Nice... that's on my list of things to do. I had to remove 12 inches of snow from the X today though.



I drove it for the first time in 2 weeks, and it actually started fine, which was great. But I ran a few errands and one of the times I started it up again, I just got a "click." After three or four clicks it finally started. At 135k it's still on the original starter, so I'm just going to replace both the solenoid and the starter motor, even though it's probably just the solenoid. An ounce of prevention saves a pound of breakdowns! Or something like that.



Pricing on FCP is like so:

OEM: $295 + $300 core charge
Bosch "OE" (new): $248
Febi: $132
Bosch reman "SR0474X": $195 + $50 core charge



Couple questions: Should I run and hide from purchasing anything Bosch? My experience with a Bosch alternator makes me question purchasing anything from them ever again.



Second, is Febi a good part or should I spend the money for a better one? Thanks in advance.

I would love to understand how the heck this even happens, but I have seen it multiple times on my own X5 so I know its real.
snaking the drains wont fix that, got to pull the trim and fix the routing

Got an email last weekend that a 2001 E53 hit the closest Pull-A-Part yard (Norcross GA) while I was in Boston all week... went today and it was already pretty picked over. Had hoped to grab a nav head unit but that one only had the "Business CD" thing.

There's a 2005 that came in the same day, and as of this afternoon the panorama sunroof was still in it. Also no nav... no seat heaters even.

Hey how does one remove the A-pillar interior trim without it shattering into splinters like the one did today when I tried to remove it? The fabric on both of mine is all baggy and I want to try and re-glue it.

And if anyone has a working nav head unit... I can find them on ebay but I'm not willing to pay $400+ for one. Did any other BMWs use that same head unit?

Pretty sure the 5 series from that time frame e39 used almost everything from the dashboard the e53 did. You can look on realoem to confirm.

I know when I've worked on e39 I had crazy deja Vu from sitting in my e53.

Yep, there it is... https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=65_0692

Thx! I'll add that one to my boneyard alerts.

The pic represents the hose as found over a year ago. The lower right side carpet was wet after a huge rainstorm. The left side was not kinked as bad. I used small hose clamps to keep the tube from kinking again. Plus it was tie wrapped so it wouldn't move. If weed eater string doesn't come out the end, I'll remove the pillars and check the hoses.


After a wash, I can see wet spots right were the drain hose should be underneath. The scary part.....opening the pano roof! :wow:

Mine has a Bosch from FCP. The OEM was working fine. I replaced it during the coolant system refresh. The new Bosch spins the motor fast and easy. I still have the OEM one. I didn't send back the core. $30 for a core return. Shipping is almost that much due to weight and size. I may take it to a local rebuild shop to have it checked. Maybe rebuild it as a spare. So far, I would recommend the Bosch from FCP.

Got my rear clip realigned!!
I would have done a video, but it was nothing more than me making comments such as WTF? AYFKM? etc for 2 hours and switching to Spanish then Arabic then Pashtu with similar comments.....

Installed new air filter, wipers and bought new brake wear sensors.

Replaced headlights and driving lights. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...274598f8aa.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...899af977e7.jpg

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There is a single t-20 screw behind the SRS badge...then the A-pillar should "snap" out cleanly with a little pressure..

You don't want an aftermarket android head unit? No they're not perfect, but seem to have a lot more function than the original NAV unit.

Somebody will correct me if I am wrong, but I believe Bosch sold its Reman business a few years ago to a Chinese investor group. Since it is not Bosch, yet carries a Bosch price, I would avoid..

That Febi unit is made in Taiwain...I have had good luck with Taiwan Electrical components...I really like E53, E39, E46 AUX fan assemblies from TYC (based in, products made in Taiwan), So the Febi would be my second choice...

There is really good Alternator /Starter rebuild shop near me...I have had several alternators rebuilt lately with good results. I might go that route.

Otherwise I would probably buy the NEW BOSCH unit.