Greetings!
 

I finally got around to paying my .25 cents so I can post now : P.

I've enjoyed being a lurker and taking in all the information this board has to offer.

My previous vehicle was a 997.1 Porsche 911 and when the opportunity to sell it at a profit became available, I purchased the only other vehicle I could imagine myself driving, the E53 X5. My X5 is a 2006 Black Sapphire Metallic 3.0 with 71,XXX miles on the odometer currently. I rather like the OEM+ look and I'm still looking for ways to modify the vehicle so I can further enjoy driving this tank, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated and thanks in advance for allowing me on this board.

Cheers,
JR

Cheers ToadFMB! :) you are lucky to find a low mileage 3.0l and the last year facelift! Wouldn't be my favorite colour but I would make due with it.

997.1 to E53 is an interesting change!

My general recommendation would be to consider a suspension refresh. While you can keep driving for a while, you're at the mileage where the wear initially starts to show.

Thanks brother, personally, Oxford Green would have been my first choice, black is fine.

Definitely different driving experiences, but both enjoyable.

I've had some general maintenance done since I took delivery (9/21)

Oil change
Oil filter
Air filter
Cabin filter
Brake fluid flush
Spark plugs and coils (probably were original)
Replaced thermostat and water pump
Replaced rotors and pads (probably original)
Replaced front lower control arms/torsion bars/sway bar links.

I see your significant other drives a 996 turbo, I'll eventually get back into a 911.

Welcome to the funny farm. Great place with a lot of info.

I'll second the interesting vehicle change comment. But you found a low-mileage example which is getting more and more difficult. Great start on your maintenance catch up too.

Thanks! I enjoy driving well maintained vehicles. I believe most vehicles will last a long time with proper care. My wife, son and I will be headed to the caverns out your way, early next month.

Welcome aboard! That is quite a change. Lots of useful advice here, both from the active participants and the archives.

I doubt the pads were original. I just replaced mine on my 04 at 42.9k miles. I might have gotten another 4k miles on them. The sensors hadn't tripped yet. I didn't replace the rotors. I'll probably get another 15-20k miles out of them. At my current rate, that's 10+ years :rofl:

Welcome! Get that drivetrain refreshed too (diff fluid and transfer case fluid). Hopefully you have many trouble free miles!

Sort of funny, because I also technically replaced a porsche with the X5. I had a 981 Boxster S before this, and I just never drove it because I always take my dogs with me and they couldn't fit in the boxster. I had always wanted an older V8 BMW so it was between this and an E39 540i 6 speed. I couldn't find a nice E39 at a decent price, so I went with the E53.

It's TEXAS! The cooling system is most important now. Fresh oil next. Trans oil too. Perfect time for a filter and oil change.
The first things I replaced on mine were the mechanical fan and clutch. Next, the failing auxiliary fan with a brushless fan. A mechanical inspection on a lift would be useful. Check the front axle boots. They wear out faster than rear boots.

Welcome to our addiction. :rofl: