I'm Back: '06 X5 4.8iS Lemans
 

After a brief hiatus, and some sellers remorse - I am back!

Just picked up a 2006 X5 4.8iS Lemans/Creme :thumbup:

Vehicle background:
California vehicle for 10 years and was acquired by the previous owner back in June'16. Spent 2 years in NY and will now reside in Northern VA. Clean carfax, 2-owner, no accidents, fully loaded

VIN: LE84405
Feb'06 Production Date
LeMans Blue
Creme Beige Interior
Wood Trim
72,200 miles
Retractable Cargo
Navigation
Heated Steering Wheel
Tow Hitch

First order of business:
[ ] Oil Service
[ ] Spark Plugs
[ ] Air Filters
[ ] Transmission Service
[ ] Aux Retrofit
[ ] Clean up curb rash on the wheels
[ ] Probably new front tires
[ ] Updated Wheel Roundels
[ ] Trunk Springs
[ ] Lower the vehicle - via Autologic
[ ] X-Pipe

Congrats!!! Some pictures?

Nice score! Would love to see pics.

Sounds like similar specs and mileage the my new one. Mind if I ask roughly what you paid?

"Lower the vehicle - via Pat" can you tell me what this is about? Sounds interesting...

I believe Pat is a member on here? He owns a Lemans 4.8iS as well, but has lowered it via computer software. I'd like to keep the factory air ride suspension but just drop it a little (~1.5 inches).

Pictures will be up shortly - needs a cleaning after the long drive back.

Oh I definitely want to learn more about that! Same here - would love to keep factory setup (just got all replaced recently by previous owner) but desperately want it lower. :)

Please keep me posted.

Welcome back, Jon! :)

For sure, i'll keep you in the loop

Thanks Al! I have some good things in store for this one. Get my passion back

Nice catch!. Got mine at 72k last year too.

FYI - I have lowered the vehicle a little via AutoLogic! Once I get it to the right ride height, i'll take some pictures and measurements

You're welcome!

Ordered:
Trunk Springs for Auto-Open functionality
Air Cabin Filter
Intake Filter
Auxiliary Retrofit Kit
Updated Roundels
Rear Wiper Blade

Had to Google this...how have I not seen this yet?!?! So ordering these.. :thumbup:

Yeah man! I had them on my 4.6iS - was worth the $30 :thumbup:

Let's see if these pictures work, if not I'll have to host them

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Looks nice!

Dat M badge tho... ;-)

I watched him put it on, :rofl:

Thanks!

That was the first item that was removed this afternoon from the vehicle. Along with the two other ///M bades on the side.



SMC

I figured it/they would be removed, but it had to be mentioned! :D

they are on his monitor now.....

I actually have the splash on mine lol

Nice color nice rims! Good Mike clock I would love to have e53 sub 100,000

6000 miles before I hit 100k! Bought with 81,700 in October 2017.


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Oh a Stephen sighting, how's your X doing? Oh wait...it's probably been on jack stands for 3 yrs now...

Let me get the CD for SW updated

Thanks!


On a positive note: package has arrived with some goodies and maintenance items!

Nope, almost completed on the rear brake overhaul, calipers, rotors, lines, bushings, pins, etc. All that is left is the hard line repairs and a bleed out of all the air.

Meanwhile just got all the wagon brake upgrade parts cleaned, painted, and ready to replace everything front and rear on that one. Too many balls in the air at work to spend too many hours on cars. It is the busy season as they need to spend the funding.

John nice to see you back in the fold of the E53 X5 fold. Hows the E39 M5 doing?

Hey Jay! Yes, back with the old naggin' beasts.

I actually sold the M5 back in Feb'18! Sad to see her go but it was time

UPDATE 08.07.2018 - 73,000 miles - Replaced Cabin Air Filter, Intake Filter, Trunk Springs, Roundels

[ ] Oil Service
[ ] Spark Plugs
[ ] Lower the vehicle - via Autologic
[ ] X-Pipe
[ ] Clean up curb rash on the wheels
[ ] Probably new front tires
[ ] Transmission Service
[X] Aux Retrofit
[X] Updated Wheel Roundels
[X] Trunk Springs
[X] Air Filters

UPDATE 09.27.18 - 74,620 miles - Replaced Washer Pumps, Oil Service

[X] Oil Service
[ ] Spark Plugs
[ ] Lower the vehicle - via Autologic
[ ] X-Pipe
[ ] Clean up curb rash on the wheels
[ ] Probably new front tires
[ ] Transmission Service

Replacing the washer pumps was actually more of a mess than the oil service. I transferred as much of the windshield washer fluid into empty gallon jugs. Removal of the reservoir is very simple (2 - 10mm plastic nuts). Remove (3) electric harness - 2 behind the reservoir and 1 on the right side. All 3 pumps just lift and pull off the plastic reservoir. Replaced the rear 2 pumps (Part Number #67128362154).

Oil service was very straightforward. Really wish the oil filter housing was up top in the engine bay...Drained the oil pan after removing the allen bolt. Replaced the crush washer and screwed back in. Removed the small allen bolt that is in the center of the oil filter housing and drained a little oil out of the housing. Replaced the rubber grommet on the bolt. Removed the filter cap and replaced the filter and reinstalled everything. Used Mobil 1 0w-40 - purchased (2) 5L jugs from Walmart for $22/each.

If I have time, i'll attempt spark plug service this afternoon. Bought up some NGK Iridiums :thumbup: Watched a video, looks fairly straightforward. Looks easier than when I did the service on my 4.6

UPDATE 10.02.18 - 74,727 miles - Spark Plug Replacement

[X] Oil Service
[X] Spark Plugs
[ ] Lower the vehicle - via Autologic
[ ] X-Pipe
[ ] Clean up curb rash on the wheels
[ ] Probably new front tires
[ ] Transmission Service

Replaced all (8) spark plugs with NGK Iridiums. Process is actually very straightforward and I believe anyone can do this maintenance interval. I saw a good video on youtube by 'Bimmer Zeit' which was useful. He removed the auxiliary water valve/heater - I did not find that necessary. All of my coil clips were very hard to unlock/unclip, not sure the reason but I had to use a good amount of force to get them unlocked before removing the electrical harness.
All the plugs were definitely worn and needed replacement but happy to report no leaks (valve cover).

After replacing everything, beast started right up and took it for a short drive. I am thoroughly impressed! Should last me now until 100k :thumbup:

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Wheel refinish, Tire replacement, and possible winterize detail next

I was very happy with the results of both wife and my spark replace. Six cylinder. The back one is a heck of a reach. I used anti seize and used the new spec for torque. A couple of mine were beastly to remove.

10.18.18 - Lowered!

Had my local mechanic do me a solid and lower the beast. Had to use autologic tool to do so. While he was there, I had him inspect the undercarriage and vehicle condition. Overall, clean bill of health!

*Disregard how dirty she is, hasn't been washed in a couple weeks!

Looks great! On another note, do you have a cargo cover?

Hey Al, thanks! No I do not have the cargo cover. I used to have one on my 4.6 and my X3. Never really used them

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10.19.18 - Troubleshoot smoke after idle.
Did a lot of reading, all the horrors of valve stem seals issues. After quite a bit of reading, my symptoms aren't alluding to valve stem seal issue. I do not have smoke on cold start (valve shrink, oil seeps past). I am going to start by inspecting my crankcase ventilation hoses/valve.

Purchased (2) breather hoses and (2) pressure regulator valve. Part numbers below:
11617547185
11617547186
11127547058

Figured i'll start here since the parts are fairly cheap. My guess is, there is oil in the breather hoses and the pressure regulators are on there last leg. Will take photos of my findings. Should have parts next week. :popcorn:

I hear you. They are good to cover your shopping when you’re out for the day. If you’re interested I have one that I’ll let go of cheap.


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Just got 4.4l 2005
 

Hello guys
I just got BMW e53 4.4l 2005.3
And I replace sparks and ENGINE oil with 5w40 BMW o.e
And New four tires 19inch and seal value and added aux cable

People almost always come back to E39 M5 and E53 X5iS.
Your old M5 is listing for sale in California.

Yeah I saw, he's asking a lot - trying to make a profit on it :yikes:

Still waiting on a couple parts for the CCV, and I have some Michelin tires coming in tomorrow! Should be mounted by Friday

[X] Oil Service
[X] Spark Plugs
[X] Lower the vehicle - via Autologic
[ ] X-Pipe
[ ] Clean up curb rash on the wheels
[X] Michelin Latitude Tour HP Tires

10.27.18 - Michelin's mounted yesterday. CCV hoses and Pressure regulator valves.

Decided to tackle the CCV hoses and pressure regulator valves this morning. Passenger side bank was very easy and straightforward. Driver side was a bit tedious...

- Remove the beauty covers (4) T30 screws
- Each bank cover just pop off
- Passenger side hose, just press, release, pull. Mine had a bit of oil in it, but no mayo (condensation)
- Passenger pressure regulator (caps), simply unclip to see the orange rubber seal and spring. My passenger side orange seal was completely ripped! Oily and nasty. Cleaned up the area
- Driver side hose was a PITA! It's buried deep under the throttle body. I had to remove the front air duct, and intake. Thought I would be able to get my hand under the throttle body to remove the hose but I added up having to remove the throttle body as well. A bit of oil was around the throttle body port, so I cleaned that up. Removed the hose (which had oil in it as well). Removed the pressure regulator (cap) and replaced with a new one. This cap wasn't as bad as the other one.


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Were your hoses dry rotted or cracked or clogged?

The hoses overall looked to be in good shape, but did have some oil in them. They do not come off easily, but they are cheap enough to just replace. The pressure regulator valve are the real culprits as those seals tear.

While I had the airduct and intake out, I noticed a leak around the vacuum pump, so that'll be next task. I believe there is an o-ring seal that needs to be replaced. I cleaned it up a little bit but it'll definitely need to be scrubbed down. I've looked at a couple DIYs on this job, looks fairly straight forward, but the motor will have to be turned manually to line up the tab/slit from the pump to the motor.

Ok good to know. [emoji6]


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11.17.18 - Battery Replacement @ 75,7xx

We had our first cold day of winter on Wednesday, a little bit of snow and ice as well. After work, I went to warm up the vehicle. (position 2, heater on, steering wheel heat, defrosters, etc). Cranked the vehicle, took slightly longer than usual but fired right up. A second later my cluster lights up like a christmas tree. Engine failsafe, trans failsafe, heater blow fan goes out, HVAC lights dim, wipers are going crazy. Turned vehicle off, turned back on - fires right up and no issues. Drove home with no issues as well.

At first I thought (and it could still be a possibility), that my alternator is starting to go bad. Waited one day, turned vehicle on Thursday morning for work and no issues and at all. Thursday after work, again, no issues. Temperatures have been slightly warmer than earlier in the week. Inspected my battery since I never did prior to purchasing the vehicle. Current battery is from Dec 2007! I am heading up north next week for the holiday and I don't want to be stranded anywhere along the way.

I went to Sears Auto Center this morning and picked up a DieHard battery, sucker weighs 52 lbs! Battery replacement should be fairly straightforward, a bit of a pain having to remove so much crap to access it. But this will also give me some time to clean up the area down there. Hopefully I won't have anymore hiccups in the future and i'd like to hope my alternator is good as well. Regardless, the battery needed to be replaced.

Jon, I'm sure you'll have a pleasant trip. You know how sensitive our BMWs are to voltage. Where are you headed?

Back to the old stomping grounds, Long Island NY

Don't know why my response didn't post, but we're right off exit 5 of the New Jersey Turnpike. If you want to stop by on your way home let me know, we can grab a coffee or something.

Friends
May I ask a cheeky question?

If you have fitted the trunk /tailgate spring mod? Where did you get the springs from?

Is there a danger that you push the button inside the car and the tailgate flies up and clobbers some obstruction/person?


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If you are still on Long Island and near Huntington would love to see the E53...Nice parade in town tonight....

Brad

Sorry Al! I didn't hit the road last night until about 8pm and didnt arrive back to VA until around 1230a.


Got the springs on eBay, I think they were $25-30? Worth the money, definitely a nice feature.

I guess if someone were standing literally over the tail gate and you pressed the button inside the vehicle or on the keyfob, yes you could hit them. But odds of that are very slim, you'd have to literally be standing up against the vehicle.

My bad, didn't see this until today. I am back in VA already. Huntington is only about 20-25min from where my folks live in Garden City

Sorry I missed you. No worries.

Would love to see the E53. If you plan to visit anytime don't hesitate to let me know.

Brad

Now that my twin is road ready we have to get together.....

Meet?

Let’s do a Tristate meet. I can account for two 4.8s and maybe an e70 5.0 between my buddies.

We'd have to get the DC area guys to foray in NJ which would be the halfway mark between them and NY.

About damn time 🤣

Yea, age old issue of one too many projects and too much work pressures. In order to get the brakes right I ended up replacing everything from the pedal to the calipers. Booster, master, vac pump, hard lines, etc. lots of efforts and parts.

Wow it's alive? Thought it would turn to dust out in your backyard. What's the mileage at?

Very tempting for the spring!


Update from 2-3 weeks ago.
12.12.18 - Retrofit Sunglass Holder @ 76,6xx
Part Number: 51447031433
Straight forward install and I just utilized all the old accessories besides the interior alarm sensor (UIS?). It's a fairly small holder so no bulky sunglasses will fit, but I love this mod.

[ ] Refinish Wheels
[ ] Oil Service @ 79,620
[ ] Vac pump gasket repair

I racked up big mileage in 2018....245 miles..:nanana:
Now I have 62k on her. Today I drove her to client locations so I added another 25 miles.....

Small update: I've had some intermittent start issues over the last few months. Originally I thought it was a battery issue, so I replaced the battery. (It was necessary anyways, the previous battery was from 2007!) After the battery replacement, everything seemed fine, but recently the start issue came back and even driving the car would go into limp mode. Alternator seems to be on it's way out, so before I get stranded i'll be replacing it.

check all your grounds (clean and use a "drop test" method) on before proceeding....

Many alt have been replaced only to discover that the no charge/low charging issues continue.

I checked the cabling a few days ago, and everything seems good. Alternator is most likely original as well, so it's time.

My alternator got weak and it was just worn slip rings. $20 kit made it good as new. (to the shock of the guy testing it at the auto parts store). When he saw my 150,000 mile original alternator with pitting and stains he was quite sure it would fail testing. (it looked like I used as an anchor in the ocean)