COVID-19 Quarantined or Stay At Home X5 Projects
 

Ok guys, show what you are doing to our X5s while quarantined or stay at home orders. I gave the X5 a bath and the annual engine bay detail. I swear she smiled at me when I looked back but that could be the effect of the 10th day of sheltering in place. ;)

Nice work, OB!! :thumbup:

I'm planning on doing an oil change etc. today. Luckily, I have the oil and filter on-hand, since with NZ still in total lock-down, we cannot get supplies that are not "essential". I purchased the oil and filter a few weeks back, knowing the service would be due soon.

I'll post some pics later.. ;)

I think most states over here in the US consider auto repair as essential services so our parts stores are open. Everyone has plenty of time on their hands now even though it was hard for me to really put out an effort in with all this stress and anxiety in my life. Certainly going to the local auto parts store and even dropping $50 isn't my reality now. :(

I changed a much needed valve cover gasket on the X5. Thanks FCP!

OMG - that under hood shot is like automotive porn - that is beautiful!


Me..I:


X5 - installed new grommets and screens on my three washer fluid pumps to stop a reservoir leak that I had, oil change and filter, rotated the tires, pulled the back end apart so that I could tell Ted which plug I needed for my BlueBus, removed the spare tire (it didn't match the other wheels or tires so its gone, I've got AAA...), and washed and detailed the inside.


Enclave - changed oil and filter, installed new 6.5" front and rear door speakers and a new Avin (Universal) Android head unit and rotated the tires and reset the TPMS, stupid things registers tire location so you have to reset them.. pain in the ass...


E350 - installed two new O2 sensors and reset the codes on her, oil change and filter.


CR-V - installed new driver door lock actuator, re-paired the second remote and fixed a broken rear hatch lock, it didn't need an oil change :-)


Jeep Cherokee - fixed an oil leak at the oil pressure switch, changed oil and filter and fixed a dead rear window motor and turned the passenger side tie-rod in a couple of turns to fix a soft drift to the right that had been bothering me for months.



My wife told me I worked too fast... now I'm out of crap to do so she has me working on the house.....

Our wives must be conspiring against us!:rofl:

Getting ready to install radiator, water pump, hoses and overflow.

Just changed out A pillar trim, right rear window shade, right rear side window shade and getting parts together to install Sport steering wheel (which is what the car should have according to original build sheet).

And that engine bay, Overboost.....:mantis::beerchug:

Nice OB. I had my engine bay looking like that awhile ago. Getting it there again is on my list. First I need to get my differential bushings swapped out. I'll be installing poly bushings. I hope. We'll see how it goes. Of course it is supposed to rain this weekend so working on the X is out. Looks like the weather may drag into tuesday.

As mentioned above, today was oil change day.

After removing the access hatch, I used some duct tape to make a barrier/dam - the oil comes out damn fast and usually ends up all under the sound insulation on top of the reinforcing plate...

https://i.ibb.co/H7XdSH5/20200404-135927.jpg

Access to the oil filter is dead easy and doesn't require the removal of anything else. Being bum-down, it also drains well when you loosen the seal.

https://i.ibb.co/fXFzYzw/20200404-142609.jpg

Here's the "good oil". I note the Castrol Edge 5W-40 now has BMW LongLife-01 listed right on the front.

https://i.ibb.co/MfVpSMv/20200404-142653.jpg

My engine bay doesn't quite sparkle like OBs but it's pretty clean for a 15yr-old, 240,000km diesel engine.

https://i.ibb.co/m8bSPdY/20200404-142730.jpg

I checked all the other fluids, checked the CV boots, brakes etc, reset the service indicator, fired up INPA and ran a scan. Had two random codes for the aux fan. so I used the activate menu to check the aux. fan operation - runs fine. Cleared the codes, and logged the service in the handbook. Job done. :thumbup:

OB your engine bay looks stunning!
What did you use to make it shine and how long does it hold?

Engine bay cleaning is pretty easy. I use Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner and spray the entire can all over the engine and compartment. If you have some real hard oil leaks you might want to hit those areas first with simple green or some brake cleaner. Let it sit and bubble for 3 to 5 minutes. Garden hose rinse and air and hand dry. Safe on all plastic and hoses but avoid the headlight lenses..

Follow up with Aerospace 303 on everything. This doesn't have the shine or greasy look and feel like Armor All and has UV protection for all the rubber and plastic. I do it once a year and I will usually wipe the dust off every 6 months or so. :thumbup:

Keep the projects and pictures coming for all the work performed under lock down guys. Purplefade holds the trophy right now for sure. Wow, I got tired just reading his list! :bustingup

Fine azz looking under the hood area!

That duct tape barrier is a good idea, also...I have used a paper towel tube 'drain' a few times, but oil change on E53s is a mess.

Our old 2001 X5 is still asleep in our Mtn Home garage, and dunno when we will migrate back there this Spring.

Couple cars with us here at the EscapeWinterHouse, but it is already AfricaHot here and doing even simple cleaning stuff on the ol' 2002 VetteVert or my CEO's '17 X1 is like a trip to the steam room, esp for this almost 73 yr old Geezer.

I did repair the oil level sensor wire on my '02 Vette, but that was a PIA due to zip ground clearance.

If it wasn't for both of us chasing the ball ~3 days a week, (separate groups), here at our SW FL club, my wife would have smothered me while sleeping, by now. ;)
Stay safe everyone!
GL, mD

Beautiful engine bay, OP!!



I'm building a gate. I had a side driveway poured around my house to put my trailer on. I had to rebuild the side gate since it was dry rotted, so I'm moving it forward by 6 feet, which gives me enough room to store my X with the trailer hitched up entirely behind the gate. What my wife doesn't know is that I have space to store a project car now :)



And there's a broken down 4.8iS in town for a song, so if I'm lucky and it's still there when this quarantine is over, maybe I'll go get it.

Another day under the hood. This time the E46 got some rubbing behind the ears. :bustingup

208,000 miles on this one and still looks new. Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner followed up with Aerospace 303 and a little effort and attention works wonders.
:thumbup:

Nice! :thumbup:

Engine bay looks fantastic. All that's left to clean is your camera lens..

Haha, yeah, it's a 5 year old Samsung S6 edge and photography is not one of my strengths for sure. :dunno:

OP, excellent work! Did you have to cover up any electrical components when you rinsed with a garden hose?

No, just avoid direct rinsing of headlight ballasts and alternator. :thumbup:

Looks great!

Thanks BC. The E46 just got the front and rear suspension rebuilt just before the current situation and even finished replacing the front control arms right at the start of our lockdown.

I am honestly wishing I hadn't spent that money now but I didn't see the seriousness of this pandemic a month ago. Now I have ended up with cars maintained and cleaned to drive nowhere. My job is gone for the foreseeable future. Hoping to start racing again in August sometime.

On the lighter side, I have gone from 18 MPG on the X5 to 3 weeks per gallon. :thumbup:

https://forum.e46fanatics.com/attach...1&d=1580942596

https://forum.e46fanatics.com/attach...1&d=1580942600

Looks great OB. That 330 is a beaut. :thumbup:

Working on the e70 today so no updates here for my poor x5. Ordered a huge backyard playset for the kids so they can still have some sense of normalcy (and stay out of mom and dad's hair for more than 5 minutes). Retiled our master bath floor (still need to grout). I'm half way through Contagion, eery to watch. Could be getting so much more done but it's hard to stay motivated all the time.

Right there with you CW. Hard to find any optimism right now. My wife is still working everyday at Target supplying products for all the hoarders. :rofl:

The largest selling items besides toilet paper, hand sanitizer and food are kids bicycles and things like backyard tables, umbrellas and kids playsets.

Not too many bicycle sales down this way! One (slight) silver lining for those of you in the north is that you're heading into summer - it will make managing this situation somewhat easier. We're heading into winter (and flu season!), many folk didn't get enough winter firewood in yet (and now cannot do so) and the thought of being stuck indoors for weeks with stroppy kids will drive many parents to the brink of sanity! :rolleyes:

Valley pan blew in the 4.6 right after an 88c tstat, osv and pcv replacement and this is where is sits now awaiting parts...https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...2aaecac95a.jpg

Non-BMW project
 

Though I still have a few minor items to do on the E53, first I am renewing the front end on my 05 Tundra. The ball joints are done, just need to press in the 8 bushings in the upper and lower arms, removing them is the hard part! Renewing the bushings is not an easy project and if it weren't for having a lot of excess time I would have probably just bought a new set of lower and upper arms.

Still need to put new boots on the front drive shafts, another greasy mess I am not looking forward to..... After this phase is complete the next move will be the timing belt and coolant pump. Last are the rear axle bushings and a neat seat bolster. A quick drain and fill of the trans is also on the todo list. She will be good for the next 200k!

Nice work TriX5. I just went through all the bushings on the X5 a couple of months ago. Genuine PITA but a press makes the job a lot easier. :thumbup:

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/x5-...117_125833.jpg

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/x5-...117_112108.jpg

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/x5-...118_143704.jpg

That's not a car wheel I spy there, OB... whatcha got hiding there...? Something fast by the size of that rotor! :-)

Yes mate, that's my 2008 Yamaha YZF-R6. Only about 170 MPH actually but it only has 1600 miles on it. I'll probably start cleaning on that in the coming weeks. :bustingup

Only 170mph.... :bustingup

I had a late 80s FZ600 a long time ago - traded "up" to a CBR600. Haven't had a sport bike for about 15 years now... went over the dark (ADV) side...

One of the great things about getting older is no longer having the need to travel at warp factor 9 everywhere on my motorcycle... 60mph (on dirt tracks!) is plenty!

I'm planning some maint. work on my "other" BMW this coming weekend - Easter. As it's just clocked up 100,000kms, I'll do a full oil service etc. and tear down the back end for a full suspension re-lube. All those river crossings in the recent summer months can take their toll.

Have a read about one adventure...River Valley Ride...

https://i.ibb.co/80sbGnh/Adv-biking-...-photos-22.jpg

That River Valley Ride looked like a lot of fun. :thumbup:

I have been riding for over 50 years since I was 10. MX racing by 11 and then went to sport bikes at 29 with a 1987 Honda CBR 600 F1 Hurricane. Then to a 2001 Kawasaki ZX6R and finally to the 2008 YZF R6. I still love the dirt, my most recent MX bike was a 2009 Yamaha YZ 250F. I miss that one but hell, I don't even get a chance to ride the R6.

Someday I want to hit the Tail of the Dragon over here. It's only 3 hours from me but have never had the opportunity yet.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...133bab1818.jpg

Cleaned from the pan to cover.

Blown M54! Awesome!

Looks fantastic Happy :thumbup:

Thank you kind sir!

That looks great Happy. What kind of blower you running? Is it a kit? DIY?

Thank you.

It’s a Vortech blower. Yes, it is a kit by RMS, and it is stage 2 at 10lbs with water/meth injection.

No DIY, I wish I had those skills though. LoL..

Coming up next...
 

While servicing my 3.0d last weekend, I noticed that I had lost another line of pixels on my MID display.

Current number of lines missing: five

Limit of missing lines my OCD can cope with: four

So I've ordered the replacement LCD ribbon from AKSpeedo and it's shipped already - dunno when it will get here but guess how I'll be spending a couple of hours when it does... ;)

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/DBAPqgfDhEI/maxresdefault.jpg

You have mad skills Wayne. I just bought a replacement Mid display when I had one and it started acting up. For the $100 for the replacement, it wasn't worth the time and effort for me. 10 minutes after it showed up, I was all back together with full pixel display.

For $100, I'd do the same. :rolleyes:

The ribbon is costing me $40 and a replacement MID unit would be more like $250-$400, so in I go! :thumbup:

Nice. What's the HP boost you get?

I did mine a couple of weeks back with the kit from AKSpeedo. I went for the new LCD too as I didn't know the state of the old one. It took about an hour - I went with the drill method as I didn't have the dial needle tools. Just take your time and it's very satisfying to see it all light up when done :thumbup:

Just doing the MID, not the cluster/dash LCD.

Ah right sorry, with you - I've the got the Sat Nav LCD Screen which is looking a little sorry for itself after all these years (a few patches of leaking fluid in the LCD I guess) - but that is big £££ to replace so I'll live with it ..

I replaced the cluster/dash as I literally could not make out any character at all .. :rofl:

COVID-19 Quarantined or Stay At Home X5 Projects
 

Race Marque said that at 10 lbs with water/meth injection, the power at the flywheel should be around 400 hp.

The 8 lb flywheel has really made a difference with the way this E53 performs though. With the gear ratio on the manual gear box, and the diff ratios it pulls hard. I had a slight miss at the top due to a bad MAF and DISA, but now that those are repaired I have been able to take all gears 1 - 5 to the top easily with no miss.

My Indy and I were talking about strapping her on the rollers, but my cooling system is original from 2002. So, he suggested replacing it prior to putting her on the dyno. I probably should not be redlining her anymore, or even taking her out for that matter until the cooling system is replaced.

We were thinking of replacing the RMS tune with an Active tune, and that’s the only reason we were discussing dyno time. The RMS tune is on 91 octane, and a milder water/meth injection tune. However, I had to retune the water/meth injection to a more aggressive tune, because it gets a lot hotter in Texas than it does in California. But now with the 93 octane, she seems a bit rich. So there probably is some room for the Active tune to produce some gains.

It will be interesting to see the outcome of this whole tuning thing, if it comes to fruition. I will definitely keep everyone updated.

Lots to do:

E70: belt, tensioner, idler
E46: windshield cowl, headlight covers, LED tails
E36: belts, tensioners
E53: trans shift shaft seal, front guibo, front springs, struts, swaybar links
B8 A4: turbo, upper control arms, investigate low-speed rattle

I have never planned to or cleaned my engine bay. Washed both cars the last 2 days... Starting to run out of things to clean... you guys have inspired me, engine bay here we come! :rofl::rofl::rofl:

Owning five aged German cars is considered a full time job :popcorn:

Make sure to post some pics of the finished engine bay and the method you used. :thumbup:

I just did a mid with akspeedo ribbon...took me 8 hrs to finally get it to where I only had 2 vertical lines missing and that's good enough for me. F that.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

Day off...

0530 Go outside to work on newest guesstimate of wire short causing MAF and intake BS(woke wife & baby accidentally)

0540 Come inside due to approaching dust storm (see trees 75m away)

0555 Try to go back to sleep

0600 Wake up to wife holding pillow over my face saying "Jesus loves you"[emoji28]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...5379d21f2b.jpg

Sent from my SM-A730F using Tapatalk

you guys engine bays and work look great.... I fabric painted my floor mats and rear cargo floor replaced upper windshield molding.. painted my side molding around windows painted my kidney grills black of course...Replaced my LCM (50 on ebay) bought bmw scanner cleared all codes or tried to. need to get a aux water pump... does nt blow as cold as it should not sure if thats it... days Before the mayhem I replaced valley pan water pump and thermastat and gaskets on intake manafold and two oil hoses underneath. secondary air pump hose. here is look of stereo set up i did over the summer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3XOwNBQTUc&t=4s

any thoughts please comment

Nice work on the stereo, sounds good. I do see a tamper dot on the dash from your LCM swap. You need to reprogram the mileage and VIN for the new LCM. I have not tried this on the E53 but when I swapped my LCM in my E46 this document explains everything and works like a charm.

I filmed this before I coded everything. Tamper light is off I got that all situated all lights work fine LCM works great...only question is how do you get the tail lights to come on tailgate ? is that a coding issue?

There are no bulbs in the tailgate lenses on US models. Most of us have made those rear fog lights. You will need to read this thread completely, it is the one I used and has everything you need fully documented.

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...-complete.html

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/x5-...202_171349.jpg

awesome thnak you.. I have aftermarket rear tailight assembley with bulbs in them in tailgate ... but i gonna read your thread you posted

fyi

I have uro transfer coolant pipe brand new never used still in the box didnt need it as my seals and valley pan were replaced

https://www.ebay.com/itm/274322692450

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRzOjiZqmIc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRLvryEQxhI

here is my lastest thread of my x5

Looks great! Nice wheels. Thanks for sharing! :thumbup:

What part of nc are you... i grew up in raleigh live in florida now

Lake Norman. 20 miles north of Charlotte. :thumbup:

Replaced my differential bushings with poly bushings. The ones that were in there were old and cracked. I have rattle back there that I haven't been able to identify it. Thought I had it when I saw the cracks in the diff bushings. New ones didn't solve my problem. I'll be pulling the spare and riding in the back while my step son drives so I can see if I can isolate a location on the rattle(s).

Also replaced the thermostat. It threw a code indicating it had a short.

Since I have lots of time on my hands I'll probably go through and do a top to bottom, front to back detailing. Including the engine bay. :D

I am really wanting to do the full wax detail on both cars too but I just can't seem to find any motivation to even start. :dunno:

Definitely not a job I would consider fun.

Almost done...https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...c394b0de9f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...4fc440a221.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...a1e6e1b5d0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...f29aaaed2b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...f2a7375859.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...4ef43fe26a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...087ba078e2.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...52e99c9d5e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...ab541c1b47.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...3e3b3f608e.jpg

anybody replace cigerette lighter socket with usb and how tough is it to remove ashtray and socket? cant find any youtube link anywhere without finding someone who does nothing what i am searching

I just put one of these in the socket - job done. ;)

https://www.wired.com/images_blogs/p...lkincarusb.jpg

my ocd wont let me

Fair enough. As its under a cover, my OCD is fine with it. :thumbup:

Pretty sure I've seen a video of getting that ashtray out - can't recall if it involves removing the centre console or not. I hope not, for the sake of your OCD.

Nice little lockdown project if you do have to remove the centre console - I hear it's quite a mission...

that's what I am dreading removal of my center console I hope it not too drawn out process or there a shortcut... some where.... previous owner wired something in my fuse box and i have no idea where the wires go there behind my radio and glove box. This is going to be a 2 part project that just tied a wire around the fuse and pushed it in

It does indeed require removing the whole console. Only the ashtray portion is removable without. Sorry.

well damn i got a mission ahead of me thanks fellas

Clockwork posted back in 2013 that replacing the lighter only required removing the ashtray...

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...ocket-how.html

Perhaps simply removing the ashtray gives sufficient access. :dunno:

*edit* re-reading that post, maybe he didnt actually say that. Funny how you read what you searched for rather than what is posted! :rolleyes:

That’s where I’m at too... told my wife on Wednesday that I was going to wash, clay bar and wax both cars while she vacuumed and started the interiors... It’s now Saturday and I’ve found at least 50 other things to do to avoid the cars...

But I’ll get there one of these days... I did manage to tear the back hatch apart in preparation for my BlueBus to arrive though [emoji106]


Sent from my iPhone using Xoutpost.com

Perhaps not. This thread may offer some hope that the lighter socket can be removed sans console removal...

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...install-2.html

COVID-19 Quarantined or Stay At Home X5 Projects
 

For what it’s worth I installed the Aux cord for the factory BMW radio and I installed it in the ashtray and I can assure you that all I removed was the head unit and the ashtray itself. The console did not have to come out, I simply opened the ashtray cover and pulled straight up on the ashtray itself and mine came right out [emoji106]

I was able to unplug what I needed to, drill the ashtray, install the Aux jack and literally just snap everything back in place when I was finished.


Sent from my iPhone using Xoutpost.com

I updated that thread with the missing pictures. Hope that helps. Definitely do not need to remove console. To replace the blower motor however, you do. Ask me how I know :)

well that was easy enought i popped it with supper thin flat head broke the plastic clear ring in process but considering i am not replacing it with oem but with usb port or possible dc power out let converter not sure about that... if i have to do any more wiring put it looks easy enough.. remove ashtray then with plastic pry tool side hole push on socket till it tilted and the pry up with flat head then needle nose and pull up and twist some pursation took place but i got her any way let see if i can get the usb be port in stall cleanly.

I did. I’ll have to look for my post on it or you can search the e53 threads.

@tmatt1977, Since you have an android infotainment system, I replaced the cigarette lighter in my ashtray with the USB AUX 3RCA connected to my Avin Avant-4. I ended up with an extension for one of my USB inputs, and an audio/video 3.5mm jack connected to my AV IN input. Might be something to think about.

https://avinusa.com/media/catalog/pr...sbaux-3rca.jpg

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/x5-...522_140948.jpg

Goodonya! :thumbup:

I used the usb ext from my eonon in that hole next to lighter with usb (charges super slow) and i am tired of looking at the empty cigerett lighter i am going to do the one in the back too usb or dc power outlet converter.. I am really am bored of this covid 19

Looks like I was mistaken, it can be removed without taking out the console as mentioned by others. Here's a vid I just made to illustrate. Hopefully it helps.

good post bro

next question how do i remove the folding door to the ashtray? how do i pop that off i am gonna end up breaking it but Im going go this route


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dual-USB-Ca....c100005.m1851

No need to remove the folding door. I installed a double USB port in my ashtray. Extended the two USB ports for the AVIN Avant 4 I installed to that location. Modified the metal piece next to the lighter socket.

I wanted permanent USB power also, so I installed a two port USB in the center console. There's just enough room between the armrest cover and box for a cable to be fed out with the cover closed. I'll post some photos tomorrow.

Well I definitely just added "make engine bay sparkle" after seeing the first post, I think the last time mine was that clean was when it left the factory :yikes:

The few things on my list:

• Replace stereo with Xtrons unit I ordered

• Repair side mirrors not closing

• Figure out why my rear window washer isn't working

• Replace connector on leaking (front left) air suspension

Should be enough for quite a few days, as I still have loads of other things to do, and I'm sure something new will pop-up along the way :yawn:

The non-working rear window washer has been on my list for a long time. I spent a lot of time troubleshooting and it will get fluid to the rear window, so it's not clogged. Come to find out the rear wiper motor has a chip on it that is part of controlling the rear window washer pump. It burns out. The fix is to replace the rear window wiper motor. I've had more pressing needs and have had other things to spend the $150 for a new motor on.

Simplest way to confirm it's not the pump or a clogged line is to swap the plug from the front washer pump to the rear and activate the front washer on the steering column. If it works and you get fluid at the rear window, you know your pump is good and the line isn't clogged. That leaves the wiper motor chip.

Non X5 work... but you guys are the ones I share with so deal with it. :)

E61 has the storage package and was missing trim pieces and the shocks that hold up the compartment lids. Well no more with "overnight parts from Latvia." They were 50% cheaper than domestically. :dunno:

https://i.postimg.cc/1XwXc6KS/Door-S...-Shocks-06.jpg

It also got good used front door seals off Ebay. New was dumb, like $160 each. Got them both for $50. One of the PO's must have entered/exited the car like a wolverine. Before:

https://i.postimg.cc/m23hPYDN/Door-S...-Shocks-03.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/fbybq1vB/Door-S...-Shocks-01.jpg

After:

https://i.postimg.cc/W12zgdqR/Door-S...-Shocks-02.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/kgf4c7W2/Door-S...-Shocks-04.jpg

crystalworks:

you have a link for those doors seals? My e53 has effed up seals I've been wanting to replace. But, too much money.

yo try northside imports ask for Adam (my brother in law) all european car part store

i can get quote for if you like

https://www.northsideimports.com/

I bought them off Ebay. Depending on which ones you need there are some on there right now and appear to be in good shape for the E53. I took a quick look but there could be more. You can always shave some costs by using the "Best Offer" option. Saved me $25 total on the 2 seals. Works especially well if ordering multiple seals from the same seller as they can save on shipping and put in the same package. :thumbup:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/00-06-BMW-x...sAAOSwPKRec~i~

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Exterior-Do...cAAOSwPYpa89AE

Thanks!

Current COVID-19 task list:

E53 X5:

- Replace the $15 aftermarket rear-view camera, with a slightly more expensive $18 rear view camera - DONE
- Get rid of the rattle from the tailgate - possibly one of the electronic latches in the lower tailgate not actually latching.. (left side seems to not latch) - REPLACED the latch with an eBay used part - didn't seem to make a difference. Realized the upper tailgate was able to rattle when closed (perhaps a hangover from when the first $15 rear view camera was fitted...). Adjusted the latch plate where the upper section closes - No rattle! - DONE
- Replace the passenger door handle carrier, so it will open from the outside. - FAILED, the $25 part supplied was the wrong part. Now ordered the right BMW part for $150..
- Replace the battery that goes flat if unused for 2 weeks. And stopped taking charge. - DONE
- Maybe upgrade the Stereo to a Sony that does Carplay and will support the use of steering wheel buttons. Maybe Sony XAV-AX1000? Or, fit a simple switch to allow me to reset the current cheap Android stereo when it freezes..
- Fit a gearknob that doesn't wobble around on the gearstick. Preferably slightly shorter. - DONE, much nicer!
- See how easy it is to delete the Clutch Delay Valve, which I'm hoping is to blame for the slightly erratic clutch biting point..
- Fit the cheap tow bar hitch that I was gifted by a neighbour.
- Replace the gasket and microswitch in the upper tailgate that has stopped working again. (I previously disassembled and & dried it all out, and tried to repair / reuse the gasket that was falling apart)

E39
- fix that rattle in the driver's door where I didn't tighten up one bracket when I changed the window regulator last year. That now totally detracts from the otherwise supreme impression of perfect build quality, every time I use the car. And that constantly reminds me I did a sloppy repair job
- replace a rear window regulator
- repair / reattach somehow the passenger seat control panel

E30 convertible:

Maybe take out the passenger seat, and fill and smooth the cracks and spray dye over it all, so it kind of matches the previously repaired driver's seat. Hopefully without the "amateur plastic surgeon" effect I got on the driver's seat.

(Seriously - if you ever saw the "It's time to dye" article written by Rob Siegel, my similar attempt on my driver's seat could be used as a Pinterest FAIL meme..

https://www.bmwcca.org/roundel/time-...-seats-part-ii

His was a very good article, and the repair products are great, but some semblance of skill and patience are needed. Both of which I seem to lack..)

I'd suggest a better Android stereo rather than the Sony - and retain all the OBC function plus more via iBus.

That and standard DIN/Double-DIN head units look shite in any BMW.... ;)

I think My X5 is so old that the OBD functions are all on the main dash cluster, not the stereo. (MPG, av speed, range etc.) But it has been such a long time since i took out the original stereo I can't remember if I lost some functions. (I had an expensive Blaupunkt Double Din unit in place at first [trying to stay 'Germanic'] but that touchscreen failed just outside warranty. Then I replaced that with a $35 delivered Chinese double DIN, just to see how functional something so cheap could be. Turns out, not bad. But not good enough. FM tuner really not good enough, and occasionally it won't switch off..

And now I've got used to Apple CarPlay in other cars, I kind of like the interface.

Age of car not relevant to accessing OBC functions - yes, you can see them but you can't change anything... i.e. how do you reset the clock?

Have a look at the threads on here about Android units that retain all functions (via an additional adapter/software) and retain OEM looks, like the Avant Avin 4 etc. Well worth the $.

I reset the MPG by pressing and holding the OBC button on the stalk.

Clock was on the old stereo, now there is a clock on my new stereo, so editing the clock is not really relevant.
Were there some other OBC functions on the stereo that I have forgotten even existed?

Finally got a little energy to go out and start working on detailing the paint on the cars. I put 3 hours in on the nose of the X5 and then called it a day. Front fenders, hood and front bumper finished. Maybe tomorrow I'll do the front doors and roof. So hard to find any ambition lately. :dunno:

It looks beautiful. Hang in there brother. :thumbup:

It does look great, but don't take too long as mine needs doing....[emoji1787]

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looking good!

Glued on the rear right parking sensor. the outside ring was cracked so I took it off to find a replacement... ridiculous money for a plastic thingiemabob! so after the sensor was pushed into the bumper i the carwash I decided to do an easy fix, should last a while!

getting the steering angle sensor changed this week and hope that will sort out the DSC lights. the cat honeycomb has come loose on the passenger side... will look for a second hand replacement.

with 4 motorcycles to fiddle on this car seems to be quite a diva!

I feel ya. I could never find the time and motivation to wax a vehicle as large as the X. When I had smaller cars (MR2s, Miata, S2k) it was not hard to justify, because it would take a tiny fraction of the time that waxing a giant SUV would take.

Man! I would wax my Hondas once a week. My E53 is one of the most unique, favorite, fun vehicles I have ever owned, and the whole waxing thing has just never worked out.

I am hoping to get the buffer on her soon.

The rear cig socket came out with ease and i didnt destroy plastic peice now just waiting on ebay delivery to change to usb port pigtail i show a video i am going to put a panel in front and might add tire pressure sensor to one of the empty panels try out my dremel... seirously open the dam country i dont want to be a mechanic

Looks nice Boost! 3 hours on the nose alone frightened me a bit. LoL..

I hear ya..! I’ve been trying to get some projects done that are way over due. And, you would think with nothing but time it would get done.

I’ve been dragging a bit myself, but we’ll get through this. Then, we’ll be complaining about how we don’t have time for things again. Hahahaha..

OB inspired me to get out there and finally do something about the X5. Red hadn't been washed in 2 months... I know, I'm ashamed. :( Took a lot longer than usual to wash, and still need to do the wheels/barrels/arches but she does clean up good. Even got the wife out there with me since the kids are with the grandparents for the night. Giggity goo. :strut:

https://i.postimg.cc/85bfnq2n/IMG_20200414_182725.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/k4Ctsnpb/IMG_20200414_182906.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/1X5VxvPR/IMG_20200414_182838.jpg

So fresh, and so clean!

Looking good!

Really looks good CW! :thumbup:

yo that Red X5 is niceeeeeeeeeee.........

so i am going to do the doc bailys leather restore and dye on my seats and dash trim and i i also bought some exhaust tips anybody think about rear muffler delete as I already did mid muffler delete and made no difference

C'mon CW....

Now I worry someone else will catch the Aero bug[emoji1787][emoji1787]

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Yeah....that Aero package looks fast! I really like the pads on the running boards! Wheels look great!

Thanks all! She does clean up nicely doesn't she. I miss being able to have her in the garage all the time though as a garage queen. But with all the work the wagon needed and then the diesel e70 has been on jack stands for a month now Red has had to sleep outdoors for 2-3 months. Soon enough she'll be back in there and clean 100% of the time again. :thumbup:

You all have reason to be worried! The aero bug has an R naught value of 5. Way more infectious than the common flu and the current pandemic! :rofl:

And there's no cure either! I have found a couple of aero package X5's I wanted to pickup but they were pre-LCI's. I will probably buy the next LCI aero package truck I see... :D:thumbup:

And that officer is when his wife pushed him down the stairs....[emoji1787]

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:rofl::rofl::rofl: Truth!

Alright Overboost/CW.....gonna follow your lead and detail the X5 now that she's staying in the garage. E30 is on daily duty til further notice. :thumbup:

She wouldn't bother. She'd grab the mini sledge and take out one of the jack stands while I was under the E70. Much easier to make that look like an accident. :D

Wish Red had the Opticoat on it like Archer does. That truck shines after a heavy rain. :p: You fix the wheel bearing on it yet?

...especially with all those Sailor Jerry spiced rum bottles laying around...:eeps:

3 days, 20+ hours in now but getting closer. I can't believe the hundreds of tiny chips when you really get down and rub and polish every inch by hand. Oh, well. This is probably the best the paint gets after 190,000 miles and 15 years on the road :dunno:

Starting on the interior tomorrow I guess. Nothing else to do...

I want high res pics!!! That's looking gooooood. :thumbup:

Black is so hard to photograph, at least for me. It really is striking the difference it made. I can see my neighbors house 4 houses down in the reflection.

I will try to take some better pics in the shade, I just wanted to see the wheels sparkling in the sun after 4 hours spent on them alone.

What are you using on the black trim? The arches and such.

Just simple Armor All CW. I save the Aerospace 303 for the engine compartment plastics and rubber.

I coat the arches, running boards, tires, etc. with a good coat of Armor All, let it sit 5 minutes and then buff with a microfiber towel.

Hmmm... looks really good. Though I was hoping you would say some sort of ceramic coating or something fairly permanent (I'm lazy when it comes to those plastics, maybe that's why the aero kit holds so much appeal to me :D). I'll have to check out that thread on here dedicated to that.

Trying to stay busy and occupied. Been working on the wife's E70 and got one of her completely refurbed headlights wired up today. Not looking forward to opening, modding, and then wiring the other one.

https://i.postimg.cc/q7MvBVSp/IMG-20200216-092151.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/wvt7mmrq/E70-Halos-03.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/pTgyYdND/E70-Halos-01.jpg

Tundra suspension project
 

Hey CW, that looks sweet! Now that I’ve seen this I will be going this route for the E53 angel eyes. But, very, very hesitant about opening the E70 units.....
Among many other projects, finished the front end rebuild on the Tundra and had it aligned today. Very happy with the result. Much like doing the same on the E70 and the E53. The ride quality is way better now.
On a very different note: Tomorrow hope to complete the crown molding in my daughter’s bedroom, part of the long punch list left over after the house expansion.

CW, your E70 is sweet. I don't know I have ever seen the pictures of it before. Looks like a perfect time to throw a M Sport front bumper on. And your level of organization is that garage is amazing. You definitely have it going on in there. :thumbup:

anybody seen or messed with why the instrument light of brake abs and the weird yellow light in middle come on it came on a while ago then went away for like 3 months then came on again then let car sit and next day was gone anybody have experience this?

Looks great OB! I know what you mean about the little chips and scratches. Drives me nuts every time I wash my truck myself. But, like you said, hi mileage and 14 years on the road takes its toll.

Thanks brochacho. I wish on the M sport bumper. It's a pre-LCI so the M sport rear won't work with the rear body work. I think the fenders/hood are different too? I looked into it when we first got the truck and was disappoint. They do offer some "M sport" body kit add-ons a la the e53 4.6/4.8is bumper add ons. I will be getting those in the future. Probably the knockoff Ebay ones for $150. I hear good things. It's a really nice vehicle and the wife LOVES it. We've gone to look at replacement vehicles and she doesn't like anything as much. I think the extended nappa leather and head-up display have spoiled her. No matter, it's paid off so the longer she loves it, the better off doing the finances every two weeks is for me. ;)

On the garage, I hate it. I mean, it's coming a long and it is tied into the HVAC, so I don't HATE it. But I want to sheetrock it all (I'm about 50% through that project) and do some cabinets. The harbor freight tool chests are nice though and serve their function. I want to get some matching ones with drawers to go with the 3 that I have with doors. BTW, highly recommend them for anyone looking for decent boxes that don't cost crazy money. Husky I think is the brand. Maybe I'll get to dedicate some time/money to it when the kids graduate college (or move out if not going to college :D). You know, in 15 years. :(

I don't really know much about the E70 or F15 but the M Sport retrofit bumpers I have seen look fantastic, they may be aftermarket indeed. Did your model come with the flares or did you retrofit those? It really looks good and like you said, no car payments is a bonus. :thumbup:

E70's are nice. Makes the E53 feel ancient in most respects, but it also doesn't have that visceral driving feel. Been trouble free (mostly) up to this point. Eats highway miles and is an awesome daily. 22mpg city is nice for a big vehicle. As I said, wife adores it, and has been missing it greatly for the last month +. Though she has grown to really enjoy the wagon over that time as well. So, win for me too. :D

For the pre-LCI with regular bumpers they have an aero kit package. I'll be getting aftermarket versions of them. Looks like this:

https://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/5/...86925385_o.jpghttps://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/5/...86925404_o.jpg

I did add the flares and 20" wheels. Not many of the pre-LCI diesels came with those options (maybe any?). Here's a shot my cousin took when he went to check it out for us up in McKinney, TX. We bought it for $14000 OTD @ 132,000 miles because it had all the options we wanted and had it shipped down to San Antonio. Dealer was using it as a personal vehicle and let me call the shop that was doing the maintenance on it. Shop owner was upfront about it and gave it a clean bill of health so we went for it.

https://i.postimg.cc/1RJQDXvg/Photo_...6_02_30_PM.jpg

Here it is with the 20" X6 wheels ($500 on CL!!!) and flares (aftermarket). Now has 168,000 miles on it.

https://i.postimg.cc/CxfpyNSD/20190608_191958_HDR.jpg

I'll post some pics after I get it all back together with the new headlights.

Looks amazing for 168,000 miles CW. You can tell there is an enthusiast behind that X. Two thumbs up! :2thumbs:

CW's beautiful E70 and E53 inspired me to go take some better pictures of our E53. Here is my finished result of detailing the X5 during this week's stay at home orders. I wish I had a high resolution camera but this is good as it gets for me on my cell phone. I wanted to background our golf course or lake but non essential travel is strictly forbidden here in NC. :cussing:

Dang Boost, you took clean to a whole other level!

+1 - and then add to that, that's gotta be the nicest (i.e. most tastefully modd'ed) 3.0i I've ever seen... :thumbup:

All that is needed now is this (to get rid of that dangling assortment in the ignition!). ;)

https://www.accessories-harwoodsbmw....ring-923-p.png

Wow, OB..[emoji15] looks more like a mirror that's facing black space!!

I don't suppose you'd want to help clean and clay mine, would you? I promise I'll stay away from the X the whole time you're working on the white witch [emoji1787][emoji1787]

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I love it when us 3.0 guys get love!

Thanks guys. I bought the X5 for the wife and kids 12 years ago so technically it is really hers and those are her keys. (You can see her "supervising" in the first pic). I had to fight her on taking the "I Love My Pug" sticker off the thing a couple of years ago. :rofl:

I use it as my daily when I am in town and she always boasts how she has her own personal chauffeur. She even asked me yesterday if she will ever get to drive it again. We have been locked down for 4 weeks now. :banghead:

I will probably start on the E46 today or maybe not. It's not like I'm going anywhere :dunno:

I had a feeling that was the MRS’s. I’ve been married nearly 20 years so I know how it goes. Like when, I talked her into selling her Hummer H2 for an E53 three pedal knowing she can’t drive stick. I still hear it to this day. She threatens me sometimes saying, “no worries I’ll just take her out and learn to drive stick”. That was ok when she was stock!

So, that comes to the whole chauffeur thing. I’ve been one now for about 8 or 9 years, hard to remember any more. Me and my car infatuation, when will I learn.

You sure did! Very nice. I need to do a full detail on both the X5's after seeing those shots. MMmmmm and that 330i :idhitit: I found a 6spd 330i here local... it's cheap... must resist urge... :bustingup

Today I finished up the trans service on the E70. New sleeve went in like butter. Trans took the better part of 8 liters of fluid to fill to spec @ 104f (40C). I guess that's because it had been draining for a month. Oh well, at least I know I got a lot of new fluid in there. Will reset the trans adaptations when I get it back on the ground.

Taking a little break to type this and then I'm going to put the plastic belly pan back up over the trans and work on the headlights some more. Or maybe I'll play some computer games with the wife? Decisions, decisions. :D

Mounted a set of DWS
 

Fixed my tire machine first, damn hoses under the turn table keep bursting. Then mounted a set of DWS on 20" Rials that I picked up cheap at a hubcap place in PA. These are for the Cayenne for the summer.

These Rials are exactly the same model as the 20"s I got for my E70 some years back. Except that the BMW version I have has a CB 76 which makes me believe they are really for a Camaro or the like.

COVID-19 Quarantined or Stay At Home X5 Projects
 

Tell me about it. I need to stay off craigslist! I’ve been looking at boats that I don’t need right now!

I see you are running style 74's on one of your X's. My X had those from the factory according to the build sheet. PO must have changed them, which is a shame. I really, really like those and you don't often see them. Hard to find decent used too. I'm looking!

You are correct, those are the original 74s and I have a set of Dunlop winter tires on them.

The 74s came with the car and at first I didn't like/run them. However, I always wind up having too many wheels in the garage. So, a few years ago I sold a lot of wheels to create space, then decided to paint the 74s, with a very dark gray center as an experiment and mount winters. That style of wheel has really grown on me. I had staggered 132s for summer.

A year ago acquired a set of 87s for summer and the 132s will eventually wind up as winters wheels when the 18" Dunlop winters are done.

I'd sell you my 74s but it was rattle can paint and they are definitely not in fine shape :-) A few years ago 74s could be had for less than $200 for a set but now they seem scarce. Funny how things come and go.

well the cigrette lighter socket comes out with elbow grease and the clear clip i used again with the led switch and i fabricated a mount ing bracket for on top of ashtray for two usb ports and a volt meter its alot easier then i thought just time consuming I will show pics in next day or so .. ashtray will close too to conceal it. the rear seat socket got the usb port too but that s going to be a mission to have it secured and not wobble unless someone nose how i can access it through center cole cd holder thingy

I'll post pictures tomorrow. I mounted one in the center console storage under the arm rest. Not terribly hard. Powered it off the rear cigarette lighter.

Day 2 on detailing the E46. Still another couple of days but getting closer. My arm is flat worn out. :nervous:

Day 2 is probably easy to get to right now.

I'm ashamed to admit this, but I have owned my X for almost a year and don't remember ever washing it. It's white and rains enough that it washes the dirt off. I am getting ready to clay bar the truck and run the buffer over it soon. Also going to pull the headlights and clear coat them. Just waiting for the arm to heal.

I do dig those wheels. I may contact you in the future about them. I am trying to get my X back to the way it came from the factory. Just got the sport steering wheel and air bag. Now on the hunt for the controls and trim....

Removed my exhaust manifold cuz I wanted to replace the gasket/heat shield.
Then I thought to replace the exhaust manifold with headers, but there are no headers for M54 on ebay in the $100-200 range.
Decided to clean up the manifold and paint it with high heat paint.
Naval Jelly is nowhere to be found in Canada so I'm applying what i think is a similar product.
Once all the rust dissolves I'll wash and paint it
https://i.ibb.co/6FpfgV4/20200420-104036.jpg
how to take care of black hair daily

Trust me, you don't want any part of headers that are $100-200. Been there done that. Cost another $300 to have an exhaust shop finish the installation because nothing lined up, interferences were crazy, etc. Nice idea to clean your OE ones and paint them. Will look much nicer. :thumbup:

That's true. The cheapest ones that have a factory fit are from Russia for $530 USD or $750 CAD
Probably not worth it, half the price of my car lol
https://www.ebay.com/itm/332380752293
I read that the heat actually goes up with cheap headers because they're made from thin metal, so you have to ceramic coat them and wrap them on top of everything

Headlight mod, finally finishing it!
 

So I started a headlight mod years ago and when life got hectic and the e53 engine had to come out, it went in to a box and wasn't seen for a good while. https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...highlight=turn

At the time I put the engine back in and rebuilt the front of the car, I left the trim strips below the headlights off. Since then I have been thinking what to do about the mod. At first I thought to go with Crystalworks' supplier but it would take weeks to get the rings from China and I thought of something different than that.

Today I completed the passenger side and halfway done on the driver's side. Should be done with the other one tomorrow and maybe have some pics with them in the car on Wednesday or Thursday. Till then suspense :-)

You tease! Fine, I'll wait. What else am I gonna do.

Waxing the paint is complete on the E46. Still have to do the interior but glad the rubbing is over. Tell me I'm not the only one that waxes door jambs and behind the gas flap.

thats a beaut white nice job

You might not be the only one who does it... but you might be the best at it. :wow:

Very nice OB. Very nice indeed.

Thanks CW. I wish I could do more in the stay at home orders but honestly this is the only thing I can do that doesn't cost me a cent, just effort.

*EDIT* I did have to get approval from the CFO for the $3 wax applicator pads from Advance Auto. I can't believe my life has come to counting pennies. :banghead:

So, over the last week and a half or so, I've done a ton of work on both my e39s and my e53.

First was doing the window trims and cowls on both the M5 and the wagon, then new brakes and RBF660 flush on the M5, then started one of the worst jobs I've ever done on a car... the dreaded alternator bracket gasket replacement on the 4.8is.

The gasket had failed completely about a couple months ago, and I bought all the parts to do it, as well as the valve stem seal repair and everything else that you do "while you're in there". My indy who is a good friend of mine was going to let me work on it with him on a weekend at his shop and we were going to pull the engine and do it all, has been slammed and then the coronavirus hit, so I was relegated to working on getting the garage prepped and ready for getting a lift installed so I could do it there instead. With the coronavirus, that kept me from having my buddies come over and help with that, so I decided to park the X5 for a while. Then, when I started working less hours and working from home, I decided I was going to just attempt the alternator bracket gasket repair myself so I could at least get the car back on the road.

The job took me a week working between 4-8 hours a day, skipping a day in the middle. The biggest part of it was just cleaning everything. There was so much oil all over everything that I went through about 10 cans of brake cleaner. So much cursing at BMW engineers was done, thinking why would they design everything to block just 1 bolt on another thing, forcing so many things to be removed to get at a stupid $10 gasket.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1cb8d2a7_h.jpg

Mine had a definite crack at the top where oil was spraying out. Replaced that gasket and the o-rings on the cooler lines, as well as the one last soft line on the power steering system I hadn't done previously since I was in there. Got it all put back together and at least that no longer leaks. Still need to do the valve stem seals, timing cover gaskets, valve cover gaskets, spark plugs, etc., but I think I'm going to let my indy do that next week instead. This weekend will be rear suspension bushing overhaul so I can get the alignment done at the same time.

Also, got new wheels and tires put on the X5 as well. The car came with some replica E70 wheels when I got it and I always hated them since they were black on a black car, so I picked up some mint condition Style 87s and put some brand new Michelin AS3 N0 spec tires on. I haven't taken a pic with the new tires on, but here she is with the new wheels.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f87e3f73_h.jpg

Headlights got sent off to a buddy of mine who is sanding them and polishing them, then clear coating. He should have them done tomorrow and I'll get those reinstalled. Here's the first one after clear:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d91bfe75_h.jpg

So that's it so far.

Damn! The headlights look oustanding! Night and day difference! You will love your front end more now...

Yeah, they looked good in the picture on my phone when he texted me, but now seeing it on my computer screen, it looks even better. I can't wait to get them back tomorrow.

Also, in other news, I totally forgot that I also installed a Pioneer backup camera on the X5 that connects to my Pioneer AVIC-6200NEX head unit. It works great and overall, the install wasn't too bad. Mostly I was trying all different reverse signal activation wires until I finally just settled on using the reverse light, which I didn't think would work, but it does. Yay! Fully clean install with no visible wires anywhere.

^I'm not sure why that works. Maybe the early LCI trucks did not use PWM to the rear tail lights yet? :dunno: Nice work on the alternator gasket. I have that in my near future and I'm not looking forward to it. Keeping my 3 bimmers on the road (and in tip top shape) has sometimes seemed like a full time job. Any tips on surviving the hell? Fortunately I won't have quite as much cleanup to do as it seems you did... lol unless I keep putting the job off. :D

Keeping in the headlight theme. Got the wife's diesel back on the road after 3 months of down time. Trans problem... failed on test drive, but that's another story. :angryfire:explode: But we did get to see her new headlight out in full sunlight for the first time. And it is a thing of beauty. Wish the other side would magically do itself. :rolleyes:

https://i.postimg.cc/NM6G5HJL/E70-Halos-04.jpg

^ After getting it off jackstands and a wash & wax.

https://i.postimg.cc/65jW2w0V/E70-Halos-05.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/6p89CSjk/E70-Halos-06.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/sDDfg1pD/E70-Halos-07.jpg

Here is what they looked like in stock form with really bright LED halo bulbs. Can't even tell they are on.

https://i.postimg.cc/2jx8YnLK/E70-Halos-08.jpg

CW, I put a multimeter on the reverse light output and I got 8.5V, so I'm betting it is PWM, but I guess my head unit only needs some voltage to detect the change.

As for the alternator gasket, follow the really good guide on here, even though it doesn't have pics. Don't believe anyone that says it can be done without pulling the axles and unbolting the diff, because it must be done. Make sure you get the offset 16mm box end wrench and either an air or electric ratchet. Best way to do this would be to pull the engine, but that's not possible for a lot of people. Give yourself a lot of time to get it done.

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blacknight

I have the xenon headlight will your buddy refurbish mine with angel eyes and i have clip that broke from semi tire exploded and hit my front grill if i send them to him i prolly need a new housing to be able to have top mounting clip fixed

let me know please thank you

CW - We have the same 35d, including the vintage. When I finally recover mine from the port (can't travel just now), I will have a lot to do :-) You set a high standard.

Here are a few pics I took powering the e53 headlight mod I did yesterday. Power to the rings from my Tundra battery.

The last pic is not with the xenon on, just reflection of the flash. Sorry about terrible pictures but I think it shows where I'm going.

Yeah, I remember reading some of your posts when you were prepping it for it's European adventure. The wife absolutely adores the thing. I enjoy it too and up until 3 months ago it was the ideal kid hauler and daily. Then our e clutch bushing started leaking in the trans causing trans failsafe on the highway (4f85). Fast forward three months and I've had the valve body rebuilt ($750), replaced the tube seals, mech sleeve, pan, and bridge seal ($200). Get it all in and done. 30 seconds into test drive... You guessed it, trans failsafe (4f89). The valve body shop warned me it was the e clutch bushing and a rebuild was necessary but I figured I'd try anyway. I lost that gamble. But I've got one more thing to try. Thicker ATF. Going to throw some Valvoline maxlife in there just to see if I get lucky. Not holding my breath.

Anyway, I like your new headlight setup. Definitely going to be different in a BMW. Looking forward to competed pics. Quad projectors always looks awesome. Morimotos with gatling shrouds?

Getting ready to do the same. My gawd, those look so much better! I have done all of our previous bimmers and what a difference at night!

Nice quiver of bikes in the picture as well! If you are like so many of us having to stay home, I can imagine they are getting good use!:thumbup:

Yeah, they look night and day even just in pictures, I haven't picked them up yet, supposed to go down there today to do that.

Those bikes are at his shop. He rides with his son who is working on going pro. I don't ride bikes myself. I have too many BMW projects to afford that, LOL.

He isn't taking them apart as they are permasealed and that's not really what he does. He's a buddy that does welding, body and paint work for me and a few friends since he closed up his shop in Charlotte.

Regarding the mounting tab, when I was looking at RealOEM yesterday, it looks like that might actually be a replaceable part, but I don't have my headlights in front of me to verify that. Anybody with a plastic welder/hot stapler could probably fix that mounting tab though if it's not, so long as you still have the tab.

Two part epoxy works great for fixing plastics. Just make sure they are cleaned, sanded lightly, and then clean again with alcohol before applying the epoxy. I repaired My wife's headlight above (actually that's why they got completely opened instead of just polished/cleared) because the vehicle had been in a front end bump involving one of the POs and when I removed the headlight for lens polishing I discovered a broken mounting tab and a cracked housing (and lens) underneath. None of that was visible until removing the headlight. :rolleyes:

Plastic welder is best if you can determine plastic type and have the correct medium. But the 2 part epoxy works very well.

IIRC, I swapped the original projectors for Audi ones that provide high and low beam. The high beam ones are an adaptation of the original low beam items. I'm not much fussed about the high beams as around here they get used about .01% of the time. The shrouds are e46 M3 items.

Thanks guys will give it a go

Glad there is still some activity on the e53 board!! The other forums seem like ghost towns....... I guess anyone who can survive an e53 for all these years is tough enough to resist covid-19. :D:D

:iagree:

Damn.. havent posted in here in a long time.

I am very active in the E53 facebook group- you guys should join!

Overlook- are those yonaka tips like i had on my old silver 4.8is?

Crystalworks- Nice ass imola! When did you get it?


Anyhow some projects of mine the past 3 weeks plus E53 pics...

Did full maint on the E70 X5 35i- Oil, belt, idler pulley, tensioner, transfercase fluid, spark plugs, OFHG+oil cooler, VRSF chargepipe, MHD Stage 1+ tune, awaiting rear rotors and pads in mail yet. Also added in the clear corners, plus style 87s.

E53- Mostly the weekend toy dont really drive her much, only sunny days. All maint up to date on this one, did some thayer rear arms on her as well.. still needs a custom alignment.

Imgur album pics- https://imgur.com/a/Q0RQhD0

I joined the FB group ages ago but never go there - it's an utter random nightmare....!! :rolleyes:

Thanks! It's the one I bought sight unseen almost 5 years back now. You helped me with my wheel fitment for it. Added the aero kit beginning of last year. LoL against advisement, and my possible better judgement. But I had to try it. Glad I did because I love it.

Your LeMans isn't too shabby either. Beautiful. I didn't know Cardinal interior was even an option in the e53. Or are those dyed?

Long story-

Bought a parts car off copart near me, looked fishy since it was a 4.4i with oem widebody aero and had the red interior 4.6is gauge cluster, dinan parts, ended up being someone i knew thru meets and he let it go there after being smushed between two cars.

Dumb on his part a bit- but score for me. Parted her out, got a dinan strut bar, dinan cai, dinan mufflers (need to fix one still yet), red interior which he swapped in from a 4.6is. Also had style 87s which are now refinished and on my Lemans. Still have the m62 motor and also had a rebuilt 5hp24 on it which i need to post up for sale lol.

Got all those parts and broke even on purchase from parting/scrapping the rest of the car.

Very nice. You did better on yours than I did. Bought a sapphire black 4.4i aero truck to get the wide body. I think I'm down $1000 after painting the body kit. Sold the truck with motor & trans in it. No time/room to remove and store them. Parted random things, heated wheel, tow package, black heated interior, etc. Still have the rear shades, all the electronics including rear entertainment, and some other odds and ends.

Yeah that was a major pet peeve of mine is room... i owned and operated a euro shop for about 2 years then sold it after getting a promotion at my other place.

To that though my home search paid off and i have a 40x40 detached “garage” 25 feet from my back door now heated and cooled, still have to get my lift in here.

https://i.ibb.co/K0qvGX3/95-F7183-E-...-FAEE2-D38.jpg https://i.ibb.co/Csg260j/1-A83-C445-...C69704-D55.jpg https://i.ibb.co/jWtq0bC/A0456-A51-3...889314-FCD.jpg

Yes sir. Yonaka tips welded on my 3.0L mufflers

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/x5-...107_095425.jpg

Been a nice few days, fixed the suspension (I hope), fixed the folding mirrors and installed the stereo (which is AMAZING). Was about to on the rear window washer when I noticed my passenger door handle being broken. Door taken apart, found the issue, now just need the right part, which might be an issue with a full lockdown over here.

Another thing that has caught my interest - what is the opinion on wheel spacers for these cars around here?

Patriks7-

Spacers is a must on these and even the newer gens- especially if lowered any amount.

They definitely make the 20” wide wheels pop and make the stance look how it should from factory... beefy and aggressive.

I recommend DRA only type spacers- i have H&Rs for years- zero issues.

The dra type come with short stubby bolts that bolt the spacer to hub, then you use oem bolts to bolt wheel to spacer. Much safer IMO especially for me i drive the truck hard.

Extended wheel lugs i trust on 5 series, 3 series, etc but not on the X.

At one point i ran stacked 30mm+25mm on top in the rears for a while, had her at triple digits and 10k+ miles no issue. That was 15 bolts per rear side hahah.

Normal setup on 4.8is is 30mm rear, 25 front if you have extended front flares, 20 if not.

I have 25/30 combo at the moment.

Working on my other BMW - not on my X5 (but you can spot it in the background)...

Lockdown projects

https://i.ibb.co/n8S93J1/20200422-115237.jpg

And now that the other BMW is roadworthy, I can move on to this, which just arrived from the UK…

https://i.ibb.co/4fYCSQS/20200423-144941.jpg

The tape is Kapton (Koptan?) tape - the amber high temp masking tape used on this sort of repair.

You're not the only one. My OCD would kill me if I didn't.

My thoughts too! It’s been something I’ve been looking at more and more lately as I walk past the car, it just doesn’t seem “right” with the giant wheels so far in.

Would you happen to have any pics with 25mm front and 30mm rear? I remember reading somewhere on here that recommended 15mm up front and 25mm rear, so that’s what I have been looking at.

Also, what’s the point of these cars if you don’t drive them hard?! :cool:

what a day ... i thought my oil plug washer was bad because of the drip bought new one then after further inspection it turned out to be the hairline crack in oil pan it self from oil plug for about 2 mm so i need to order a new oil pan at 70 bucks not bad then will do aux water pump while i wait for part to come in then found out my power steering hoses are bad from the resouvior tank bought new ones at 40 buck for both. but on good note straight piped it with vibrant exhaust tips sounds amazing but it is thoaty will have video when everything is done.. i really need to go back to worki am turning into a shade tree mechanic on this x5 fun and costly experience. not really a headache since i love this car but eventally sell it in a year or so any body go thew this that i am going through and how long have you guys owned your x5 ? i am going into year 3 bought for 6000 and have over 5k into

Hey Overboost. How long did it take you to complete the rear bushings? I’m getting that dreaded inner tire wear and I’m sure my X has the original bushings back there. I have a press to help me out. Thanks! Be safe!


Sent from my iPhone using Xoutpost.com

Have you done the ball joints and wheel carriers (integral links) yet?

PatrikS7, go to the last page and look at my post with the imgur album. Theres pics of the E53.

No. I haven’t touched the rear or this X since owning it. My original thought was to do the ball joints and upper control arms but I figured since I have time now why not do it all, that way I don’t have to rip it all apart later.

Yes do it all in one shot. I just finished doing my rear Control arms, ball joints and integral links. I did order the swing arm bushings but did not replace them but if you have the time and a press, I would recommend knocking those out too...

Thanks for the info. Yes I do have a press, and lots of coronavirus time off!

MID pixel repair - updated, all pixels now working!
 

Well, it's done. Not 100% like I hoped but somewhere north of 99% - only one missing vertical line, that almost never shows up.

Here's what I had to start with...

https://i.ibb.co/2ZccfNb/20200424-105736.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/PWr087F/20200424-105801.jpg

The LCD connection end was easy - the PCB end was harder and after I connected it all up and tested it, it WAS perfect!! Then came re-assembling the case. What a pig. During the re-assembly, the PCB metal clamp popped off. Bugger...

An hour of goofing with it, adding more tape, bending it etc, got me to where I am now. Here's the end result, after much stuffing about...

https://i.ibb.co/G9px7L8/20200425-141827.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/k43NRyk/20200425-141815.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/QFP4k9n/20200425-141824.jpg

I'm happy with it. It's a little gutting knowing that at one point it was perfect and if I had another 2 hours to waste on it, I'd do it over. Might only take an hour in fact, as the PCB and LCD display are now clean...

Just wanna drive the thing now....!! :D

***UPDATE*** After I drove to work on the first day back after lockdown, the missing column of pixels re-appeared...

https://i.ibb.co/S77YPX0/20200428-074831.jpg

VERY HAPPY!! :thumbup:

So I recently installed a new stereo, nice big Xtrons unit (look and works amazingly well, honestly looks as if it was meant to be stock), so now I started removing things from the trunk from the stock stereo that I will never need.

I have removed the navigation unit and CD changer, but can someone help me identify what these two things are? I believe one of them is for Bluetooth phone, but can’t identify the other one. Also, what else can I remove from the stock stereo?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...9d6efc71b2.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...29e1655550.jpg

Silver one is the Bluetooth module. Other is the oe amplifier. Bluetooth can come out, amp has to stay.

That’s what I thought, thanks. All removed now.

Have to say, all of the projects here look amazing. Looks like I know what my next mission is once my car is up and running again.

So, this weekend, my buddy and I practiced social distancing while replacing every bushing and arm on the rear end of my X5 4.8is, except for the subframe bushings and shocks. I also had purchased the Lemforder swing arm bushings, so we got a chance to do those for the first time ever. I've done rear suspension on at least 5 e39s, so I was quite familiar with the process, but this was the first time changing the swing arm bushings and those were quite a pain. We even went and bought a new 20 ton press as my 12 ton wasn't really doing the job.

Tips we learned:

-You can press out the bushings with the larger center (less rubber) fairly easily with a 36mm impact socket (Morello or something like that bought from Amazon for removing a rear output flange on a M5 transmission)

-To remove the other bushing, we found that drilling out the rubber first, then pressing the center out, then using an air chisel made quick work of removing them. Every time we tried a socket to press them out, the socket went in crooked and mangled the bushing, which then made it near impossible to remove.

-Pressing in the new bushing with the larger center goes pretty easy with a flat plate on the bottom and a flat plate on top applying even pressure. The outer shell will kind of find its way into the hole and start squeezing in, but you can also use some large channel locks to push in any edge that doesn't go in easily. I highly suggest putting a decent amount of grease on the edge of the bushing and the hole in the swing arm.

-For the bushing with the large split, this was a decent bit more difficult, but mainly because of the clamps we tried to use. You can get by with a normal 2" hose clamp, but make sure it is a quality one and preferably a t-bolt style clamp if you can order one ahead of time (none in stock around here on a weekend). Clamp at the middle of the bushing until the rubber on either side of the wedge cutout is touching. You won't be able to get it to compress enough to close the metal together, so don't try (ask me how I know, LOL). Once you have it compressed, just press it in using the same method as the other bushing, using the channel locks to squeeze in edges that try to poke out. Once it's started in the hole, you can remove the clamp.

-With both bushings, when you get them started in most of the way, add a cup type receiver to the bottom that fits the ring of the swing arm hole. This will make sure that the center, which protrudes out of both ends, has the space to allow you to push the bushing in fully. I used the large receiver cup from my rear ball joint tool, which fit perfectly.

So, new swing arm bushings, ball joints, integral links, upper control arms, sway bar bushings and endlinks. I had already done the front end suspension rebuild, but hadn't done the front sway bar bushings yet, so knocked those out as well. The X5 was then dropped off at my buddy's shop for valve stem seal repair, gaskets, spark plugs, front tie rod ends (ran out of time), and alignment. A very productive quarantine weekend.