Replaced the E53's lift gate roundel.

BMW Part number 51 14 1 970 248.

134k

I am expecting improved fuel economy.

Brad

Replaced front wishbone assy, replaced bushings and ball joints of the tension strut, drivers CV axle(boot tear), repaired frozen passenger side caliper and replaced rotor all in the pursuit of curing a front end vibration.
I chose to replace the tension strut parts to save some $ and I have a 20 ton press so why not, however the ball joint ends that fit into the hub are a bit of a bear. The wishbone was only $35 a piece from FCP so why bother restoring it and I just replaced it. The frozen caliper was a fairly simple fix and only $15 to rebuild and while I was at it I did the brake fluid flush. I replaced the rotor figuring the caliper might of warped it and it is a warranty item from FCP. The CV axle was a bit of a bear in that I wanted to just replace the torn outer boot but could not do that without releasing the inner boot as well ( see CV boot replaced in 30 minutes ). This unfortunately opened a whole can of worms for me as the CV axle must have been a replacement. The axle nut was 6 pt. 41mm nut, the shaft between the to joints was larger than normal so clamping the new boots was very difficult and the inner joint larger end was actually smaller than a stock joint so the boot did not fit correctly. After a test hop and an even worse vibration than before plus the poor fitting inner boot slung grease everywhere I ordered a new GKN CV axle from FCP.
I am happy to say that all is now well with the X and the front end feels nice and tight and I am very happy with the results. I failed to mention that I have had the wheels balanced as well and next up is an alignment.
If anyone has any questions about this feel free to ask.
Tom

[emoji1787]

For improved performance add the M badge [emoji6]

Sent from my SM-A730F using Tapatalk

Good sharing there...great job. I am about to replace pass-side outer CV joint with a Cardone premium (new not rebuilt) from amazon. I wonder if I am making a mistake not using GKN

Well I would guess that depends on your vehicle. We have had this X for 2 years now and after all the initial preventative maintenance I have done (valve cover gasket, OFHG, Vanos rebuild etc. etc.) I look under the car there is very little leakage anywhere and the truck performs like new. So for me investing $550 and replacing all those parts it was a no brainer. Plus they are all guaranteed for life.
I have used a remanufactured shaft from Cardone when I had my 330xi that I had purchased from Napa it was also warranted for life. I did have to replace it once due to a torn boot. I do not know the cost of the Cardone shaft but for $256 and lifetime guarantee from FCP it might very well be worth a look.

Leatherique!

Today with the application of Leatherique plus the new roundel from a couple of days ago the improved economy should be spectacular.

Brad

Replaced the coolant expansion tank and the coolant temp sensor.

After the X spent over 2 years in the garage as a dust sculpture..........

1) New front halfshafts.

2) New Steering angle sensor w/reprogramming.

3) New climate control fan (in dashboard).

4) New "pusher" fan for climate control (in front of radiator).

5) Airbag recall.

6) Visual inspection of TCGs (with inspection/borescope), done at Classic BMW.

7) New set of Vred Ultrac Vortis (Vortii?) in staggered 19" fitment.

Feels good to get the old X back on the road, had a 6-17 inspection sticker until last week.

Good job neighbor :thumbup:

After leaving my E53 sit for a month I just installed the iBus 2.1.3.1 update and love the new features and improvements it brings to my Eonon Android head unit.

Mike

Thanks neighbor.

I was at the crossroad of selling (at a HUGE discount, because of all the issue), of getting it in proper working order (and licking my wounds).