So, what happens when 47 year old kid falls in love with X5 2600 miles away?
 

*** 8-24 update at post #48 ***


He buys it of course and plans to drive it back, what else?
I made a reasonable offer and dealer accepted it.
https://www.bydesignautogroup.com/in...-4dr-AWD-3.0i/
I've wanted 2006 Alpine White over Black with Sport Package and 3.0 for a long time. It seems that this combination is quite rare for 2006. Added bonus with this one is that it's loaded with pretty much every option, one of the last ones E53 X5 made (August 25 production date) and 105k miles relatively low. Also, clean Carfax with some service records.

Let's start the the story properly:

I've had my current X5 for 5 years now and I love it, but the color. I'm sucker for Alpine White over Black. Also, this will be my wife's car as I get my fill of BMW madness with my 528 with newly installed M3 engine:
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...swap-on-my-528


I'm very aware of stories of 3.0 being underpowered but it's all about perception. It may be shock after I drive it first time but we'll see. Again, this will be 90% of time wife's car.

So, I've been looking for past few years and candidates and when this one came up few days ago, I talked to the dealer, got more picture, got their inspection report they paid for to the independent shop and I've talked to the mechanic who worked on the car.
The shop did full inspection and recharged the A/C and changed the oil. According to the mechanic, car was extremely clean and in top mechanical health needing nothing else (I have the copy of inspection report).
Obviously, I'm well aware that I may find issues when I get there and even though the dealer has very high Google reviews, I am expecting to find some cosmetic issues, hopefully not the mechanical ones.
I'm flying into Seattle this Friday and BMW Gods willing, I'm driving it back the same day.
We could call this some sort of Cannonball run although the plan is to stick to the speed limit or slightly above.
My advantage is that I'm a truck driver and I'm use to long hours behind the wheel but at the same I'm more voulnerable to the law enforcement as the laws are strickter to CDL holder than the regular licence.
Google says 38 hours and I plan for 48+.
I considered Auto Transport and did some checking and it would be around $1500+. My main reason for not doing it is not the cost of the transport but simply the fact more things can go wrong.
Yes, driving it back carries plenty of risk on its own but it's calculated risk.
Any advice from you guys living out west for my route home would be very much appreciated.
Basically, two choices from Google:
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Burl...35.0712154!3e0
It seems that current link doesn't mention I-84 which was option earlier.
I'll keep you guys posted...

Looks like a nice X5. The drive will be a excellent tour of the country. Take pics along the way on your journey. :thumbup:

Thank you.
The main priority is to bring it home asap but safely.
My wife is not exactly thrilled and she'll worry plenty.
But, I'll try to plan to take rests at some scenic places for good pictures.

Looks like a nice purchase...I agree a nice color combo...

I am trying to think what I would want to have with me on the 2600 mile drive back in an unfamiliar, but well sorted, E53 X5. What do the others think?

Do you think cooling system is original? If it were, I would probably still go for the drive home, But I would sure prefer the piece of mind of a fresh cooling system.

-check air in spare tire - and a good lug wrench
-flashlight, jumper cables
-maybe enough tools/parts to prop window up if a window regulator fails - maybe you just avoid using windows for trip.
-AAA gold membership with 200 miles of towing included.
- Maybe a list of BMW friends along the way

You might listen for road noise coming from sunroof. I have this on my '05. I have purchased the OEM E53 sunroof seal kit, just haven't installed it yet.

That is exactly why I started this thread. Milion things come to mind but I have to be realistic what to carry or do:
I have AAA 100 miles, probably should upgrade to 200.
Worst case scenario during trip and car breaks down, I rent u haul and car hauler trailer. This would be the last option if breakdown severe enough.
I'm noting all of your suggestions in my "potentialy to do" file.
Thanks!

Enjoy the trip!

Take your code reader if you have it and purchase (at pick up point) fire extinguisher and slime in case you're in the middle of nowhere. Don't forget to check for the lug lock before you start home.

Sent from my SM-A730F using Tapatalk

Thanks!

I've had my trusty AutoEnginuity with BMW Enhanced option for 11 years now and it's great scan tool.
Didn't think yet of lug nuts and fire extingusher, both great suggestion.
Thanks!

Hose clamps of various sizes.... because after my day with the White Witch, well just because [emoji23]

Alpine White, Creme Beige 4.8iS (mostly fun yet usually a PITA)

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When you get it ask the dealer for a quart of oil; if they won’t throw that in buy one as you set out.
Take a couple of simple tools - screwdrivers and wrenches in case there is some fixable failure.
Cell phone and charger for the drive, probably obvious.
Since you drive, you probably know the routes. I prefer the northern route this time of year. Too bad the wife isn’t along or you could visit several nice places (Yellowstone comes to mind). But since you’re power driving, the northern route has some faster interstates.
Don’t run the gas too low, you want to keep good gas in it and not be sucking any condensation.
Do a visual and running inspection of the cooling system to be sure it is full and not leaking. No cracks in the reservoir, etc. If there is anything problematic, replace before starting out. Hopefully the PPI already gave you comfort here.
Make sure the washers work front and rear, the fluid is full, and all wiper blades are in very good condition.
Relax and have fun.

Thank you for the good tips.
It is power run and I really wanted the car so I made a quick move. it will be very exausting and risky and that is why I'm going alone.
I wasn't going to ask the dealer as I'm going to stop at first Walmart when I get tired and get a quart of good synthetic 5w30 oil along with some provisions.
The inspection and service dealer paid for included synthetic 5w30 oil change (although don't know which brand) so it's a small piece of mind.
But, I'll still inspect it very carefully.
I was debating to do actual PPI but when I asked for the car condition, they reffered me to the the shop that charged them $230 for inspection and service and I have receipt of it.
It's sort of calculated risk. The shop is highly reputable and is independent of the dealer. Their mechanic I talked to remembers the X5 well as he was impressed with its condition.

I did a somewhat similar fly-and-drive trip (though only about half the distance) last December to purchase a 2002 X5 3.0. I brought a fairly robust tool kit, and figured between that and a credit card I could handle most anything less than a catastrophe or act of God. :-) I was 47 at the time, too. It was a fun trip and the X behaved wonderfully.

Have a great trip and enjoy every second of it. I think it's more important than ever to have the occasional adventure as we get older, and even more so in times like these when fun can be hard to find.

Best regards,

Chris

On a somewhat more lighthearted note, if I drove 2600 miles I’d be 2000miles out into the ocean.


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If the fuel pump has never been changed I'd bring a spare. Pain in the ass to change on the road but it will save you money having to pay someone else to do it if it dies. Like mine did on my grandaughter on her drive from SF to Denver when it had about the same mileage as yours.

Swing by the nearest Harbor Freight once you get there and get some basic tools. I'd also get a roll of self sealing silicone repair tape and a serpentine belt along with coolant and a couple quarts of oil and jumper cables from the local auto parts store.

Great to hear that you had similar story. I'll be hoping mine gets the happy ending as well.
This will be definitely an adventure, however it turns out.

I'm deciding how much room will be in carry on as far as weight and space limit and I may bring some tools with me.
Obviously, fluids and fire extingusher will be bought at first stop.

Not sure about that suggestion. Definitely a possibility but at that point I'd possibly rent u haul trailer (if relatively close to home).
I never had fuel pump die on me and I've had many BMW's. I guess part is just luck but part is how often car was driven low on fuel and how dirty fuel filter is.

Fuel pump failure is not really fill-up dependent. Drive all mine from completely full to almost empty every tank. Only had one fuel pump fail out of about 20 BMW's. And that was on a 20yo E30 w/ 120000 miles. So it's unlikely to fail you on your trip. A spare would be nice, but I would also take your tact and trust it to get you home.

I did this when I bought my 4.8is and drove it home to Texas from California. Bought a basic tool kit from O'Reilly's (I leave it in the truck to this day and have since used it to replace an expansion tank failure 500 miles from home), couple quarts of oil, gallon of unmixed coolant, gallon of water, and a few other provisions before setting off for home. One coil and one plug aren't a bad idea either though.

Have a safe and enjoyable trip. Fingers crossed for you for uneventful travel. :thumbup:

Be careful about tools in carry-on. Check rules carefullly. TSA doesn’t want screwdrivers in hands of passengers. I have had tools confiscated. I would plan on checking any bags with tools.

Yeah, at some point I have to draw a line.
I like your idea about the coil though.
Thank you for the well wishes. I'm hoping BMW Gods will smile upon me.

Yeah, that is good word of caution.
24 hour Walmart should have everything I need (tools and food) when I stop for first time.

LOL!
We are crazy yanks up here!

Gorilla tape will hold a window should a regulator snap very very unlikely.

I have a tire patch kit uses no tool to install a temporary plug. (they last long enough you can get home with it). I plugged one of my tires and since it's run on flat and also close to end of life I decided not to patch it and it's been most of 2020 and several thousand miles. Holding strong.

I would bring a portable air pump. VIAIR is the one I use.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...a92e00abec.jpg

This is the Gizmo that will plug a screw/nail hole in seconds.

I left it in as a long term test to see if they last more than just 50 miles.

2500 miles later the tire holds air like all the rest. I can get it patched for free but that tire is EOL so I'm just running it until I'm not comfortable with the red neck wear bars (where the tire is smooth in spots all the way around vs across).

Drive the car down to Al least the low fuel light better if down to single digits miles right at the start to test the siphon jet pump. If that had failed you will starve of fuel at 1/4 tank or so.

You can actually monitor your hidden obd gas levels to confirm the siphon is working with no risk of starving the engine of fuel. Once you know the siphon is working you can use the full tank right down to 0.0 distance to empty. 3.0 can get over 500 miles range on a tank so 5 fill ups on the whole trip but if you can only use 3/4 of a tank you need 2-3 additional stops for gas.

The only thing that really causes wear on the fuel pump is time. They last 5000-6000 hours on average. The fuel filter is good for half a million miles but the FPR has an o-ring that will likely fail about 150-180,000 miles and give you very hard starts and loss of performance.

The inspection receipt from shop that did inspection shows proper a/c recharge (evacuationg vacuum, holding, recharche etc...) so as long as a/c works good, I'll avoid messing with windows.
Interesting, never seen that Gizmo tire patch before.
I have air pump in each car but I may order new compact one and take it with me.

Interesting info about gas levels.
I'm well aware of hidden menu and do remember about one of the submenus showing the fuel info but never got into it.
I'll definitely remember your tip.
Yes, I'm hoping that at 105k miles and 14 years of age, the old girl should bring me home before I dive into it and make her into queen she ought to be.

Hopefully that 47 old kid is not living in mom and dad's basement. LOL

I carry one of these when I travel. Don't need to worry about a flat tire, running out of gas or getting a tow.

Yes, I have the medium coverage one with 100 miles.
Obviously, I still need to be somewhat prepared if I breakdown in middle of nowhere with no cell coverage.
But, I also have to be realistic in terms of how much I can carry with me.
I'll make list for my first stop (preferably Walmart) as there are tools, fluids, food water etc...

We drove last year from St. Louis to San Jose as long as you stay on the interstate you shoul be fine with cellphone coverage. Plenty of Walmarts along the way.

We're talking Idaho, Montana and South Dakota on my trip. I have to consider that coverage won't be 100%.
I just bought this to be on the safe side:

https://www.amazon.com/Next-EXIT-202.../dp/0984692185

Good call! Paper maps have saved my *ss in the middle of nowhere many times, on two wheels and four ... I almost always have one on a trip.

Chris

Paper map is a good idea. I usually make my route and download offline maps on Google maps though to avoid dead zones. As long as the phone has battery, it works. Paper maps don't have that limitation. ;)

In November 2018 took the 2003 3.0 from MD to CA for my son that was stationed at NAS Lemoore. Turned 200k as we left Castle Rock, Co & visited the Grand Canyon along the way. Only issue was the battery failed in the cold night in Flagstaff, AZ. and glad I had remembered the jump pack! Drove out with wife & youngest daughter, then flew home on miles. A year latter he transferred to NAS Oceana while I was in Greece, so Mom flew out & drove back with him.

Remember if you fly a jump pack cannot go in luggage.

Paper map not terrible but use Google maps and pre-load the map for the next day of the trip while you have internet. Do it on a couple phones if you have more than one with. It will be able to find anything in the map area as well as recalculate route .

Roadside is included with my car insurance, but it's a whole lot faster to jump start myself or refill a flat tire after patching in 30 seconds..

One time my valve stem popped. Split wide open. The sound sounded like I picked up some brush in a spoke. I drove a few blocks until I could find a good place to check it out.

Tire looked a little q so I got out the pump to add some air start looking for a screw etc.

Pump gauge looked weird then it hit me gauge wasn't reading wrong it was accurately reading zero!

Run on flat tire looked like 15 psi when zero!

Most critical thing to figure out is if the fuel siphon pump is working. When it fails and it will, you only have access to 5/8 to 3/4 of your fuel.

Learn how to read test six from the hidden menu and watch the right tank values. It should stay at about 1.4L while the left tank goes all the way to zero.

If the right tank drops to zero pull over for gas immediately or sooner. Actually if it starts dropping at all get gas. You will be safe to drive any distance with faulty siphon but you’d have to stop for gas more often and it’s way better to know if the fuel system is working than assume it’s not and have to stop 70-150 miles early at each fill up.

Yes, google oflline maps are great and all that but then if I'm really unlucky phone can die too. The only thing that can hurt paper are fire and water, hopefully I deal with neither on this trip.

I have separate compact jump starter and compact air inflator. They are both quite small. I'm flying with alaskan Air and their website shows no restrictions either for carry on.
I'll have to look into it fuel siphon thing. Fuel pump is original on 17 year old / 133k miles X5 and I've never had any issues.
While I avoid running it low on gas, I've done it here and there with no problems.

Glad to hear your saga ended well.
According to Carfax, the X5 got new battery in 2013 at dealer so I'm almost tempted to buy a good one at X5 location local part store (buy it online now and pickup it up on Friday and just put it in the car but not install it immediately.
I'll have my trusty compact Fluke digital multimeter with me and I'll check the battery and V before and after start (alternator output).

Exactly!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...63f1869dee.jpg

Here is an example of an impossible fuel gauge reading. The left side is stuck at seven and the right side is below 1.4 hovering between one and zero right now.

That means I have less than a gallon of gas come to find a gas station right away.

The reason this is impossible is that when working properly the right side tank will stay at 014 until the left tank goes to 000. My left tank sensor is dirty or bent or something it never reads below 7L. I noticed something was afoot when my DTE stopped dropping one day about 37 mile to empty; I drove about 20 miles and it never changed.

I'm not sure if i refurbished mine or wife's left side sender but it's not a difficult task so apparently i have a job to do.

Have a good trip and don't sweat it: we have done dozens of road trips cars and m'cycles, inc a 13,000 mile 35 state/6 provinces of CDA in our Vette Vert, with a cheap azz cell phone, a laptop for evening work in the motel, non RFTs, on mostly 2 lane black tops.

Adventure, yes but zero problems other than my CEO wanted a vacay from me when we got home!

Keep it under a hundred and fifty and between the fences, as the MT trooper reminded us, and let us go!
GL, mD

Thank you for the info. I'll pay attention to it when I drive. It looks like it's at 1/2 tank which is very unusuall for dealer and maybe a good sign.

Thanks!
I love your outlook on life.
I am preparing but at some point good or bad luck will also play a role.
I'll carefuly inspect the car when I get there and just go from there.

GL, Ol'UncleMotor

Well if I understood your first post you are probably on your way to Seattle now. If you have Internet, and a few minutes, post a few updates about the vehicle and the trip.

Good luck! And ENJOY the drive.

Quick update guys:
I'm back and X5 performed amazing!
Left the Burlington, WA on Friday 11:00 PM EDT and parked in my Ooltewah, TN driveway at 10:00 AM EDT this morning (Monday).
Some raw facts: 59 hours, 2700 miles, 120 Gallons, 22.5 mpg, speed mostly 70-90 mph.
Took the I-90 through WA, ID, MT, WY etc...Map doesn't do justice to size of Montana and Wyoming.
WA and ID were pretty, ID very much (the 70 miles through panhandle).
I got some pictures but not much, this was really mini cannonball. I got really lucky that car was everything I hoped for and then some:
I haven't put it on lift yet as I'm still resting and need to wash it but I haven't had to add any fluids and it looks like it used about 1/3L of oil.
2 minor issues found at dealer:
During inspection I opened secret menu and thermostat is clearly stuck open but no CEL. Actually, it was a good thing as car ran mostly 80-90C which was safer for this long run vs 92-95 which would put extra pressure on cooling system.
Weird gap under driver side headlight and hood doesn't close even on that side. No signs of body work and I will investigate further.
On that subject, love the "BMW Dynamic Xenon" this X5 has. Much better lights than my 2003 4.6is with "regular" Xenon.
And of course it wouldn't be BMW if it didn't do some kind of warning:
During trip one of the tailight bulbs was on and off and one of passenger side "Angel Eye" is out.
If these are all problems I find, I can live with it, lol.
More updates and pictures are coming but I'm extremely happy so far!
Thank you for all your advice guys!


P.S.
I disagree with 3.0 being called "underpowered" and this is coming from a guy who's been driving 4.6is for last 5 years.
BMW did a great job with shorter diff to help M54 haul heavy X5 and it's perfect for daily driver around the town which this will be.
The only time I felt it "underpowered" was in instances where I had to do a quick 90 mph pass and go back to "regular" 80 mph.
But there is a reason why M54 is arguably one of the best engines BMW made.
So smooth!

:thumbup:

One of the nice things about the E53 is you can do that drive and arrive in pretty decent condition (back pain, etc). Glad you had a safe run and no mechanical issues!

Exactly. It's good in every chassis they put it in. Plus it's cheap and easy to work on (relatively by BMW standards). But I do appreciate the N62 power vs. the M54 in the e53 chassis. At least with the auto gear box. We had the M54 in an E83 and wished it had 40 more HP/TQ.

Glad the trip was uneventful and the vehicle lived up to expectations. :thumbup: Enjoy bringing it back up to snuff, and we will eagerly await pics.

--

Glad to hear you made it back and had a smooth trip. I totally agree about the 3.0. Granted I'm pretty much an old geezer, but it's fast enough for most driving I do, and the reliability/relatively easy maintenance of the M54 is one of the reasons I bought in and now have two of 'em in the garage.

Now I think it's fair to say we all need some pictures of this new acquisition. :-)

Chris

Thanks!
One of reasons I love the sport package is the seats having the front botom extender and it really helps.

Thank you.
Finished preliminary wash and cleaning this evening.
Tommorow is pictures and going on lift for inspection:
So far:
Change oil and filter, replace thermostat, replace angel eye bulb and get replacement for missing hitch cover.

Thank you.
I did consider X3 briefly because of N62. But, I simply love E53 too much.
I did wash it today and tommorow is pics and inpection on lift.

How was the road noise on the highway? I find the noise from the sunroof to be louder than it should be..I need to replace the pano roof seal.

Pretty much non exsistant.
I think I know the major reason for it:
The last owner was from TX but she had vacation home somwhere in WA and for the last 5 years in was garaged and driven only in summer.
The rubber seal around sunroof looks in great shape along with every other outside plastic / rubber.
I just started my inspection and found clean Hengst air filter. First indication it was maintained in good indy shop.

I also need to do the pano roof seal on Red. It's not a fun job, recently did the pano seal on my E61. My finger tips hurt just thinking about it. :(

I can say with 99% certainty (with BMW is never 100%) that I found a dream X5 for enthusiast / home mechanic like me:
I did preliminary inspection and there are simply no issues: Bone dry, no leaks, no cracked bushings, no sign of incompetent mechanic butchering etc...
I ran the codes and it did show thermostat jammed as expected and some misfire and o2 sensor codes.
I cleared everything and ran engine through few cycles and no codes. I suspect it's either it was cranked up many times while cold at dealer and unburned fuel triggered these codes,
Or (which I'm about to pull the plugs and inspect o2 sensors) they are original and simply tired. Either way, I have no concern as engine runs smooth and quiet.
For start I'm changing oil and filter, changing thermostat, removing wheels for good cleaning and ordered new wheel caps (new style is better looking and cheap) and ordered missing hitch cover.
Few quick pictures after wash and I haven't touched interior yet other than installed new rubber mats I had. This weekend is going to friend of mine for professional buffing. He inspected it already and confirmed that paint is in great shape. I will do interior myself.
Also I love the silver rings in cluster. My understanding is they only came in 2006 with Sport package. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.


First picture is called "King is dead, long live the king". Actually, I'm about to prepare 4.6is for sale (maybe on BAT) but if anyone here is interested, I'm open to offers:

https://i.postimg.cc/mkQCMXhv/IMG-20...-092536572.jpg


https://i.postimg.cc/C1CxsWHs/IMG-20...-085606810.jpg


https://i.postimg.cc/T1RY7CtM/IMG-20...-085548548.jpg


https://i.postimg.cc/B6fvDqDv/IMG-20...-085723130.jpg


https://i.postimg.cc/Sxjjb1km/IMG-20...-085831206.jpg


https://i.postimg.cc/NjVFs8jm/IMG-20...-085844124.jpg


https://i.postimg.cc/52p5nRp1/IMG-20...-123039164.jpg

I like buying cars from women because the interior isn't all beat up like with 200+ pound mens. My Yellow Lotus was bought from a newly graduated college student because her boyfriend was too big to fit inside it.

https://i.postimg.cc/B6fvDqDv/IMG-20...-085723130.jpg

I still got lucky to some degree. I did my homework and the dealer was very honest.
It could have been one of those dealers who expertly take pictures to hide stuff.

Time to add back up cam and TV module.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e59b0789_b.jpgqClBLDN7Rwym2OgpaKUHig by Al, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6b842f50_b.jpgDFA11206-F350-42B8-8887-04BEFDB07355_1_105_c by Al, on Flickr

Look good. What brand of backup camera did you get?

Nice.
Priorirty now is to do catch up on maintenanece.
Pulled the plugs and they're clearly original and there is very slight film of oil on coils so about to do all fluids, vc gaskets and some other minor items.

Thanks, I got it from Amazon. The picture has some light banding on it due to the PWM from the LCM. I have to meet up with someone to code off the hot/cold checks for the reverse lights. Hopefully that'll get rid of it. Otherwise, it's not bad and very handy to see out the back!

wow, that x5 is in beautiful condition. The sport black leather interior looks like new, and the steering wheel. Great color combo, great buy!! Makes me consider finding a low mileage e53 vs. upgrading to the e70... hmmm

Thank you.
Even though I did my homework well, I still got lucky finding this.
I imagine there are not many left in this condition or better.
I simply don't like E70 styling.
I do hate these ugly exhaust tips and I'm considering 4 x 3" Vibrant Perfromance SST304 which I did in past on my 4.6is before I went with Supersprint mufflers.
This time I'd do better welding job. The welds on picture are by a "profesional shop" who instead TIG welding did this crap and hid it with black spray paint.


https://i.postimg.cc/mD2B6qVq/DSCN3165.jpg


https://i.postimg.cc/3RJ0CtGr/DSCN3169.jpg


https://i.postimg.cc/1tzsYwXK/DSCN3183.jpg

Great looking X. What a find!

You are likely correct. There cannot be many out there in that condition. Especially, like you said, that haven't been hacked on by inexperienced mechanics. I bought mine knowing it had been worked on by a "BMW mechanic". Was clearly not the case. I have owned and wrenched on many bimmers so I wasn't too worried. Especially for the price I got it for.

Again, it's a beauty! I'm sure it will be on the road for many years to come. Enjoy it!

Thank you!
I'll use my response to give quick update:
Currently, X5 is at my good friend house getting proper buffing. It was taken care of and clearly been garaged some of its life but never properly buffed.
I did VC gaskets and top of engine is extremely clean . I also did thermostat (it was stuck open), new NGK BKR6EQUP plugs, new Bosck O2 sensors and few other cosmetic things.
It runs like a dream.
I cleaned the BMW stupid coating of the steering wheel and cleaned all 4 wheels inside and out and change wheel caps.

https://i.postimg.cc/D0HBh7wq/IMG-20...-103222009.jpg


https://i.postimg.cc/MpkdrZ4w/IMG-20...-113511924.jpg


https://i.postimg.cc/3wY9YSYb/IMG-20...-114527024.jpg


https://i.postimg.cc/ZKN1qQzT/IMG-20...-114629650.jpg


https://i.postimg.cc/6p9YNb9b/IMG-20...-124555714.jpg


https://i.postimg.cc/B6svhF5F/IMG-20...-161952840.jpg

Wow! That top end looks ridiculously clean! Must have followed a strict oil change program. Gotta be happy to see that!

I'm happy beyond words.
I took a huge risk by paying for the car in advance and pretty much had no cards to play it when I showed up at dealer.
Fortunately, it was everything I hoped to be and then some. It was one of those feelings when I've seen the car in person and knew it was a good car in first 5 minutes.
I took the slightly longer road test then most buyers, lol.
Small issue:
I tried to register it on Friday since dealer sent me a title with 2nd day air.
But, they forgot to sign damn thing, lol.
Well, they apologized and paid for overnight back and forth so they literally paid for their mistake.

Great story and love how you’re bringing an already good shape X back to great shape! Love the white! Those wheels are pretty nice looking. But them 87’s!!! You might have to swap them from your 4.6 assuming you have them on it and sell it.


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Aren't they just! ;)

I love my Style 131s but I guess mine could use a refurbish (now that I've seen what good 131's can look like!). :thumbup:

Thank you! I wanted Alpine White on Black with Sport package and 3.0 for a long time and it finally happened.
No plans on changing wheels. I find 18" 131 wheels one of my favorite wheels and they're big enough to look ok (I think that 17" on E53 X5 are simply too small) and small enough to have softer ride when compared to 19" and 20".
Don't have 87's on 4.6. I never liked them personally and sold them and then bought 171's from dealer and they are currently on it. I just find them better looking personally.
But, wheels are really personal preference and I know many like 87's.
Plus, I wouldn't like 20" wheels on 3.0 as there would be big gap due to smaller 3.0 brakes. I really hate any car with big ass wheels and then tiny brake discs inside.


https://i.postimg.cc/QtMXJ8rK/DSCN2945.jpg


https://i.postimg.cc/tTR8v6jR/DSCN2960.jpg

Yes, I did luck out on wheels although 2 others not pictured have some minor curb rash.
The problem I have are 6 year old Toyo Open Country HT tires with only about 8 miles on them now.
They look new and ride like new but one of front ones has fairly big sidewall cut. I'm almost certain I did it during ride back home as I was able to avoid big tire gator on the road but not quite.
Anyway, the cheapest and most sound choice is to buy at least 2 new tires. These tires are discontuined but they can still be found for under $150 delivered per tire. But, they are probably old stock and I'd expect for them to be 1 or 2 years old.
If I buy 2 of these, I know what I'm getting.
Or, get a labor day deal on set of 4 good new tires which then I'm looking around $700-900 depending what I get.

Great find! Enjoy it!

One option you could look at for tires is Yokohama Geolandr X-CV

I really like mine. They ride super quiet compared to my former General Grabbers. Here's the thread I started on them:

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...ndar-x-cv.html

I got a set of four 275/40-R20 for $643 installed including sales tax after all the discounts I found.

Thank you!
Well, guess what, I bought a set of yours.
Ever since I've seen that sidewall damage I've been looking, comparing prices, rebates, etc...
Unfortunately, Yokohama right now has rebate, but not money, rather Spartanburg race ticket or whatever.
So, I did some search and having some rewards points on Amazon plus extra 5% off, they are coming on Friday just under $650 delivered.
I also prefer tires coming to my house as I have great local place who actually knows how to properly install and balance tires.
Last Discount Tire store experience left me with new BMW rim ( long story).
I don't want to smear their name as this was one store experience but the installers were literally running which of course never ends up good.
I don't care how busy you are, tire installation requires steady work not stampedo.
Thanks for the recommendation!

Used to work at a discount tire. They are encouraged to hurry and run. They are about getting as many Toyota Camrys and Honda Accords in and out each day as possible. Not BMW's or performance/sports cars. Have marks on one of my rims from a flat repair from the torque sticks on the impact gun. They aren't alone though, Firestone left marks on the faces of two during a rebalance. I need to find an enthusiast wheel and tire shop badly. Used to have one...

You pinpointed the exact problem.
In most shops eyes, speed is money and most people with leased cars or just don't care won't take a 2nd look.
Having extremely nice wheels on all of my vehicles I go to length of removing them in my garage and taking them back in bed of my pickup.
That way I eliminated 2 potential disasters (young kid driving my vehicle of lift or overtorquing lug bolts with air gun). I prefer to torque them myself with my German made Hazet torque wrench.
I found a local shop where a young and very professional mechanic works and I simply request him for my tire work.

^I usually take loose wheels as well. For the reasons you mentioned. But marring still occurs during the balance procedure if they aren't careful mounting the wheels on the balancer, as in the Firestone experience. My wheels' finish have all started crazing and spidering after 5 years so I am less concerned, but after they get refinished I'll be anal once again about it.

Great! I hope you like them as much as I do. A little softer ride compared to the General Grabbers, but that's okay with me, especially with my 20's. One of my old tires had a gash too. Plus they were about 14 years old with about 21K miles on them which probably contributed to the noise and stiffness. Still plenty of tread, but it was time.

I'd use a specialist if I knew a good one locally. On the other hand, Discount Tire was great with my install. And they matched the online Discount Tire Direct $100 off promotion at the time.

Too bad no $70 rebate. That process went smoothly and I got my online Mastercard in about two weeks.

How did manage to cleanup the silly coating so neatly? I'm always afraid to end up with a scratch or something? Really need to do this.

Cheap enough to just replace with new. I don't have the time or patience to restore my 18 year old trim. $69 and enjoy new. :thumbup:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...k/32306778412/

I lucked out with my car as the driver seat was replaced before I bought it and the car was apparently used for single person commuting as no other seat had any significant wear.

Ok, I know what I'll do now - buy from fcpeuro and get lifetime warranty and always get new when replacing - bingo!
Slightly more expensive but one time expenditure https://www.fcpeuro.com/BMW-parts/X5...ds=32306778412

Yes, there is never full guarantee.
It's unspoken agreement between me and shop that they still charge me full price but take their time.
Considering they don't have to deal with driving the car on lift, removing wheels, installing wheels and driving of fhe lift, they know it's more than fair from my side.

It's actually quite simple. About 1 hour of careful elbow grease with my long trusted friend "Einszett Deep Plastic Cleaner".
They recently changed name to Nextzett but same formula.
You spray it on rag and slowly rub. It dissolves the coating while not scratching plastic underneath.

Yes, I'm all about getting the best price but sometime the timing is not there.
I did buy a set of Nittos from DTD few months ago when they had $100 flash sale + $80 rebate which I received very fast.
The gash is making me nervous, especially since it will be wife / daughter main transport.

Well, other than new tires coming tomorrow and few other maintenance to catch up, she's done.
My friend finished 20 hours of buffing plus his signature caliper paint.
He takes his time and properly buffs the car. Since this one was unknown to him and never properly buffed, he had to go slow and careful.
Before I met him years ago I thought buffing meant getting wax and towels from local auto parts store and some elbow grease.
There is 1000 times more to it if you want maximum effect yet not burning through clear coat and ruining the paint.
Man, what a difference. When it was park few days earlier next to my Alpine White 532M it clearly looked dull and it has 9 year younger painting and 55k miles less on it.
Now, 528 is not Alpine White Queen anymore. Just because it's white it's that much harder to achieve the deep gloss / shine when compared to black for example but he did it.

https://i.postimg.cc/h4yDPy65/IMG-20...-144958812.jpg


https://i.postimg.cc/hPXSJ8qP/IMG-20...-145009893.jpg


https://i.postimg.cc/T3mf0Rwz/IMG-20...-145024156.jpg


https://i.postimg.cc/25DmXPLV/IMG-20...-145034449.jpg


https://i.postimg.cc/3wF7Mn29/IMG-20...-162956028.jpg

So pretty. Gorgeous really.

I need to do this to my truck badly.

A beauty :thumbup:

Never had mine buffed or polished. The paint still looks good after almost 17 years. Not as good as yours does now though!

Thank you!
I did get lucky getting example where while never properly buffed, it was not molested and clearly garaged for some part of its life.

Thank you.
I could never do this but then my friend would really never attempt to change TC guides on M62 either.
This is something that really requires patience and knowledge while if not careful can do real damage to paint too.

If your tires lose air, you have two choices: Go to your local gas station or mechanic shop and fill them up with air, or invest in an inexpensive, useful air compressor.

If they regularly lose air, adding air is just to drive to a repair shop to find and fix the leak.


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