After many BMWs, finally snagged my first X
 

TL/DR version: been through a bunch of cars. BMWs were always my favorite. Needed a winter vehicle and snagged an amazing 200,000 mile X5.

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Greetings all. So...I tend to go through cars like most people go through underwear. This means I've had the opportunity to drive quite a variety of vehicles, my favorites of which have been BMWs. My first car was a salvage title E32 735i and it kind of ruined me. I mean, never again would any auto manufacturer live up to the quality i experienced at the age of 16. So in the midst of all the Mazdas, Jeeps, Hondas, etc that I've owned, the BMWs have always been the shining stars. I've gone through a few E34s, E36s, one E46 and currently own a 1990 535i/5 and a 1997 Z3 2.8. I rarely hang onto them very long though which means as Fall approaches I usually find myself searching for a capable winter vehicle to handle the midwest weather. This year I ended up finding an amazing example of an E53 at our local auto auction and just couldn't turn it away. So now I've finally purchased my first X with a 2005 3.0i

As far as I can tell it was optioned with shadowline trim (windows only. was it not an option for the grille?), cold weather package, standard non DSP stereo which I've since replaced with a Sony, bixenon auto-level headlamps, and electric folding mirrors which of course are broken.

Overall for 196,000 miles though, I couldn't be happier.

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So far I'm in love. The purchase was an absolute steal because the front brakes were grinding and the SES light was on. Brakes/rotors have already been replaced and the SES light is on due to a Lean condition code followed by a system wide misfire. I already found the vacuum leaks and am replacing intake boots. Surprisingly, the DISA valve doesn't appear to be leaking. I also replaced the aux fan and the a/c works flawlessly now.

Things to be fixed still:
Left headlamp has a bad ballast and bad halo bulb. Also foggy and needs to be restored
Right Rear door doesn't open from outside
Flush mount the head unit USB plug into the Metra dash kit
Find the right exhaust bumper surround
Driver mirror doesn't fold in
Possibly install a hitch receiver
Drivers door window regulator
Trans fluid and filter
Possibly replace the oil pressure sending unit. Oil light flickers at idle, but that could be due to the lower idle from the vacuum leaks.

The list seems long, but its all pretty minor stuff. I'm still amazed at how clean it is considering the mileage. Happy to finally have my first X5 and looking forward to fixing the few things wrong and making a few modifications along the way.

Looks like a very nice find!


I'd add differential and transfer case fluid changes, as well as cooling system inspection/overhaul based on mileage. Serpentine belt, as well as repairing any oil leaks.

Thanks.

Yeah i'll basically be doing all the fluids. I already know there's a coolant issue because I can smell it and after about 400 miles the coolant level comes on. Our 330i had the same issue and I think it was a small crack in the reservoir. Zero oil leaks though, amazingly enough. Not even a valve cover gasket lol. And the no belt cracks or anything like that. The good news is i'm familiar enough with BMWs of these generations to be comfortable with whatever might happen.

Zero oil leaks. Yet. 😂😂. But yeah great find. Welcome to the club. But yeah as mentioned cooling system overhaul is paramount. I also have a 2005 3.0. Same color with gray interior. Love the thing.

Good luck man.

sweet car and welcome....

Great find and welcome to the club.

Got the refurb ballast in and now I have both headlights!

Next on the list is to change the oil and other fluids. That'll let the motor cool down enough pressurize the cooling system and see where the slight coolant scent is coming from, and see if i have enough silicone couplers and bends to replace the leaky intake.

Also while digging around installing my stereo, I found a Viper remote start box under the dash. It has all the components there, including the DEI bypass unit with a key inside. While i'm usually all about doing my own work, I don't feel like messing with the programming on this unit so I made an appointment at a local installer to see if they can program a remote for me. If they can, that'll be the icing on the top of this pretty delicious cake.

Edit: Oh, and I just wanted to say this site has been a great help with some of the more X5 specific stuff I've been dealing with.

Loving that Kalahari beige metallic, looks just like mine :D

My wife says its an old man color lol

She said awesome all wrong