I'm pretty well set for tools already. There are a few specialty tools I still have on my wish list like Vanos tools and subframe bushing tools, but I already have just about every possible hand tool and air tool, and a large array of diagnostic tools.

My 17yr old daughter runs a used tool business selling professional mechanic's tools on eBay. Mostly Snap-on, Mac and Matco stuff. This will be inventory for her. It will be gone in about two to three months and a couple of hundred auctions. This is how she pays for her $100 fill-ups in the X5. To give you an idea, here's her eBay store:

Snap-on Tools, Other Brands items in ExpertTools store on eBay!

FINALLY got my ractive tips welded on yesterday. pic to follow

I parked my E53 yesterday and covered up for the winter storm that's about to hit. I picked up a 2013 Ford Fusion to use as my new daily driver. At least I'll have no unexpected winter maintenance on the X5 this year :thumbup:

This I will never understand. You parked your highly capable 4x4 for the winter, so you can drive your small sedan in the illinois winter?


See, most people do things like park their small sedans so they can drive their capable 4x4's during the winter.

I for example park my e36 convertible for the winter so I dont have to worry about getting stuck in the snow, in you know, a convertible.

One of lifes great joys is ripping past people in little sedans in a 4x4 during a winter storm. God I miss my jeep. and my passport with the A/T tires, so much fun crabbing sideways up snow covered hills in Pittsburgh in 4-Low.

I am very much looking forward to the winter in my X5, its got to be better than the 325xi I just sold, and that thing was rock solid.

Yeah, I know :) Doesn't make sense does it. :rofl: After two winter breakdowns with the CCV, it's just better to leave the X5 in the heated garage. I've even got the "cold weather" CCV upgrade, and it failed on me one winter, ruining travel plans.

Needless to say, after owning this car for many years, I've learned the hard way (many of us here have). The V8 is temperamental, at best, during the winter. The winter handling is great, but the engine tends to give me trouble in the cold. Mine's 10 years old now, and I'd like to have a few more seasons of non-winter driving with it.

Installed a Mediabridge. Sounds good and works well for BT, but clearly not like what you'd have on a modern radio.

I have such a love/hate relationship with my Mediabridge. on one hand for what it is and does its pretty amazing. On the other, you need a phd to figure it out. After almost 3 years, they have made some great strides and I couldnt imagine not having one.


The BT quality has always been a bit of an issue, but a lot has to do with where you mount the mic. In my e46 I had it in the factory spot, which I swapped with the sun roof switch so it was right over my head. on the e53, I am using the OEM bluetooth so I cant comment.

Newest Upgrades
 

Well this week I have been really busy with the upgrades. I threw on a set of style 99 rims for the winter (thank you Drex), installed DEPO angel eyes and fabricated a custom subwoofer box for a Kicker S10L5 in place of the standard DSP subs.

If anyone is interested in the DSP sub from my 4.6is PM me and I will arrange to have it shipped out to you. Would like to get 50 bucks for it plus whatever it costs to ship it to you. It is an improvement from the stock system, but don't expect major bass from it (go aftermarket if that is what you are looking for).
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...pse0f05c07.jpg

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...psbb1da371.jpg

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps2f7c33ed.jpg

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...psdc582d5f.jpg

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/a...psa081e642.jpg

JR, nice job. I like the semi stealth instal of the sub and amp. Looking good. Still stock headunit?

1. LH & RH auto dim/heated/wide angle side view mirrors (still awaiting arrival from across the Atlantic)

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/7559/img5592fk.jpg

http://img594.imageshack.us/img594/6287/img5593j.jpg

2. four new snow tires (235/60/18 Michelin Lattitude X-Ice xi2) mounted on my style 153 wheels

3. front & rear oe BMW mud flaps (in but still need to install)
4. style 87 wheels (found them on my porch this morning...won't mount until spring)