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...



:)

Sleepless, you've got a cool avatar...

Is it you, your girl or just some chick you met in Vegas? Is she Latino? She is HOT!!!

my ex GF, ....... she is Asian....

I hope you traded up, not down... good taste...

:)

Funny thing...... there is no trade value for a ex. GF ..:( but the new model I got is very low maintenance..... with nice lines, ..... its like getting a Bimmer design & performance with the reliability of a Acura....... :D best of both worlds....

Does this mean it would be replaced free of charge or it's just a bulletin that instructs the Dealers on how to properly fix the issue?

Sleepless, I take it your current girlfriend hasn't noticed the ex-gf in your avatar yet? lol

Sleepless, I take it your current girlfriend hasn't noticed the ex-gf in your avatar yet? lol[/quote]

what do U think ?

I could not find a picture of my girlfriend on this computer, so I used the picture of my wife... :)

"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"

mgruber, this part did not come in realoem, do you have more info about the SI or this part in general? Is it something that is available in Northern Belt countries, like Scandinavian countries, or Canada, or Russia?

Is this what you are talking about? it came up in Pelican and Crevier on-line catalogs

11-61-0-390-846-BOE Genuine BMW Part: REPAIR SET
- This is a special-order, non-returnable, BMW part
(availability and shipping charges may vary). [More Info]
$452.50

Yep that's the stuff. Real OEM doesn't have a lot of stuff apparently. Dealers should be able to get it though, especially those in colder countries.

Well, I am supposedly moving in summer and by August I should be in Moscow... the car probably will make it there sometime in September, maybe October... In other words, it'll be getting cold... I am already talking to my friends there to see if they can recommend an Indy there - Moscow is filled with Mercedeses, Audis and a lot of black BMWs (i guess russian mafia likes black bimmers, good taste... lol...) So, finding an Indy should not be a problem, right? Especially ones that can fix bullet holes in motor... :) Not that I anticipate any in my engine... ha-ha...

You might want to consider snow tires.

Any suggestions for 4.6iS? should I go for 19, 18 or 17 inch rims? will that distort the suspension? Original tires are 20" staggered, factory ( I saw a 4.6iS in Costa Rica that had factory 19" wheels, which was a surprise to me...)

I think winter tires or chains are one of legal requirements to have the car on the road after specific date, say November 1st or something...

I wonder what all is in this kit (for $450)? If it would permanently solve the clogging/blowing out your valve cover gaskets problem, I think it would be worth it :)

Anyone know how the SIBs are handled? Are they just bulletins to advise dealers how to resolve issues or are the like a recall where if a customer comes in with a complaint matching the SIB, they get the repair covered? I'm guessing the former, but would like to know for sure if possible.

Not sure if the smaller rims will fit over the rotors on the 4.6, for snow 17 would be best but they may not fit.

My guess is 18's but other members can give better information.

yeah, the bigger brakes on the 4.6 & 4.8 require a min 18" rim :rtfm:

Check the thread listing official BMW approved winter tires and yes the smallest wheels you'll be able to use to cover your front brakes will be 18" 255/55R18 and not 17". As far as chains are concerned I would avoid the BMW factory chains because they cost a small fortune. You'll have to do a search and ask some people with the same car for aftermarket chain experiences.

Folks, would you happen to know if the "This is a set of beautiful Dunlop 266/65R18 Winter Sport snow tires and gorgeous Star Spoke 69 wheel 18 inch OEM BMW X5 rims part no.36116752027in mint condition" will work as a set of winter tires for a 2002 4.6iS?

There is a fellow on eBay that is selling that set for about $1200 delivered, and I read in this thread that I need 255/55/18 for a set of winter tires...

So... Should I consider these wheels/tires, or should I keep looking?

Never heard of 266 size tires. Are they custom built?

She probably mis-type and wanted to say 265/65/18 but that's a weird size, the speedo will be off and she might have a code or problem with the DSC, and it's one thing you dont want to mess in a colder climate. My winter tire are 255/55/18 same thing for the summer tire. I wish your assignment is in Moscow VT wich is less colder than Russia, but still get ready to freeze you " derrière " if your not familiar with northern climate it's not so bad nothing like Costa Rica though,it's mostly dec-jan-feb that you get the blues.

Yeah, obviously. I was joking. I'd check with the seller what is printed on the sidewall, but I'd bet they hit '6' every time they meant to hit '5' meaning the size is really 355/55R18. If that's the case then he's okay.

I'm confuse by the avatar, as I figured it was a " she " but after reading some more I think I should have said He mistype. 355/55/18 for winter tire will really make the truck very hard to drive on snow, 255 would be ideal.

On a side note, I just came back from Dominican republic and made some German friend down there, very nice people, my daughter also kind of met a nice boy and she want us to send her in Germany for the summer vacation.

Where do you get 355?

The listing is fixed to show 265/55R18 which is still a bit of a strange choice for someone who bought them right from the dealer.?!

Picture on the avatar is of my wife... Once I put it on, I can't remove it now, since she liked the idea of being my avatar... well, I don't have a problem with that, that's why I married her after all, to be together everywhere...

I just asked the seller if he could take a close up picture of the sidewall where the tire size is listed, just to be sure. His original, before revision, listing did say 266/66/18, which I was not sure about but thought i'd rather ask folks that know more than I do about those things...

Well, see what happens...

:)

hey does anyone know where can i get the 1st aid kit that mounts underneath the passanger seat??

lots of luck with the x in sub zero weather.. our beloved vehicles are not cold weather friendly....oil separator/pixels/water pump/thermostat/hoses..yadda yadda yadda...just talk to some of our canadian friends...rob

I have replaced the water pump, from plastic impeller to a metal one. thermostat got replaced too. the hoses looked ok, so i did not touch them. pixels are acting funny on the 16:9 as it is - some day i have a bunch of "dead" spots, and the next day they are gone... just to reappear again the following day... can not correlate to weather... :(

I got the first aid kit from Crevier, it is a direct bolt on to under pass or driver seat. The problem is, that i can't figure out on how to bolt it on - no threads in the predrilled holes in the seat body, and don't know how to remove the top portion of the seat to get to the back side of the frame... sooner or later I will figure this out...

:)

Thanks for the explanation, I was a little confuse at first and would not want to be disrespectful. Do you finally know if you will be leaving for Russia or VT ?

that is Russia, no doubt about that - we have no office in VT where I could work... And while in Moscow, I'll be traveling to Saint Pete, Ekaterinburg, Vladivostok and Sakhalin... Well, Sakhalin might be questionable, our satellite office there is very small, so I might be spared from traveling there... And the Vladivostok is very funny too - we have an office in Seoul, S. Korea, that is only 2 hours flight from Vlad, but "they" want it served from Moscow, 8 or 9 hours flight... go figure... :)

It's possible to get 355/65/18 but those are huge freaking tire. You can check here: Nitto Terra Grappler Tire at WheelsNext.com

There is another issue with taking the car to Russia - the Russian authorities want to see engine's serial number. The serial number is stamped on a plate, and the plate is attached to the left side of the engine. However, it is out of plain view and I am trying to figure out a painless way of getting to the S/N without taking the engine out of the car, or disassembling half of the vehicle. BMW NA has no record of the engine number on their files (interesting, I thought Germans are meticulous about recordkeeping).

The authorities in Costa Rica just marked the papers "Numero no visible" upon entry into the country and that's it. I am not sure if the Russians will let me get off that easy...

:)

Here you go. If I can find the original instructions from BMW I'll post them here too, but these are pretty clear already.

gianvito - if you just want the empty box (to use for storage) either under your passenger or driver seat, or both, then you can get it here:

LeatherZ: First Aid Storage Box (Z4, X5/X3, E46 3er)

If you want the complete kit with all the euro contents then send an e-mail to this guy who should be able to import one for you. He is a very reputable vendor.
[email protected]
BMW Accessories and Parts Specialists

Ok, self-tappers for the first aid kit - no problem, I was suspecting that... I got my kit from a dealer, no screws included...

Back to tires - the seller has sent actual picture of the tire's markings, it is 265/55R18.

265 is obviously slightly bigger in diameter from 255... Does it mean that I should move on and keep on looking for a set, or it should not make a big of a difference?

Read my post # 34

Just reread the post 34 - I agree, that tire size does not even come up in the tirerack as a common winter tire available. and when you do a google search just for the size, mainly the Dunlops show up, telling me that Dunlop is one of a very very few manufacturers who make that size. So, I wonder, if the dealer tried to sell a set of more expensive tires to the fellow... however, once those tires are worn out of specs, i can always buy the 255s for the same set of wheels... Right?

265 refers to width of a tire, as opposed to my previous statement of the diameter. so, the tire is is by 10mm wider than 255... however, i could not find any article that would recommend for or against such a "swap". I am leaning closer and closer to buying that set - unless somebody here yells at me STOP, DONT GET MARRIE... ooops... DONT BUY IT!!!

:)

X5 MEISTER THANKS BRO i been looking all over for these, i was just looking throught my recent post and came across this. i bought two of these for my X thanks a million.

Don't bother yourself with equipping your SAV with the warning triangle, fire extinguisher etc. to register your car. Here in moscow you just pass the registration without this useless stuff for 3500 rubles (or aprx. 100 us dollars ;)). Almost nobody here has this emergency equipment :p: But be ready to pay double or triple prices for the parts and service here - our stealers prefer to make good money on those who can afford buying expensive cars (beleive me in Moscow most of the cars are far from being cheap models). But to your surprise you'll find out that if you do not obey the traffic rules you can (or even must ;)) pay bribes to the police and the wil behave if 'nothing happened and they did not notice your violation of law'. For exaple if your break the speed limit severely (over 120 km\h if the city - a typical bribe now is about 70 usd or 2000 rubles). I don't think that in the US you'll get away with this for such cheap price :D And forget about vodka - since 80's everything has changed completely - only in far provinces people still drink it everyday - in Moscow it is out of fashion :rolleyes:

Even this police patrol takes bribes here
http://s60.radikal.ru/i170/0905/98/2f54db78a656.jpg

And these cars in Moscow use fire brigades for their needs ;)

http://s41.radikal.ru/i091/0905/00/9921befdcca2.jpg

Low temp Washer fluid
upgrade wiper blades

Vredestein, Haakapelitia(sp?) or Pirelli Ice und Snow

Armen, thank you for the insight... My situation is slightly different - for my registration I MUST have all of the above, as I will not and can not bribe and the cops will not be taking bribes from me on the road anyway... they might try though... Under bilateral agreement between RF and the US, I MUST produce upon first demand ALL of the required safety items, I am prohibited under the US law to bribe ANY official in ANY country, and I am not subject to breathilzer test among other things... Not that I'll be drinking and driving, even though your statement about vodka being out of fashion is breaking my heart. Do Russians now drink Coca-Cola? Oh my God, what the world has come to be... :(

For a $100 registration bribe I can get an $85 extinguisher and comply with my office's regulations...

On the other hand, how much money you (regular Moscovite) need to have on you daily when you drive in the city - there are for sure at least 2 or 3 cops between your house and whatever place you go, and if everyone of them will stop you for real or imaginary infractions, pretty soon you'll have to sell the car to pay the bribes...

And yes, in the US the bribes are counted in hundreds of thousands of dollars - there is no more small bribery in the country, you would go to jail in a heartbeat for tipping your friendly US cop a $20... But if you need to build factory and need to redo the commercial zoning into industrial, then you sure can bribe a mayor or a senator about $100 -500K...

You know, if you are going to steal, might as well steal a million, right?...

:D Here you can purchase any beverage you desire - coca cola is already out of fashion too :D Talking about daily spendings i advise you to relax - Moscow is suffering from the heavy traffic even on the weekends and it is very difficult to violate traffic rules - anyway if you've got a diplomatic ID you should be ok - cause compared to your police our police can tolerate moderate violations especially if they see that you are a foreigner - I mean that our police are friendly. It is possible to get a speeding fine only if you drive at night on a highway and if it happens so that you are pulled over by an angry cop (it is a rare find though). And don't believe those legends that our cops will use any ways to force you to pay - such tricks do not come cheap for them cause the internal security service is eager to catch every cop stuck in dirty bribery. But nevertheless corruption here exists - but no one forces you to pay. You can give a cop a small bribe and forget about the incident in 5 minutes or as well spend 20 minutes and get a ticket/ But as far as I am concerned such tickets will be sent to the embassy and will not be given to you directly because you're not an RF citizen. Feel free to ask any questions - and don't fear coming to Russia. Vodka, Severe winters and white bears do not exist here ;) Only stunning girls, expensive cars and it's a pity a lot of jealous people (unfortunately this is a fact).

I am not scared of vodka... i don't like cold weather... and the polar bears... well, i know enough to know they don't climb that far south...
Girls... well, i am married, you can see her on my avatar... How does that saying go - don't bring your samovar to Tula, right?... Well, i have my samovar already... :)

Tell me Armen, how are ethnic minorities treated? You are probably an Armenian living in Moscow. Do you get any issues with your dark complexion? Your wife/girlfriend/significant other, if she is Armenian too, how is she treated? Is it safe for a woman driving an X5? My wife was held at a gun point one time here in San Jose, right in the heavy traffic, while in her car. The dude made her roll the passenger window down, grabbed a cell phone and a purse off the floor of the car and took off...

If you don't like walking alone deep at night in the far suburbs then you'll be treated ok. Yep, I'm Armenian but I was born here in Moscow and I still do not expirience any problems. I'm surprised that you know that saying about the samovar :D;) To my mind it is much more safer here than in the US or in the Latin America cause we almost don't have such cases like someone in the traffic in the daytime points a gun at you trying to hijack the car. Such cases are very rare and if they happen - the whole city knows about it. So you can easily let your wife drive a car. It is a common thing here if you see a woman driving Bentley Continental and Porsche Cayenne, Bmw X5 X6 and other SAVs are typical cars for a wife with a 'proper husband'. Here if the thieves want to steal your car the will do it stealthily without hijacking and using firearms - such thing won't be tolerated here especially nowc cause a week ago a police chief of Moscow has been dismissed by the president and all officers are scared of being caught for incompetence. And also a citizen can not carry a firearm here - our law strictly prohibits that. The only thing that is allowed is to buy non-lethal weapon with rubber bullets - but even to own this you have to collect a lot of documents and spend a lot of time and money to get a license.

ahhh... it so nice to feel yourself being a "proper husband"!!!

You've made my day!!!

:)

So, now I just need to get those winter things settled, as the car probably will make it to Moscow no sooner than December... Battery probably will be dead, even the solar panels ain't gonna help inside a shipping container... well, the joy of travelling with the whole "tabor"...

My boy, not even 6 yet, digging in my pockets.. "Hey boy, what you are looking for?" "Dad, I need money and the keys!!" "What??!!" Holy-shmoly, he needed the money to buy candy, and the keys to get to the store to buy it... I am dreaded of thinking, what will happen in a few years, when he will want to buy candy for a girl and to take her for a spin!!! mamma mia!!! I just hope that I can maintain being a "proper father"... here boy, you want a taste of my belt... ha-ha-ha...

:)

Hi,

I´m new to the forums and just bought myself an x5.
However I have more experience on fuel parking heaters (since I live in Finland), such as:

webasto

http://www.webasto.com/products/en/3115_3422.html

or Eberspächer

Eberspächer UK - Water Heaters



Also, you can go for the cheaper (approx. 700USD) choice and install a plug heater (for the engine) with indoor heater (for the cabin), such as:
Calix
Calix AB

or

Defa
DEFA Warmup=#

Advantages with the fuel heater is the remote, you do not need to plug your car to electric outlet post, and sheer warming power (up to 10kw!)

I constructed a cellphone remote for my heater (which doubles as spare key), so I dial a number, and the car literally melts the snow off itself in half an hour.