Winterize your X5
 

Hi folks.

My assignment in warm Costa Rica is coming to conclusion, so I have my onward assignment... guess where?... Moscow!!! For some reason, I don't think it will be as warm there, so I was wondering if any of you guys have suggestions for winterproofing the car. I am in process of making the car legal for the registration in Moscow, such as getting first aid kit, fire extinguisher, warning triangle...

I would like to know, what else should I consider doing to car to ensure relative trouble free winters in Moscow...

Any ideas?

2002 X5 4.6iS
heated seats
NOT heated steering wheel (can it be swapped for a heated one?)
regular summer tires (factory staggerred)
New brake pads all around

Otherwise, regular stock car, with NAV/TV, no rear airbags...

118000 miles

Thank you,

Consider changing rotors as well, depending on how close they are to minimum spec. Heated seats would be a great idea. Heated steering wheel would be nice too, check out the EXCELLENT write up on the main page showing exactly how to do it. New tires and alignment. Get the 1st aid kit that mounts under the passenger seat. You've got a lot of mileage so look over a bunch of stuff that you wouldn't want to crap out in cold Russia... coolant hoses, CV boots, power steering hoses (if they are not leaking yet then you're lucky), coolant flush, oil change, microfilter change, air filter change, spark plugs (if not done at 100,000 miles), oxygen sensors (if also not done at 100,000 miles). I'd say do a complete Inspection 2 if you can.

Moscow,Russia or Moscow,Vermont USA?

Get the insulated Oil Separator kit - or you will be puking oil the first time the temperature drops.

Insulated oil separatot kit - is there a part/kit number? is it 11-15-1-705-237? Or something else?

Gee, now I have to check my papers to make sure that I got the correct Moscow... :) Well, I am not sure if VT requires first aid kit, triangle and extinguisher, so I think, that would be Moscow, MAZERLAND RUSSIA!!!...

lol...

Rotors are relatively new, one pad life old and now into second set of pads. The seats are heated, all 4 corners. The heated steering wheel write up is excellent, but I will probably engage into this once in Moscow.

I got 4 new tires that I will put on just before departure, Yokohama Avan ST. I think, there is winter tire requirement in Russia, so I'll be on the market for a set winter shoes, probably in 19 or 18 inch rims.

Right CV boot was replaced 2 years ago, left one got done about a month ago.

I am sitting with a dead alternator, so will change the alternator, will get the thermostat and the water pump, also will get the front suspension overhauled (local roads killed the suspension!!). will do spark plugs, air filters, will get fresh coolant when pump/alternator will get replaced, will change pump alternator belt, A/C belt...

collant hoses, power steering hoses, oxygen sensors - can you elaborate more on those, please...

Talking to a local stealer makes no sense - they quoted brake pads at $1200, alternator at $2500, they sell an 8-cylinder X5 (2007 model) for $150,000 US$ brand new, + taxes, no 3rd row, no Navigation, premium, sport. So, I can imagine, for all the work that I am considering, it would be easier to buy a new X5 in the States than fix the old one in here... lol... But I am madly in love with the old one, it is only 2002... I might be ready to sell it in 2012, no sooner... :)

The oil separator kit for your engine is covered in a BMW SIB. Let me know if you need it. The part you'll need is the "Heated wrap with cable" 11 61 0 390 846.

The power steering hoses (amongst others these days) have crimp-on style hose clamps that will ALL leak over time. I've seen some wet at 30,000 miles. Assuming you have no serious leak, changing those hose clamps out to standard style clamps (which BMW does on a repair job) is the least you should do. Some people just use that opportunity to change the power steering hoses out as well (at least those that are obviously wet).

The oxygen sensor should be changed every 100,000 miles per BMW. I'm pretty sure your engine has 2 of them. They are part of the catalytic converter system.

Coolant hoses, if they've never been changed and you are going to do a flush and get a new thermostat and water pump and drive belts, etc. should be changed as well. Nothing will ruin your day faster than a blown coolant hose on an expensive car while in the middle of nowhere (ask me how I know).

Don't forget the large bottle of vodka!!! :beerchug:

Also don't forget to have a wad of Rubles in the dash or under the seat, you will need it when you get pulled over by the Russian Police........;)

or Moscow, Idaho?:D

He-he... liquid currency - I am familiar withthe concept... I've been in Moscow in late 80's and learned how to down vodka - as a matter of fact, I think it is part of the first aid kit, right?... lol...

I did not know there were so many Moscows in the States - that's so funny...

As far a for the wad of rubles, I certainly hope that I can plead gringo ignorance and pull out a diplomatic ID - at least it worked fine in Latin America...

I am going to look at the power steering hoses, to see if they are wet or not - I have a local Indy coming on saturday (unless he changes his mind) and I hope to go over things, to make sure I have it covered...

There are 4 oxygen sensors in that car, 2 before and 2 after catalitic converter... I probably will leave that part for later, as my labor negotiating spanish is not as good as my russian, and I am sure I can find cheaper labor in Moscow (maybe, maybe not, but I am not ready for the O2 yet...)


And I know the feeling of being stranded in the middle of nowhere - blown tire in the middle of Panama was not fun...



:)