Black (E53) Friday
 

Morning - Figured I'd say hi to the group, I'm new. Made a deal on an '01 5spd w/92K last week, for a 2nd vehicle/winter car. Worked with the sales guys, the truck had been sitting for a while on their lot, needed a few things and it's in the shop now getting taken care of, including a new clutch I negotiated. She's not perfect - but can't have high expectations in a 15 year old car. I'm no stranger to wrenching, so this'll be fun to tinker with. Schwarz 2/Hellbeige

Update - See post #16 - http://www.xoutpost.com/1060829-post16.html

I'm fairly new to the BMW crowd, having finally picked up this past spring a pristine example of a model I've been hunting for, for over 10 years. A 2003 540i/6 M-Sport.

Thanks for having me!


http://i.imgur.com/Y5uZWP0.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/tnSTAxm.jpg?1

:xoutpost:

Once you get to drive a bimmer, you gotta have one.
The MSport look good.

I don't think it's a coincidence that so many E53 owners get here after owning an E38 or E39. Just seems like a natural progression I guess. The fact that OP has both his BMW's in manual shows that this guy's been hunting for quite some time. Welcome here OP.

Hi, Welcome. Please ask Ricky Bobby to add you to Manual registry:
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ry-thread.html
Also, please be advised that if your dealer does clutch as per "part of the deal" and does it just to put a check mark "Yes we did it" it may not do you much good. There is a lot to consider besides standard clutch kit (Clutch Disc/Basket/pressure bearing)
Watch this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qZskpXW9t4
The dual mass flywheel also goes bad, it really does, just as they say/show. I replaced mine when bought my X at 123K miles. and when that being done, replacement of rear crankshaft seal is highly recommended because it is right there, you looking at it when flywheel is out - just 5/6 bolts because if it leaks later/soon or worn/faulty flywheel becomes an issue... Hmmmm - that clutch disc is one time install, unless you have specific tool to unlock/un-spring it plus locking plate that being removed upon installation and dealer most likely will discard it rather than give it to you. Also there are few more things between engine and gearbox that make sense to replace and they not considered to be part of the "clutch", all rubber bushings, pins, washers within shifter are most likely in so-so shape given the age of the car and replacing them is so easy with gearbox out. Odds are that whatever they do, you'd have to open it back up soon enough to make improvements.

Welcome!

I don't know how far are you in to finalizing this deal, but I wish someone would advice me this before I bought my X (I would have still bought it but have more bargain power):
Order a BlueTooth adapter for Torque app, app itself is like $5 in app store for Android.
You can throw that adapter in to OBD, pair it to your phone and scan errors and do basic check of the car.

Should work for both of your Bimmers, I think.

Thanks! Just shot off an email to the mechanic working on the car about the RMS and to inspect and assess the dual mass flywheel.

He could do it, or not - I'll stop by the car lot and mention it to the sales guys, since the mechanic ultimately is working for them, not me at this point. We'll see what they say and negotiate from there. They seem like honest guys, and after all it's business and they're not going to give things away for free.

Yup got Torque and no codes. Even brought my laptop and scanned with INPA

flywheel is expencive - $400 -ish

Welcome!

Congrats and welcome! I have an 03 Msport as well :D

Welcome!

Welcome!!

Very Nice and Congrats!!

Hey guys - Quick update. Turns out the first X5 I was looking at wasn't as great as I thought, and backed out of the deal. Needed way too much work, and just didn't feel comfortable about the quality/level of work that was to be done. So...

I found and picked up another one. A very special one! Found on Craigslist and reached out to the fella - Turns out, it's owned by the tech writeup guy at BavAuto! Bavarian Otto's personal X5. It's been the subject of NUMEROUS how to videos on youtube and their site - including Vanos rebuild. This puppy has pretty much everything replaced.. and documentation? Well, I have an entire youtube channel documenting it LOL. Have a look, made the trip out to NH this past weekend and picked her up with the wife.

BMW DIY – Double VANOS Repair (Rebuild) on M52TU, M54 and M56 6-Cylinder | Bavarian Autosport Blog

http://i.imgur.com/DeNqvfS.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/bJZXxvv.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/QMBuAEL.jpg

Thats friggin cool as hell and awesome! The mats I'm not a fan of nor the silver fog light surrounds but it is probably one clean and smooth running truck !

Mats have been swapped for BMW winter mats and the chrome bezels I just yanked off this morning! Not a fan of chrome at all - luckily he kept the painted originals, and it was a quick 5 minute swap.

I have watched many of Otto's videos. Some just for learning. Great find!