Oh, and dim end of LED display on dash is a simple blown bulb. :thumbup:

https://ic.carid.com/wp/sylvania/w01331973206osr_1.jpg

Great to know!

I'm excellent with fiddly electronics, so I will likely tackle this myself. It must be due to failure of the cable, or corrosion of the contacts?

I'll look up "PixelFix" and similar. Thanks. :)

Searching "BMW E53 MID pixel ribbon" and similar got me good results, including this video. :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i65nCbeAZk

Perfect! I hadn't even mentioned it, but you spotted it from the images. Thanks a bunch.

Now I just have to get up the motivation to pull the gauge cluster?

New license plate holder | Album

The first thing to tackle on the tall wagon is the crusty license plate holder. The top hardware was rusted solid, and the whole thing had seen better days.
Looking up an OEM replacement had me doing a double-take at the price. Normally BMW OEM parts pricing makes sense (even if not affordable) and I prefer going that route 98% of the time. However over $45 for a simple, common part shared across many chassis codes had me thinking I would repair my current unit with some new hardware, epoxy, etc.

Before doing that, I went off the beaten parts path and looked for deals on Amazon. Surprisingly enough, I found a well-liked aftermarket unit for much cheaper than OEM.
I took a flier on it, and was pleasantly surprised with what came in the mail. I think it is better quality than OEM in many subtle ways. The only thing missing was some additional padding/protection for the paint which I added myself.


Parts:
$14.03 | OxGord License Plate Holder for BMW E53 (and others) | LPBM-BMW-S1236 (compare with BMW OEM 51188238061)


Pics (more in album linked above):
https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...31&oe=5FB08E7D

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...33&oe=5FAF6C5D

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...70&oe=5FAFF059

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...7d&oe=5FB033AC

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...46&oe=5FAFDE0F

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...80&oe=5FAD7AB0

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...ce&oe=5FAE55B9

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...48&oe=5FB0E6AD

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...84&oe=5FB15488

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...e0&oe=5FAEBBA6

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...d1&oe=5FB0F207

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...66&oe=5FADE19F

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...85&oe=5FAEDA80

Cardboard luggage protection | Album

This worked out extremely well for our wagon, so I'm doing the same for the new hauler.
I'll still add extra protection when needed (a tarp is common for me) but this is the base that stays in the car at all times, ready for the MTBs to get tossed in, or a quick trip to the lumber yard, etc.
It folds out to cover the rear seat backs and the tailgate when needed.


Pics (more in album linked above):
https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...60&oe=5FB34C72

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...31&oe=5FB4D1C9

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...13&oe=5FB45EE8

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...cb&oe=5FB44C81

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...65&oe=5FB206F4

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...9e&oe=5FB2BE73

Save the stick | Album

My fast cars don't get pieces of flair (they already say "I like cars" to the world), but I prefer the pedestrian cars to say the same thing. Sure the sticker is a 5-speed and the car is a 6, but the overall design was the best option. We have the same one on our wagon, in the same spot. No stickers on paint obviously, so it got turned into a magnet and now the virtue signalling can begin. :D

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...b9&oe=5FBD08A3

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...0a&oe=5FBDD616

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...3f&oe=5FBC40AE

Good tip on that license plate bracket! It's now $7 shipped Prime. Mine has been installed cockeyed with sheet metal screws punched through the plastic since I bought the car (one of those I'll get around to it problems).

Here's a follow-up tip for your frozen rear windshield wiper. Mine was snapped off at the similarly rusted hinge. Since I'm a fan of the aero-type blades, I found this for under $20 on Amazon (out of stock now, but in typical Amazon fashion, there appear to be several identical items for sale): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TLJF6T3

I was a little weary on the fit and what I would get (I seem to recall it being $14). Ended up being the entire arm and wiper blade and ended up installing perfectly. I'll admit, it's a little flimsy (you can wiggle the arm up and down about half an inch); but it works just fine, is strong enough to hold poop bags (you may know what I'm talking about as a dog owner :rofl:), and most importantly, does a better job of cleaning the window then the front factory arms (both of which need to be changed on my X5 due to weak springs).

Great tip on the wiper arm. I still need to take care of that, so I'll certainly consider your solution. :)

BTW - your wagon reminds me of my old touring :thumbup:

https://i.gyazo.com/8b93fa5c37e034b7...656d61c470.png

I wish my e61 was a manual. They are rare birds.

Nice X! I'd replace that business radio with an after market head unit. A number of us have put in the Avin Avant 4. Awesome unit! Highly recommend. Installing is easier in cars like yours without the Nav unit.