Finally! Got something done to the E53. Hopefully anyway. Today I replaced the control valve for the air suspension that resides next to the accumulator tank under the truck. What a PITA to remove the plastic shield! Super tedious, and I need to buy more one time use push pins as I can't seem to find my stash of them. Got to use the Foxwell also, as it is needed to depressurize the accumulator before removing the air lines. And then again to repressurize after completion, as well as manually inflating each air spring individually, per the TIS repair procedures.

Job wasn't too bad. Purchased a used accumulator and valve off Ebay for $100. The manufacturing date on the "new" valve was the 17th week of 2006 and the original unit that I removed is the 35th week of 2005. So at least it's a younger valve even though it looks like it's lived a harder life than mine. Why replace the valve? Well, both front air springs were losing air at a similar, if not identical rate. So, before committing to replacing the front bags, I figured I'd replace the only component that ties both of those front springs together. And for a relatively small sum, it's worth testing my theory.

Took about 3 hours to do. Mostly because of having to fiddle with the rubber standoff mounts/suspension for the valve. They are very fragile and tear very easily. Destroyed 2 of them between removing the two valves. Galvanic corrosion had also taken its toll on the mounting posts that are attached to the rubber standoffs as well. But with a little penetrating oil I got it all done and back in the truck. I replaced all the O-rings on the lines because why not. Originals did not look too bad, but that plastic shield sucks to remove, so I replaced em. So far, been about 5 hours, the truck has not sagged and is sitting at 27" (685.8mm) from the bottom wheel flange to the bottom of the fender arch. BMW specs show 708mm using the stock 20" wheel. I'm guessing the discrepancy is due to my aftermarket wheels and over sized tires. Will measure again in the morning and see how successful my repair was.

https://i.postimg.cc/xTr730QD/Air-Su...n-Repair-1.jpg

Going to take apart the old valve to see if I can see anything obvious in terms of a failure. Will update with findings and update my air suspension thread with solved (fingers crossed) if the X5 does not sag anymore.

Installed slotted and crossdrilled rotors and ceramic pads and bled the brakes on my 2001 X5. The old rotors and pads were at least 10 years old judging by the date on the pads.

Installed slotted and crossdrilled rotors and ceramic pads and bled the brakes on my 2001 X5. The old rotors and pads were at least 10 years old judging by the date on the pads, and the inboard pads were down to a fraction of an inch, it was definitely time for an upgrade.

Installed poly bushings on the rear, front control arm (guide arm).

I buttoned up the front end on Saturday. Got the axle in. Rotors and calipers on. But I decided to replace the reservoir and both hoses to it so I was waiting on those parts. Then I just have to top off coolant and burp that system. Then flush the ps system and I can call it good. Put her on the ground and torque the suspension bits. Then take it in for an alignment.

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Good work!

After getting my front suspension issue sorted (hopefully, been holding 24+ hours) I got all excited to clean the truck up like so many of the members have done. Gave it a wash/spray wax/armor all treatment. Nothing too crazy. Really need to polish and buff it, but so many projects on other cars and the house prohibit it. But, I did remove the wheels and deep clean and then nano coat them. They still look pretty good for 4 years old and ~30,000 miles.

I feel a little remiss in that I did not wax inside the gas cap. :D ;)

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In the process, as is common with these beasts, I located another project to work on. In the immortal words of Homer Simpson... DOH!!!

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Bugger.... but it looks like a loose boot clamp rather than a failed boot...

What did you do to / for your E53 today??
 

She’s looking awesome. In the beginning I did not get the aero jokes that some members harass you with, but I will say all jokes aside, LOOKING GOOD!

So what you missed the gas cap. My Indy cleaned mine. He has so muck love for my E53, that when I got Her back he put a brand new oem roundel, restored my headlight lenses, and cleaned my gas cap, free of charge. It’s a shame some one else had to put in the elbow grease. LoL... I just get tired sometimes.

Gotta love an E53, always got you on your toes!

https://i.imgur.com/ZKrdEgl.jpg

I did clean the inside of the gas cap! hahaha. no waxng though, just a little tidying after the car wash. I live near a steel mill at the coast, I can literally wash my car every day if I were OCD...

still waiting for the driver side cat.... had a 4 hour drive the oher day, this thing really goes when you put your foot down.