably won't need it those tesla's are solid. :D

I've got an 04 that is smooth as butter still.
Even tho upon acceleration i hear this tin rattle happening for months now.

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I just picked up a single owner 2007 X3 3.0SI with 50,000 miles on it… it should be delivered tomorrow. Had a few E53 X5 and other some BMWs but excited to get to take a close look.

I recently found a 2010 6 speed X3 with only 72k miles- Its gonna serve as a fun winter daily and I look forward to learning about its quirks. They made so few in manual and will never make another 3 pedal X series SAV again, so I plan to keep this one a long time. Glad to be back in the roundel fold.

nice find!
I have a 2010 with 230k km now and don't plan on selling it ever. Im the 2nd owner and have done many maintenance items already so for the price I paid for it back in 2019, Id be a fool to sell it now and give it to another person to enjoy next 100k. The only one thing I wish it had was Manual box... the auto is very convenient, but the manual would make it so much more special