So I think you're 100% right about one of the bulbs being out and NOT pixel failure on the gauge cluster. However, since it's a bad pic, I can't tell whats going on with the NAV screen. It looks find except for the perfect circles. Not sure what that is, but I've never seen a screen fail like that.

Congrats on the X5!

My car didn't have the cold weather package either, but I was fortunate to add it without too many issues.

Not sure on the facelift models, but if you had a pre-facelift, and the car came with Xenons from the factory, the vehicle was already pre-wired for heated seats.

I was able to get a new-to-me interior with heated seats, including door panels, and the only item needed was the "switch row" that has both heated seat switches. Both are working great, although my seat has a "hot spot/clip" on the left hand side that burns me from time to time.

With the android unit, the capability of using the on board computer for milage consumption and average speed etc. Are lost correct?

2002 e53 x5 5speed manual


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Oh nice! I'll order new backlight bulbs. Thanks for the guidance on that!

I'll look into retrofitting the heated seats at some point, though I can certainly live without it too. I've been going down that trail with my wife's 08 e83, so figuring that one out is a higher priority. I have the control unit for the dash (pulled from junkyard), but unfortunately, it's not prewired. It looks like wiring it is not too overwhelming - a guy on the e46fanatics forum did a really nice DIY. I THINK the e83 seats have the heating elements built in as there's only one part number for each color of upholstery, but I need to confirm that. I see two separate part numbers for the e53 for heated vs. non-heated seat covers.

The radio shows an error reading the (original 2004) Nav disc. I'll mess around with it some, but maybe I'll end up biting the bullet and upgrading to an android unit. I would enjoy having a backup camera funtionality as I tow and those things are awesome when you're backing up to a trailer.

AM.

Crowz had the exact same screen failure on his before he converted to Android.

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/x5-...-trimring1.jpg

If you get the iBus app and USB interface for the Android systems everything remains functional.

http://www.reslers.de/IBUS/img/V6a_3.jpg

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5xo_YEjqWq4/maxresdefault.jpg

It's a really small bullet. As long as you don't have DSP, the systems start at right around $300.

What is DSP?

I bought it with a disclosed headlight issue. The kid I bought it from wasn't very knowledgeable (about the car/BMW's), so I'm not sure yet what I have going on. The right light was disassembled. I went ahead and pulled the front bumper off so I could remove the headlights. I am going to sand/clearcoat the lenses and it just works alot better with the lights lying flat so the clearcoat doesn't run. I ordered two new bulbs, so I guess I'll start there to see if that's the only issue with the light(s).

Attachment 75255

I found an Amazon seller for some Bendix rotors for $88 delivered. I decided to go that way for now rather than ponying up another $40 for the Brembos. The pads look near new all around and he mentioned something about the tech at the dealer telling him he threw on some pads for him gratis because some issue was taking too long. Anyway, I'll run those til they're gone and then probably put on my favs - Akebono Euroceramics. I can put new rotors on again at that time.

The $40 I saved on rotors was quickly spent on a used eBay heater control valve. I noticed the valve was leaking coolant. Interestingly, the part number on the valve is not indicated as ever having been used on an e53 (realoem). It is a dual solenoid valve and calls for a different part no. than the one in place. I scoured eBay and found a newer used one that looks good for $29. If nothing else, it should buy me some time before having to bend over for a new one at $150+. This is the first non-oe part I've found on the car. The date code was plausible for the vehicle, so I'm somewhat puzzled if realoem is wrong or if someone stuck this one in there as a cheap fix.

Attachment 75256

I haven't fiddled with the radio yet, but my initial research led me to a problem with water pooling around the amp in the left rear cubbie hole. There's so much crap there that I can't see down in there, but the right side cubbie DID have water sitting in it. The screen is messed up, but apparently there's no sound either.

Attachment 75257

Snow coming in tonight, so probably won't be working on it much for a few days.

DSP (Digital Sound Processing) A PITA option for high end audio designed by BMW. Look in your navigation screen for settings and see if you have DSP listed in the options. It will look like the image below if you have it in your X5. Be hopeful you don't have it. Ask me how I know... :bustingup

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-jRorExbnqI/maxresdefault.jpg



Thanks for all the updates and pics, you look like you have been an owner for years. :thumbup:

:rofl: I love the DSP in mine. I even actually occasionally use the built in NAV DVD system. :wow:

Looks like I'm in the clear! Despite the blemishes, the screen seems to work fine. Yet, I can get zero sound out of it.

Attachment 75258

AM.