Welcome to the family!
 

Welcome to the family of SAV ownership. There is a lot of information on How to's on other ownership issues that will come up as you go through the vehicle (deferred maintenance, suspension bushings, brakes, etc) listed up top of the forum under the HOW TO's tab.

Regarding the Aluminum rust spots you mentioned, located where on your vehicle? Running boards? Window trim? Wheels? Each have a different approach and solution, some of which have already been mentioned. There is also a ton of information, tips and tricks, posted in the past years that can be accessed with the forum search features. Most of the common issues that are posted are repeated over and over again as new members hit those same challenges/problems for their first time.

When in doubt, post a photo or two and the members will provide some feedback. Some of the feedback will be productive and provide a solution that makes sense, other not so much. We are all owners and share a common cause in keeping E53 X5 up and running.

Once again welcome....

Hello Helen, I also recently purchased an x5. Enjoy!