That is even worse. I get it, people make mistakes, and yes, it can be expensive to repair, but you damaged someone else's personal property which very well could be something that they cherish. Own up and fix it, you pricks.

You're gonna like the lack of brake dust, but there is also a lack of initial bite so be ready for that.

Yeah I can feel that the new brakes aren't as grabby as the OEM pads. I'm ok with it, though. I'm hoping I get better longevity out of them.

I had annoying clunk in the front end and on my 1st diagnosis it was what I suspected, the rht front stabilizer link.
next year I plan on rebuilding the rest of the front end. but now I have no clunking noise yeah .:)

I got 163,000 miles out of my first set of Akebonos and they probably could have safely gone 10-15,000 more. I agree they don't have that initial bite, but find they are more linear in stopping force as you apply pedal pressure. I think you'll like them.

2002 X5 3.0 287,500 miles
2004 325i 123,000 miles

this still takes some getting used to, I always feel like I need to bleed my brakes at first, and then whammy.

Bought a used NOAH cover off ebay, great price to boot :D

Bit the bullet and replaced front right shock absorber and back-left balloon. The FR shock was a fingers-crossed option of a used part which ended up not being able to be set at the same height as new new OEM shock I had to replace on the FL corner - the uneven height was messing with the ABS again and one day the compressor failed to lift the car at all; had to drive my daughter to school and one speed bump (this city is full of them) and *BAM*, the rear left balloon had four perforations when they pulled it out.
Decided to go OEM with all of them since it really isn't safe to risk a brake failure on your family DD. As of the weekend, driving like a good'un.

Thanks for sharing your experience. How long did your rotors last? Did you have to replace them before replacing your pads?

I've been told to expect the rotors to last 50k miles. It would be nice if they lasted about the same as the pads...

The linear pressure is definitely noticeable. Before, I would gently press on the pedal and the brakes would grab instantly. Now, a gentle press barely engages the brakes so I have to press a little harder. And the pedal feels a little spongy. If I were on a racetrack, I would be concerned with this and want the instant grab. But I'm just a daily driving commuter and this works for me. Maybe they will feel a little different after a little more time (I only have about 150 miles on the new brakes now). But I'm not expecting it to change based on what I've read.

I have more than 220,000 miles on the rotors. They are Brembos and were supplied by FCP when I bought the first set of Akebono pads. As of my last tire rotation three weeks ago, there is still no visible wear edge on them.

2002 X5 3.0 287,550 miles
2004 325i 123,000 miles

put in new agm battery. Old one was manufactured 01/11 BMW part.

When I purchased my 02 X5 3L about 2 years ago, OFHG was leaking.
Replaced that shortly after, but still leaks.
Then replaced it again about a year ago, got better but still drops couple over night.
Finally last week, replaced it for third time and applied RTV this time because I just don't want to deal with it anymore.
No more leak ever since.

Next up is rear suspension components rebuilding.

Fixed a P1419 code for secondary air mass sensor.
Replaced the sensor and valve to exhaust manifold.
New filter to go with the sensor and new hoses (suction & pressure)

Early in the day I got active suspension error, later xmas tree & although the X started all the dash reports cleared (odo, date & time etc) On my way home there is an Autozone so I stopped. & the battery was bad, free replacement ftw!

Plus the old was 850ccw, new is 900!

old:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...ps7b71eftu.jpg
new:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...psqfm0z7p1.jpg

How old was the AGM that went bad on you?

Good detective work on testing batt 1st!

10/2013 is when I got it.

The idea came from reading threads here where odd behavior turned out to be bad batteries, thanks XOutpost!

:D

^thats not very old out of a battery. not even 2 yrs old. you should get more life than that out of battery ,unless the batt went flat .

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09...9fb5fe6876.jpg

Picked up a mobility (scooter) ramp-rack for my mom's rascal. Very nice tilt-a-rack brand all aluminum bare metal no paint to chip nothing to rust. The main receiver post is lined with steel otherwise only some roll pins holding the hinge pins are steel and I plan to replace those with stainless since that's the only rust on the entire rack.

$440 is the current sale price online I picked up via Craig's list $160 incl $10 for gas since seller met me half way saving me 90 min. driving.


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To the contrary I had been running a conditioner on it the last few months. It never died, just went bad.

https://vimeo.com/139795527

Built a rope hoist with 5:1 ratio to help load my x5. What a difference! 84# stack of toolboxes with 17# force and better yet: pull down vs. lift up!

https://vimeo.com/139795662

I bent the tubing myself and the pulleys are simply laundry pulleys. The pins for swivel are fence post pins and the main post is 1-1/2" water pipe (most important factor). I used box steel beam at first 16ga and it bent and twisted like a rubber band.


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I deal with a lot of gel batteries at work for scooters and power chairs, some last 5yrs and some last maybe 1yr ,IMHO batts are inconsistent .

Replaced driver side window brackets.
 

Had driver side door close with some "rattle" - something was obviously wrong. Did some research - window would go up and down as it should so not a window regulator problem...
found this video on youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fi46qZgP-i4
Did exactly that plus slightly lubricated rails where guides travel up and down, good as new.

New fuel filter,
 

Installed new fuel filter, old one did not looked clogged or dirty but looked like it was original one.

Cleaned it up a bit and had my friend snap some pictures. Full thread coming soon.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ka...=w1401-h934-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/LY...=w1401-h934-no

Sploosh

Great shots!

Great shots!

Love Archer...

And agree... sploosh!

Aaaaaaand boom goes the dynamite...

touched up a lot of stone chips on front bumper and hood.

E30 -

Just curious. Has the battery ever been drained down - ever ?
How old was the date code when you bought it ?

I ask, as I've burned up $600+ in lead recently.....and am currently debating on a cheaper *less premium* AGM battery or just wet cell...

Just curious as your Deka made AZ AGM was one of my considerations.

:yikes::drool:

-

Nope, never died. It has been very hot 80% of it's life here it is over 100.

Got it. As lead prices rises, battery warranty on these go down...

I'd be inclined to even consider going with the 5 year wet cell. Better reserve, better CCA - not that you would need it. The only thing the AGM has got going for it is the discharge factor

E30....

Thx for the pics. Old one looks to be a Deka. New one seems to be JC.
JC makes their gold, etc as well.
Interesting....as without seeing you sticker, I actually thought their current platinum would be still Deka

Glad it was helpful.

wet sanded headlights tonight, hope to get to polish them tomorrow after work.

Thread bump. E30, noticed in the store the sides of the AGM have a vent port. Theoretically, it's a SLA.....

Just curious. Did you vent your AGM battery?

went out today and before driving it i cleaned some bird poo off the front wing :)

Installed 4 inch quad tips.

Does anyone else have a dim odometer? If so it's probably just a small bulb in the back. I made a tutorial video on removing the cluster and replacing the bulbs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rShl...RHskow&index=4

Looks awesome. Mind posting some more pictures showing more of the car too? Any fitment issues?

Tips look good.

More Pics

No fitment issues the hardest part was getting them aligned.

Thanks!

Those tips do look good... like really good, but are you taking pictures with a potato or what? lol

And wow on the wheel and tire combo. Not my cup-o-tea... but to each their own. 22's?

Mind sharing how much they charged you for the install?

poped code p1891 and dsc, flat tire, abs, brake, trans failsafe, sls inact lights all at once
checked battery voltage = spiked 17-18v intermitedly
got alternator rebuilt
good now

also replaced the ball joints in the front knuckle that bolt to the lower front control arm again

Yeah tips look great, fine choice but the wheels in red only for the beholder. The wheels depicted in the picture next to his forum I'd look much better on that X.

23x11 23x12 on 315 25 23's

35 each side for the weld and a new supporting hanger total was 70 bucks.

Thanks!

Took my X5 to Bay Diagnostic for oil change and spark plugs refreshment. Throw in a set of NGK Iridiums. Made a world of difference.

Sensitive today redliner? ;) Didn't think anyone said anything THAT rude. This is the internet after all, posting online kind of opens up oneself to a certain level of criticism. So long as it's respectful, I don't see the issue... and I'm sure Brabusbenz21 knows those wheels are to his/her specific tastes and going to be in the minority as far as popularity. And if was the potato part that you took issue with, again, I'm sure Brabusbenz knows those pictures are not very good and look like they were taken with a mid 2000's flip phone. It was all in jest. :thumbup:

I still think those exhaust tips are some of the nicest examples I've seen on an e53. :cool:

My bad redliner... ALL of it was in jest. Emoji's aside, nothing was meant to be even considered "jumping" on anyone. As you said without talking face to face much is lost in translation.

I think with internet communication everyone is getting to be very cynical and good 'ol fashioned ribbing can be seen as an attack or passive aggression. I've been judged for things I've done on vehicles, and been told I was wrong about something (lol just yesterday in a thread here by Upallnight actually). I don't take it personally and sometimes forget the individuals of the community here are, in actuality, strangers where nuances of communication can definitely be lost. Sorry again.

^LOLOLOLOLOL...

http://cs1508.vk.me/u15306225/34068671/x_2e24dc73.jpg

Lots of people do. It is actually a very us-centric idea to think advice on health and physical appearance is an insult, disrespectful, or inappropriate.

Yes, I would, and do. Just today I told my sister almost exactly that. And that my Mom's knees would feel a lot better if she lost 30lbs. Criticism is a part of life.

Annnnyway.

Today I contemplated swapping out the seats in the X5. Since getting the S5 I have become incredibly spoiled. I am not longer satisfied with the stock sport seats, both swaddlenessy and leather wise. The comfort seats don't look like they'll cut it either.

I like the Recaro Sports. You can get them fully powered with heat and ventilation (ventilation would be tits)

Here they are in an E46

http://autobacs-asm.com/blog/recaro/...20DSC_3260.jpg

These are the S5's seats for reference.
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog....i-s5-coupe.jpg

What say you?

Those look awesome. Where do you find them?

There is a Recaro dealer near by but you can also find them online from distributers.

Looks expensive. Hotness too. :thumbup:

Out of curiosity what don't you find comfy enough about the sports? They are some of the most comfortable seats for my 6'8" frame throughout the model years e30 all the way through f code chassis.

It's not so much that they are uncomfortable per say, but rather just not as comfortable as the S5's. I do still believe the sport seats in both the e30 and the X5 are very nice, and I had no problem with them up until now. You are taller than I, with me being 6'3 ~200lbs. The bigger seats just cradle me better. No part of me sticks out past the seat, whether it be head or shoulders, where as they kind of do in the sport seats. You just feel like you are being swaddled in rich napa leather like a little baby. It's like a cocoon. They are just so much bigger and sportive than the sport seats that you feel underwhelmed.

Gotcha. I do love the nappa in my new X5... and the comfort seats are surprisingly comfortable with the clamshell adjustable backrest. My wife and I used to be sports seats only for our BMW's but these have surprised us, especially on trips. They lay down almost flat like a bed for those emergency power naps at rest stops.

Those S5 seats do look mighty comfy. I've sat in some S4 seats but it was older and those look much more comfy.

My radiator after 200K miles developed a leak so I changed the thermostat, expansion tank, water pump, and three major hoses along with the new Behr radiator.

Got it detailed and getting the new rear tires mounted today.

I installed rear H&R spacers on my 4.8 yesterday it looks SICK.

525it_feen. is your truck lowered? I want to drop my truck so bad just that my air suspension works perfectly and It hurts tu remove all 4 air bags since it's perfect. I have an 06 4.8is what do you recomend if I decide to lower it?

Washed my both Babys. Both Silver with Red Leather !

Decided to sell it!

Picking up a '15 Grand Cherokee after work.

I'm really going to miss my X5, but it was just one thing after another. I've got a young kid, a new job, and a wife that feel like we dont spend enough quality time together. Add all that up and going out to diagnose the latest problem with the X at the tune of $500/pop just wore me out.

I'll have some goodies for sale in a couple of days, I pulled the sirius module, the working TCU, my new Rim/Tires, my compass/homelink mirror and the rear hatch springs.

I suspect I'll be back into BMW's in a couple of years once I have some more time. my current desire is either a E39 540iT or a E24/E28.

Good Luck!

Yes its lowered on BC coilovers. I HATED the way my air suspension rode in any setting stock or lowered. There was nothing wrong with it I just didn't like it. I had a 4.8iS before this one with a lowering module and even with that I couldn't get it to ride the way I had liked. BC over everything if you ask me.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e53-forum/101804-few-new-snaps.html

Would love to see the 4.8's interior if you have pics

Nice work. What was the total parts tally and supplier?

Find someone with some software. Takes like 10 mins to lower it.

I hear you, and again there was nothing malicious meant by it. I was just as surprised by your response as you were by my "ribbing" (though not received as such I realize). At any rate, you're contributions here are no doubt helpful and I'll continue to view your comments/suggestions/posts in the highest regard. Sorry again for the misunderstanding.

I agree with you that it is up to each of us as to how we deliver criticism, but would add that it is also up to each of us as to how we receive criticism.

PS: Maybe my family is just brutally honest that way I suppose... lol. My sister has called me fat. So I lost 40lbs. She doesn't call me fat anymore. :D HAHAHAHA... I never get the question "Hey Hon, does this dress make me look fat?" from my wife either... so I've got that going for me.

Wow I did not know that you could lower it with a special module. Can you guys please give me more details as far as how to do it. I called my technician and I know he messed with the suspension when the self leveling sensor gave out but it just centered it out. How can I get this done? Any links available or what module is the one I need? I guess I could try it and then if I don't like it I'll see how it is to get lowering springs.

Yes I will upload some pictures of my interior. I actually switched the red leather from my previous 03 4.6is. It was giving me problem after problem so I bought this one, switch the whole interior and then sold the 03 with the black leather. Have tons of different ideas for this X. Love this forum but don't really log in that much anymore.

APPRECIATE YOUR HELP GUYS

The module is discontinued (Intrax)

Wow, I remember Intrax... guessing they aren't around anymore? They had an e30 spring that was a ludicrous drop. Like 2.5+ inches I think.

So am I too late in 2015 to get my 2006 dropped with this method?

Thanks

Thanks. The parts total was around $375 including the BMW coolant. I bought the Contitech hoses, Behr expansion tank, and Wahler water pump from Amazon with help from my cashback points and the Behr/Hella radiator I had a $25 off coupon from eeuroparts. The Saleri water pump I found for only $53 including shipping @ partsgeek. I also replaced the two trans cooler (that attaches to the radiator) seals.

good luck with the cherokee, a buddy of mine picked 1 up last year and had to replace the tranny in it already. hope yours isn`t like that 1 . all I can say is don`t push it to the limit.
as for working on the x5 its my getting away from the family :D , but all also have a daughter thats 18 and son 15 and been married for 20yrs too.

I finally got around to swap my headlights to something "new".



This is the result.

^ looking good. where did you get them and how much were those headlights?

Thx! I sourced them on finn.no (norwegian versjon of craigslist), they were used for approx 15 months by previous owner (which is an E53 fan and keeps changing his car for exhibitions). I paid 1300NOK (approx 150USD), which a reasonable price in my opinion here in norway.

1 word. Warranty!! It's super nice. So glad I did this

Here are some pictures

Sorry I'm trying to upload with my phone and its getting complicated

Here are more pics

More pics

It will only let me upload one pic at a time

I painted all the interior trim to silver. It was originally dark wood and looked terrible. GPS just added the aux cable for iPhone last week super easy to do

Bonus pic of my Matching TJ;)

Chicago!!

yeah agree warranty is nice. piece of mind.

It's a cheap quick plasti dip paint job, The X5 is next I hope if I have time next weekend to match the same color. If you aren't that delicate and are ok with a 7 out of 10 paint job I recommend plastidip. Only because it helps with protecting the original paint in CHICAGO weather. Not for show quality at all!!!

Pads,sensor and air filter arrived from Bavauto

Rotors, brake clips & rubber bushing arrived from Rockauto

probably my favorite thread :)

new member here with black 2004 e53 x5 3.0 (112k miles)

-tints all around 20% with windshield 50%
-plastidipped all emblems
-thinking about doing rims too but they are style 130's 17in? (not sure if worth it)

Welcome!

Let us know how it all works out.

What's the name of the replacement ones you put in, I love them!

The label says Sonar 105r98, I tried to google them for you. Didn't find any good sites about them.

Best matching I found were these: BMW X5 1998-2003 Siyah Angel Eyes Far Sonar

However I suspect they are not top notch and that maybe the prev owner added the "eyebrow". They looks good now, but ask me again further down road...

Will do

I owe you a beer n burger here in the loop :)
When you stop at chi-town, give me a buzz
I appreciate all the tips not just bimmers topic (including the road trip as well last 4th of July)

Id kill for that interior.

ok perfect thanks for the referral

and any other chicago peeps in here :)

wanted to get input from people who have tinted their taillights and if they did only part or the whole light?

I'm located in CHICAGO big e46 fanatic and now e53 since I needed a suv now. Here is my baby

The crazy story is that I totally swapped the interiors from my old 2003 4.6is to my new 4.8is. Long story short story, few years ago I finally found the 4.6 with the red leather, drove 8 hours for it and finally arrived to my house. Had bunch of problems with the Trans and normal small issues that I finally was able to fix the trans (ABS MODULE was causing everything) before I sold it I found this nice 4.8 is low miles so decided to get it. Worked my ass off to switch the whole interior from one to the other and now I have the perfect combo 4.8is with pano roof and red interior. Painted the trim from wood to aluminum color and I just Love it now ......

Local insight on where to go and where to eat is ALWAYS great. Glad to help.

beautiful, what mods if any have you done to it?

picking up gun metal grey plastidip at Menards after work today for rims this weekend :)

Well I have done a few, nothing to major buy make a difference.
1. Installed OEM ALUMINUM running boards
2. Installed rear H&R wheels spacers
3. New tires all around
4. Installed iPhone aux cable on the GPS radio
5. Painted all interiro trim from original ugly wood to a nice smoked aluminum to match the door handles and look a million times better ( the center console I cheated and just masked it around, taking it out is a nite mare)
6. Completely swapped interiors from black leather to red leather.
7. Replaced angel eye bulb with LED BULB I GOt the 10w 6000k but I didn't really like them. I wanted a nice bright white color like the new bmws or the CCFL but oh well. I'll get some later. I should of gotten something with more watts but I didn't want to go with 7000k because then they look blue I don't know ill do some more research later.

Next in mind is to lower it. I want to Dropp it SOOO bad but don't want to spend the money in removing all the original suspension.

I plan of changing tail lights and painting all black plastic to match the truck

Rear wheels with H&R spacers

dem seats, dem spacers, dat interior clean pheel :)

how did you go about painting the interior, I have the same crappy wood trim in mine and a few pieces are slightly cracked due to general wear and tear plus cold weather in Chicago smh

I was gonna just look for replacements but I find it's not as easy as it looks

Maybe I can just come to you and you can do mine :)

Finally posted everything for sale:

http://www.xoutpost.com/classifieds/...ia-bridge.html

It's actually not that hard but will take a full days worth of work. The most important and delicate part is the prepping. Make you clean them and get all the grease out of not paint will not bond correctly. Removing everything is super easy just use a thin flat screwdriver and those small plastic ones they are sold in any auto parts. Use a cloth underneath the screwdriver to prevent any rips.
1 I just wet sanded all the parts in my kitchen sink
2 dried them really good
3 cleansed them with alcohol or any pre paint cleaner from homedepot
4 remove any particulars from cloth and once is completely dry it's ready for paint
5 I didn't even use primer I used that Krylon 2 in 1 spray cans that have primer already, did 4 thin coats let each coat dry about 10-15 minutes between each coat.
6 I did 2 final small coats of satin clear I didn't want to use glossy. You can go with a Matt finish too it looked super nice.
Let them dry for 24 hours and ready for install.

It's honestly super easy and fun.

The hardest part is the center consule and shift knob. I was too lazy to remove everything so I just really carefully masked the whole center console and seats and dashboard everything with plastic sheet because the mist from paint will go everywhere. Just do small short thin coats to not have over spray everywhere.

The shift knob it's super easy to snapp it off there is a video on youtube. This one I did do several coats of color and Matt clear because you grabb it every day so it needs a thicker coat.

About the cracks I would recommend a thin body filler.

Over all a great change inside the truck it looks and feels like a new modern truck and only spend like $35 bucks compares to expensive trim

^Really? All that work and you couldn't take the hour to pull the console? Lol

Hahahah well I was reading a few threads here and it stated that you needed to remove the whole under dashboard to remove the center trim. I just got lazy I didn't even bother to start messing with it lol. Overall it came out nice.

So l want to start a new topic for you guys it's a Bit of a Teaser for everyone.

This is something I had started to do last year for my 2003 4.6is. I love the rear end of the e53 but I just hate the front bumper and there are noooo options as far as buying nice aftermarket bumper so I decided to just Make my own. Unfortunatly as I was half way into the project my Trans took a shit and bunch of other problems and it just stayed in my basement. Now I decided I will have to take it apart and build it to fit my 4.8is

X6 M BUMPER IN MY 4.8is !!!!!!!

?????? Hahha kinda crazy idea but I'll get it done eventually maybe in winter when im bored after work

Here is another picture

That interior looks sweet!!! Great work.

That's going to look awesome I think! You're right that there aren't very good aftermarket options out there for the bumpers.

Replaced seeping gear selector shaft seal.

is that for the gm auto transmission?

Yes it is.

BMW believes that rubber seal is worth $40+! WTF?! Napa has for $2.29 and O'reily tops the scale at $3.49!

All rubber is not equal, most of the Genuine BMW rubber parts are Viton. The "discount" stores rubber parts usually fails much sooner.

When my OE VCG seals started leaking at around 150k miles, I replaced with the BMW Viton gaskets ($140). I could have gotten the non-Viton gaskets for around $90 less, didn't because I don't want to re-do the job in 2yrs/40k miles.

These "bargain" seals are great for indys (car will be in every 2 yrs for same repair) and used car lots (low cost part, vehicle will be long gone when it fails).

The Genuine BMW parts can be found outside the dealer network for lower cost.

how hard is it to do that seal?

Replaced both front end links and got my four wheel drive working for the first time since I had the car. When I bought it 2 bolts from the front diff were missing and one was broken off. I drilled the broken one out and replaced the bolts. Its nice driving without hearing the clunk of the drive shaft hitting the diff every time I shift and let off the clutch.

Installed cool carbon pads with centric high carbon alloy rotors. Removed all brake parts and wire brushed everything! Brake Fluid flushed.

+1 the quality of the OE seal makes a difference and does last longer. Like you I go with the OE seals.

[QUOTE=TiAgX5;1053512]All rubber is not equal, most of the Genuine BMW rubber parts are Viton. The "discount" stores rubber parts usually fails much sooner.

When my OE VCG seals started leaking at around 150k miles, I replaced with the BMW Viton gaskets ($140). I could have gotten the non-Viton gaskets for around $90 less, didn't because I don't want to re-do the job in 2yrs/40k miles.

These "bargain" seals are great for indys (car will be in every 2 yrs for same repair) and used car lots (low cost part, vehicle will be long gone when it fails).

The Genuine BMW parts can be found outside the dealer network for lower cost.[/

For something non-critical like this I could change out yearly for the next 10 years and still be money ahead. Plus it is a GM part and has been used in their transmissions for many years. I would only use OEM gaskets for critical and internal parts but for something like this there is absolutely no good reason to pay 10+ times the price.

It was easy. You remove the nut that holds the selector to the rod then I used a pick to carefully remove the old seal (you can also get the GM seal removal tool but IMO is not necessary). I cleaned up everything and then pressed the new seal into place using a 14mm socket and couple small pieces of wood to create a lever and apply even pressure.

I thought you might have to drop the tranny to do it ,but I guess you don`t. I`ll probably end up doing mine next year. where did you get your seal from?

What iPhone cord did you use? Need one for wife's copy of e53


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Just bought one from Ebay.com for $20 bucks and worked good

Installed left and right outer front axle boots. It was pretty easy removing the axle shafts and working with the axle on bench in vice. The only difficult problem that was encountered had to do with removing the castle nut off of the driver hub. This axle had been replaced and it was clear that it as way over tightened. The tabs on the castle nut were completely smashed down. In the end we had to use a heat torch to loosen it up so that the impact could remove the nut. After that everything was easy peasy.

Typical weekend. Work on cars and around the house. I replaced the thermostat in my wife's X. We are starting to need heat. You know "Happy Wife, Happy Life". Worked on my ML350, dropped in a engine the other weekend and now allot of little things need done. I picked up a backhoe to remove a cracked up patio. Normal weekend.

Oh definitely not, it's very simple (mine is a 3.0i with GM transmission)and the only thing you remove is the nut that hold the selector lever to the shaft. I got my seal for O'reiley for $3.49 or they are available from Napa for $2.29. I just used a pick to remove and was actually very simple. There is nothing to drain or prepare, just simply remove and press in the new seal.

sounds easier than replacing a thermostat. which I did about a month ago.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10...fe29f78682.jpg

Hauled 10 4x8' wallboard panels about 80 miles.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10...c4d506ca32.jpg

Had to move them across the street after pulling off the roof (ratchet tie down straps looped around the bottom up to them roof rack) http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10...a999fd6b7f.jpg
Close up of the attachment points. Tiedown strap around the steel angle. It's crazy secure.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10...fbb26ba3d6.jpg
Since the panels are very flexible I put a board over the top clamped down and taped the edge down to the door jamb. Works marvelously well


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Wow!

I couldn't do this on my X5!

At least, you got home safely.

I think you should invest in a pick-up truck. It may be easier and more practical for you.

I couldn't carry nearly the same stuff with a pickup truck. The inside is filled with tools. Pickups don't really have a ton of utility for carrying a diverse set of tools. The beauty of a 2nd hand 14 yr old car is i don't feel bad at all about pushing the limits. I do take precautions such as laying out carpet scraps inside or pad the roof with foam. A decent pickup would also have been twice the price I paid for my x5.


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@kvc

love the gloss finish trim btw!

anyways, carbon fiber license plate cover should be in this week and just received my stealth chrome turn signal bulbs from bimmian today :)

Do you mind posting your tool setup? I intend for the same to come of mine, full of tools. Like a worktruck.

Not sure what he uses, I use these to transport tools.......

I typically use Lucky to transport my tools.

Bazinga

First of all shout out to TiagX5 and StephenVA
* we installed cool carbon pads on our e90 3 series a couple of months ago
with zimmerman coated rotors
* also painted the calipers with G2

Very satisfied with the bite and low dust versus the OE pads / OEM textar
( based from my observation) - I have not tried the akebono euro pads yet


*Now we installed cool carbon pads with centric solid rotors (new clips with rubber bushing kit)
* and G2

Will I use cool carbon pads on our E46 m3? yes! Definitely
Still deciding on the rotors :)

Cool - I would never have thought to use the X5 as a workhorse, but I suppose if it fits the bill, then why not eh! I assume you have another daily driver or is this beast used to cart the 'trouble n strife' and the 'tin lids' too?

Glad to help!

On the M3 harder driving runs? Look at the Euro floaters. Pure Sex....:thumbup:

I've posted a number of threads showing how I transport my tools and also the killer roof rack that can carry almost anything

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10...dc22913495.jpg

Here's my latest addition to the setup: an absolutely perfect fit. Three bins that can be accessed while stacked. I use for supplies and materials. Search for threads started by me to see the other things like my backpack rack that perfectly holds my 4 Milwaukee toolboxes.


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Oh and for "what I did". Replaced my useless rear wiper with a badass model. Never cheap out on blades

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10...d72c1ddc13.jpg
Fit BMWЯ into the most ridiculously small garage. The driver mirror actually flipped the weather seal over on the garage door as I was backing out.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10...d065190bc7.jpg

Got in an insane Chicago style parking mess. Wow about 1 inch from backpack.



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:thumbup:

I bought another USB charger for the rear vent

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...L._SL1000_.jpg

Replaced the fuel filter and air filter on the X. On our old Audi, it was just a 10 minutes job, but on the X it was close to two hours.

Fuel filter
1st time on the X?

lol cutting it close on that park job

gotta love chicago parking

People at U-Haul doubt the towing capacity of my iS. 80mph on the interstate is a piece of cake.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps2dwmwwwu.jpg

^Those cars had such a weird window design. Some sort of Oldsmobile I think? You just buy it?

Motorsport1207 hooked me up with some interior wood trim replacements since mine are cracked, looking forward to popping them in :)

I believe it is a Subaru SVX. Which begs the question, what are you doing with it?

I picked up the Ridgid ProTube yesterday, now I have the FULL Ridgid tool transport set. ;)

This set fits in the back of the X with the rear seats up, (with 5 passengers). Seems like Ridgid designed the sizes/shapes for the E53. Unobstructed view out the rear window too.

That's pretty cool. Looks like a nice set.

On a side note, are you taking pictures with a digital point and shoot?

Yeah, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T5. I found even with res turned down to 1 meg-pix, the Zeiss lens makes sharp images that don't exceed pic res/size limits on here.

That's too funny. I haven't used one of those in probably 8 years

It's about 10 yrs old, can't kill it.

It's the 2nd SVX I bought in a month period. Get it for real cheap with a mess up timing belt. The owner was trying to fix it but he gave up. I spent this morning and have it running already :D
A little cleaning and I can flip it for some nice profit.

Nice work! Those are non-interference engines then I take it. I have ZERO clue as to the market for those and rarely see them. Are they sought after?

Thats rad. Do they sell easy? It is such an oddball car.

Follow up on the tool setup.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10...ce86ac7f53.jpg
Outside mode. No tools inside

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10...aada8058a3.jpg
Inside mode. When using 3 of the 4 boxes it makes a very nice second level also I can still open them.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10...a894045988.jpg
Inside of the power tool box.

Contains:
M18 fuel versions of:
•1/2 " hammer drill
• impact driver (1/4 hex)
• impact wrench (compact 1/2 " drive
• right angle grinder

m12 fuel versions of
•oscillating tool
•5-3/8 circular saw
•hackzall

Every tool except the 1/2 impact has the battery attached and can be pulled out directly for immediate use.

Haven't had the time to calculate the cost density on that box but the four boxes combined cost more than the x5

(Also earned more than the cost of both together in the past 12 mo. )


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nice tools ;)

Nope, first time was when I brought it three years ago.

Those Subarus have non-inteference engine. They have quite a group of followers. Most of those SVXs have trouble with the original transmission due to heat. That can be fixed by swapping a 4.44 tranny and VLSD from a 96-98 Subaru Outback. I'm in the process of doing that to the 1st SVX I got, with only 97k miles and in great shape.
The 2nd one has 107k miles with no problem at all. KBB prices it at ~$3600. My total in that one at the moment is the $600.

Nice find.

I loved those "split window" Subarus when they came out, clean design.

Had a shop install:
Reman alternator 180A,
INA tensioners,
Contitech belts
INA idler pulley

Towed race car to the track! Love the tow and love the 3hr drive home in comfort.
http://i58.tinypic.com/2q3ri8i.jpghttp://i62.tinypic.com/2rdjkg7.jpg
http://i59.tinypic.com/2vcdv7n.jpg
http://i58.tinypic.com/x85qs.jpg

Just in time for the last laps of Bathurst.

replaced the dead airbag module with a working one)

Where's all the spare tyres and toolbox?

All toolbox in the x5 and other things in another 4x4 that was following us :)

Replaced the serpentine belts, water pump and thermostat and made a DIY video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rci7ASOme7o

VERY nice DIY. Good work. Should help many Xoutpost members and youtubers alike. :thumbup:

Thanks. 40+ years of collecting I'm getting my toolset pretty refined.


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^ you must be getting ready to retire soon?

Nice postings !

Started at 7


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so your not that old at all ,around my age than.

Nice tool set andrewynn.

I have the 12v set, would have gone with the Milwaukee boxes but saw they performed poorly in drop testing......

Pick up a 2000 4.4i last night. High mileage (201k) with transmission problem (P0735 - gear 5 incorrect ratio) I bought it for the aero kit and the wheels. It has lots of electronic upgrade inside. Still debating of fixing it or parting it out.
The kit will be on my iS. The front bumper will not fit but I already have something for that.
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...pszuka42nz.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psaimijhsi.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps72gr4xdj.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps4bxqgaxn.jpg

That sure is a clean looking 2000! I don't know if you need another vehicle, but if the engine has been maintained the way the outside appearance has been, I think I'd carefully inspect the front driveshaft and transfer case splines, and if they're okay, then install a re-manufactured transmission. The aero-kit definitely adds to the street appeal in my opinion. There could be another 200,000 miles left in it with the right care.

2002 X5 3.0 289,300 miles
2004 325i 123,000 miles

Those wheels are awesome. Let me know if you want to sell the IS stuff (minus the front)

Very nice score!!! Those e70 wheels look great on there too.

I wanted that aero kit in the worst way when i started shopping for an e53. I like it A LOT. Now that I have the IS though it has curbed my thirst for it. Maybe if I find a deal like you got I'll do the same... I wonder if you can still buy that kit new?

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psaimijhsi.jpg

Wow! What a difference with that kit!....:wow:...not liking the F & R bumpers though.

And for some reason.....it looks better with stock suspension height!

Congrats on the purchase!:thumbup:

I do not need another vehicle. Already have more cars than drivers :D
Look like it worth more in parts than as a complete car. If I need a car, sure I'll fix it.

The kit is NLA. The only way to obtain it is to buy one with it installed.

I'll let you know when I have them removed.

This is the front bumper I'd like to pair with the kit. I think it should match.

Well, mixed day -

Positives - changed my front right driveshaft

Negatives - unexpectedly had to change one track rod end, driveshaft didn't fix the rattle

Replaced rear upper control arm and traction strut on the drivers side. Did the rear ball joint and the integral link on that side last weekend. No more squeaks from that side. Passenger side up next weekend, and new rear shocks/shock mounts.

Finally got rid off my ugly 17" winter wheels and replace them with more correct 19" winter wheels.

Before:
Attachment 67765

After:
Attachment 67766


Nevermind the "skibox", it is coming off after winter.
Now my search for new 20" wheels for summer season is starting.

JBF,
What vibration are you chasing? I ask since I have a slight vibration at idle when cold (very slight) after doing water pump (4.8is) and suspect 8 torque head bolts which hold in the the engine vibration damper. Seems to be conflicting info on need to replace or reuse them.

#8 in the diagram
RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog


FXSLIN,
Nice looking! Even with that box :)
Do you notice a difference in mileage with the box on?

I haven't done anything yet, but I am scheming. Got a new tcase chain today and an extended driveshaft is on its way. Also going to replace the tcase mount.

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/v...pshhci18bw.jpg

Not really yet. Only had the box on for 3 weeks yet, I'll know more after this winter (I do track my milage via an Android app on my headunit).
However it is a tad more noisy and add extra height to the car. I purchased Prorack rack to "win" back a few cm's on the height and get the box more aligned with the car.

This is how we like to use the E53 during weekends, trips up in the norwegian mountains.
Attachment 67784

Oil change and next up installing the Carbon Fiber transfer case gear. Wish me luck. :thumbup:

I have a Thule box as shown here on an X3:

https://www.google.com/search?q=Thul...FaGx-jpEBdM%3A

With the front overhang necessary to allow the rear hatch to open, I'm afraid the box really sticks its nose into the windstream. My fuel mileage drops one mile per gallon at 65MPH with the box on, and two miles per gallon at 70MPH. And in a fast 80MPH holiday weekend pace on Labor Day, I was down at 16.7 MPG with my 3.0! I was glad the gasoline prices had fallen.

2002 X5 3.0 289,660 miles
3004 325i 123,000 miles