Xoutpost.com - Just bought my new (to me) '06 E53 X5 4.4i!

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Just bought my new (to me) '06 E53 X5 4.4i!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lookin4Trouble (Post 763870)

So I just picked up my 2006 X5 4.4i, I'm pretty handy with tools and whatnot, but for the life of me, without _buying_ a service manual, I can't find info on fluids and filters.

What I'd like to do:
Trans (Flush, Filter) - I found a replacement filter, not 100% what rating of ATF I need, or what quantity.

There are many threads here debating the trans fluid/filter change. I would do a search and read up on those to see if you still want to do this. If you do, I would suggest using only the exact fluid recommended. Unfortunately, I don't know what that is for your particular X

Oil (Flush, Filter) - Replacement filter is easy to find, I'm sure the weight and capacity are in the owners manual.

Yes, it is in the manual. In your case, BMW recommends 5w-40 or 5w-30.

Radiator (Flush, possibly Thermostat) - Replacement Thermo is easy to find, about how much fluid should I expect to put in?

Sorry, No clue.

Differentials (Flush) - absolutely no info on this. Anyone know capacity and weight of fluid? I just did the rear diff. service on my girlfriend's G35X, and 75w10 Gear Oil was fun to find...

Sorry, once again, no clue.

Bushings - I have plenty of white lithium grease and a grease gun, anything in particular I should look for as far as wear?

Thrust rod bushings seem to be the most common failure. They are liquid filled, but can be replaced with Meyle heavy duty, solid bushings. I have never greased a single bushing as part of routine maintenance on any of my BMW's.

Lighting - Seriously, BMW? Halogen in a reflector dome? Not looking to go too nuts on this, but D2S HID kits are dirt cheap.

Up to you.

Air Intake - Should I bother with anything beyond a K&N Drop-in? I just traded in my 2002 Grand Prix GTP, and miss the low-end torque from the Supercharged 6-cylinder - the intake I had on that _really_ woke it up, but was fabricated from marine piping, a piece of roof flashing, and a K&N Cone. Not sure if the 4.4 has trouble breathing...

K&N drop in filters are worthless and in some cases the oil from the filter has been known to cause some MAF issues. They aren't really going to add any power anyway, so it doesn't seem worth the risk to me.

All in all, I'm probably looking at $1k+ just to be sure everything is tip-top. Any further suggestions are very welcome...

Check out the CV boots.

Thanks
Erik

Good luck!

any major maintenance on a 2006 x5 4.4i occurs at 50-65K miles.

Do not change the trans oil or the filter. The trans oil change service is due at 100k miles. At around 30k miles the transmission on 2004-06 X5 4.4i develop a leak at the mechatroniks connector.

Change the engine oil as you like, i change mine every 3,000miles/3 months. With BMW SYN 5w30.

Cooling system wise, i would worry about the thermostat/waterpump until around 80K miles. That is when most water pump shaft bearings start to weaken, and start making noise and leak coolant.

BMW recommends 75W90 gear oil SAE-XO fluid for front and rear differentials. This can usually be found at BMW dealerships, but call ahead first, as they may be using XJ fluid which is 75W140 which is for Limited Slip Axles.

Suspension, every 30K miles, replace the Tension Strut Bushings otherwise called Thrust Rod Bushings. At 80-100K miles, replacing the front sway bar links is common.

The outer front axle boots usually start tearing at 50-65K miles.

i believe 4.4i on 2006MY Xenon headlamps with AHL were standard. i could be wrong.

Leave the factory intake alone.

at around 70K-90K miles, the vacuum pump leaks, and sometimes gets oil into the brake booster, check it out.

window regulators break constantly on these, as well as door lock actuators and door handle carriers.
Valve covers usually need replacement at around 120K miles.

show us pictures of your new purchase or it didn't happen. ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmerFanatic (Post 763977)

show us pictures of your new purchase or it didn't happen. ;)

Haha will do as soon as it gets back from the stealership. Minor interior trim issues being fixed at their expense, was conditional for me to purchase.

E

To all others: thanks for the input, looks like I'll be able to save some scratch on the initial plan and actually pick up good Xenon headlights and maybe put some quality speakers in (Bang & Olufsen, here I come!)