Thanks, yours is 👌as well!!


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Looks Great!

I replaced the drivers side valve cover gasket and upper timing gasket yesterday. 1 side = 6 hours. What a PITA.

Will work on the passenger side today / tomorrow.

getting a nice delivery from FCP Euro today; bilstein shocks / struts, H&R springs, and a 20 pc. suspension bushing overhaul kit. hoping to get it installed over the weekend. :cool:

Beautiful 4.6is.
All you need to do is paint the lid of the roofbox, in matching Estoril!

Replaced both my low beam D2S Xenon lamps last night - the left side had gone pink in the last couple of days and then went out totally.

I grabbed a pair of 85122 D2S Philips lamps locally (to replace the Philips lamp that appeared to be original) but I'm not sure they aren't fakes. They looked good (the lamps) under close inspection but the price was too low for them to be real. They also work well in the car, with nicely defined bean cutoff and good colour matching etc. But still... :confused:

I'll get some real Osrams from Powerbulbs soon. :thumbup:

Meh... Even if they are not genuine, if they perform then keep them. Their failure mode cannot cause any damage.

I was thinking that too but I read that some of the fake lamps have poor UV blocking and the extra UV emissions can yellow your headlight lenses - from the inside! Hard to buff that out! :(

But.. I don't believe everything I read on the internet. :D

Not sure if fake/cheap bulbs were the cause... but my headlights had damage on the inside of the lenses. :dunno:

What sort of damage, crystalworks? :yikes:

Crazing and hazing. Most of it was removable with wet sanding and polishing. Same process that everyone has posted for the outside of the lenses. Was a serious PITA!

Very nice. I have a load of suspension stuff to install as well. Want me to drop mine off when you're done? ;)

This wasn't just today, but it's what I've done in the past week or two;
New 6000K bulbs for fog lights to match the AEs and low beams
New right outer tie rod
New driver side window regulator
Cluster mod
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f5...psliy0kjcu.jpg

Red sharpie on the needles nice touch! I have satin silver rings on my cluster as well

Haha, thanks! I thought the red needles would a little something extra to the cluster. I like it!
I wish they came stock with the rings, it looks so much nicer with them on!

Yes a very tasteful mod for your X5

I did the satin rings (matches the interior trim)....

^^Holy crap TiAg your seats are in amazing shape for the mileage - mine look like yours and I have over 100k less miles on them

They have around 185k on them in that pic.

Lexol cleaner (agitated with a microfiber towel rinsed/wrung near dry in a hot water bucket after each sq/ft section), followed by a double app of Lexol conditioner, every spring and fall. Seats and seams are vacuumed each month to remove grit, I use the super-soft Rigid auto interior detail brush.

13yrs/200k miles and passengers tell me it looks like a new car inside.

Its amazing how good these BMW seats of that era(E46/E39/E38/E53) hold up with a regiment of cleaning and feeding the leather. Last weekend I detailed the X5 and had to do a leather cleaning and treatment since there was body shop dust on the inside. My wife was like these seats look like they are new. A little care here goes a long way. My bother has an E39 540i '98 and it has 198K yet his leather looks like the day it came off of the showroom floor.

Bought a rear bumper trim off of a 4.8is yesterday. Have to get it painted to match my titanium silver. Really excited to put it on my baby! Installation seems fairly easy. Removing the tabs and using epoxy to keep it on, along with a few screws.
Will show before and after pics when it's finished.
I can also buy the rear fender flares for $100(didn't pull the trigger on it(yet)).. should I do it? Can't decide.

Really liking the 4.6/4.8is look as of late, decided to dress her up with that 4.8is look

Short story with a happy ending... Went to visit a friend and it start raining 3min from his house and The X started leaking too...

This is what i found 😒😒

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...2c77f09910.jpg

Removed both hoses cleaned it and installed 35min...



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Ok so finally added the rear bumper trim to the back,
please disregard how dirty it is; haven't washed in a couple of weeks..
Really liking it! :wow:

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f5...g?t=1473784532
currently hiding in 4.8is clothing :rofl:

Looks GREAT!:thumbup:

Thanks ! :D

Ahhh comfort glass windshield installed today!!!! Nice and what a difference

NEW WHEELS HAMANN
 

MY NEW LOOK WITH WHEELS HAMANN 22"

EXAUST MODIF
 

Remove OEM catalitic coverter and replace by dammy and install magnaflow resonator.
big difference.:thumbup::cool:

^Looking good. Let's see the rear end.

Illias good to hear from you. My the wheels look good. What size tires did you decide to go with on the 22 inch rims? Man I am lovin the tile floor and the scissors lift. Very Classy.

The size my friend is 285/35/22 very confortable. regards

Would like to see a photo from a distance.

+1:popcorn:

....Posted it For Sale as I'm leaving the country next June!

r&r power steering pump and high pressure hose messy but easy job, 3hr job for my 1st 1 next time will be quicker. replaced at 230000km.

new fuel filter today
changed at just after 200k km

Swap my old keys to new ones which can take in metal stick!

^^Love this mod!

@~109k miles

RR - steering angle sensor
(Infamous 4x4 ABS Module dashboard warning light)

Inx's: I just did the NSC last weekend (100 miles cycling, 7.5 hrs with 5 stops)
Preparing for Chi Marathon, 2017 Barry Roubaix & Door County Century

PDR'd a few annoying dings the X had already since I purchased it, and one hail ding (yes just one) that San Antonio got during our hail storms last spring. No longer have to look at those when I wash the car. :)

Popped another AE halogen lamp - this one lasted about a year.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...psx2n1cf37.jpg

That halogen lamp is for angel light? And u have yellow angels? Suggest u to change them to white ones!

Never! ;)

I like the OEM look of the incandescent AE lights. I like the super bright white AE lights on the later cars too, but my car is an E53, not an E70 or F15 and I don't want to pretend it is... :D

I hate yellow angel :D I have an old preFL e53 and I have white angels!

Yesterday changed rear brake discs for Zimmerman and handbrake things!

With all of those lights on Is that the Starship Enterprise?:wow:

Still looking for led hood grill for e53 prefl and led scuffs!

Aye Aye Captain. Number one let it be so:thumbup:

brake lines
 

photo for X53Jay4.8is(brake lines)

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/i...spOjx2d97OsDkC

:D

How did you get the original bulb out of the holder?

Rear cap on the back where the AE is. 2 Screws if I recall.....and viola

There are no screws - just plastic melted "rivets"

Used the nifty mod on the AE reflector to create little slots to allow the BA9 bulb bayonet pins to pass through the central hole.

This video shows the mod. It's not E53 but they are almost the same (reflector and bulb are identical).



I used a dremel with a small drill bit to create the bayonet clearance notches but a small wire wrapped around a soldering iron would work well too.

Thanks - much appreciated :thumbup:

2006 X5 3.0i 179000 miles

In the last year:

New brakes and rotors (twice)
Replaced radiator.
Replaced CCV and hoses
Replaced thrust arms, control arms and torsion links
Replaced transmission fluid and filter
Replaced steering angle sensor
Replaced CV boot on driver's front side
Fixed brake light housing problem (ten cents of solder)
Replaced angel eye bulbs with led units
Put on leather steering wheel cover
Replaced bad window washer pump
Did Kreen procedure. (results pending)
Replaced windshield

Still need to do:
replace rear window wiper motor (so rear washer works)
Likely need to do a rear suspension refresh
Replace water pump and all pulleys, tensioners, etc.

Changed the plastic mesh out

So need to do this too - looking at alloy mesh to replace the plastic mesh though - better bird protection! :-)

*update* just looked at your pic on my computer rather than my phone and I see you HAVE used alloy mesh and not OEM grills - looks good! :thumbup:

After removing the door panel and the moisture barrier, found my passenger's side window regulator has failed and I have to cut the cable to free it. So I ordered a used unit off fleabay and will install my new plastic clip onto it, along with the zip tie mod before installing.

Figured I would try a used one as my motor is good and after modifying with the new cable clip from the regulator repair kit I had on hand it should be fine. If not... no biggie, it was a $40 experiment and I'll order a new OE unit. :thumbup:

Drove her to Carolina Coast after hurricane Matthew passed through! Drove 362 miles and have a little over a 1/4 tank of gas left! :D

Attachment 70327

Attachment 70328

How did you do that ? Pleaselet me know step by step its my dream

It's stucco backing. 😎
$7.49 at Lowe's

Won't that just rust over time.....even tho it's galvanized......

Won't the factory plastic get brittle and break over time?

Plastic doesn't rust...

Offshore steel that's galvanized.....I've seen plenty of stucco exteriors with rust bleed through

I've got this - it's alloy.

UNIVERSAL MESH BLACK HEX 120CMX28CM - Supercheap Auto

I need to do this too. What's involved? Thanks!

Removing the bumper (easy enough)
Remove the old plastic (mine shattered upon the slightest contact)
Cut and zip tie mesh.
Receive 1000 cuts in the process.

Thanks! It's on my list of things to do!

Cleaned engine surface

AKA clean diesel :thumbup:

Looks fantastic!:thumbup: Please tell me - did you have to remove the bumper? I have the same problem, and also have a factory nudge-bar, along with the headlight washers... been avoiding this job due to the onerous task of having to remove the bumper (so I imagine).

I am in the process of putting in a new AC evaporator and its the best time to change my interior trim while I have the vehicle ripped down. So tonight I tackled the center consolr change over. Whoa what a beast of an item. There are so many small specialized star head screws in the console you have to make sure that you have the right tools to tackle the job. Anyway I got it done and the rest of the trim is a cake-walk as compared to the center console. I replaced the maple wood with the dark smoked wood that very few of the X5 came equipped with.It looks great with the black interior. Can't wait to get the rest changed over.

Refinished my headlights for a new clean look

In the last few weeks..CCV delete, valve cover gasket, oil filter and oil change, air filter, corroded brake lines under the drivers side ( done by someone else), spark plugs, O2 sensor, drivers window regulator, wipers, Indy cleared "Trans Program" error and did upgraded software to the MAF. Still to come....new water pump, thermostat, coolant change, belts, tensioner, radiator, hoses.

Came home walked around the front of the Beast and smelled something burning. Had a great time replacing the thermostat (easy) then rewiring the thermostat heater. Melted connector and wires...

Had the drain hose unclogged and tried to find the fuses to fix the side light and mirror after having the pdc sorted out

Nothing exciting
 

Washed, dry, detailed interior & wheels, put on a trickle charger and cover vehicle.
Next up P/S reservoir and lines.(sweating lines)
Upper control arms rear (tire wear)

Gave the X5 a break and got the CEO's approval to drive her 428i on a 540 mile round trip to San Antonio. Effortless at 95 mph on the 130 toll road around Austin, plenty of reserve on tap with that N20 motor! Averaged 74.5 mph and 35.3 mpg. Really makes me want that 8-speed transmission.

2002 X5 3.0 311,250 miles
2014 428i 22,400 miles

2004 325i sold at 123,600 miles
2001 325i sold at 66,000 miles

1970 Firebird - Under restoration

No just the cover. There's a harness to disconnect that runs everything.
Same for the washer fluid line.

Repaired plasti dip where it was damaged when I had that tire replaced.

Adjusted ride height on passenger side rear.

Wow. 35.3mpg is great. Especially with sustained speeds of 95mph.

I was just on that toll road this weekend as well as I had a tennis tournament in Austin. I let the X cruise at 80mph though and barely managed 17mpg lol. These trucks much prefer 65-70mpg if going for best mpg.

I dropped the X off at the auto upholster today

Was doing some work in the garage so the bay was filled. Wrapped up, went outside to pull the car in. Forgot I had a mini diag plier in my rear pocket.....

Installed lower steering universal joint. Having the steering column out made things alot easier since I am replacing the evaporator.

Drove 2350km from Luanda-Angola to Windhoek-Namibia with My road Fellas
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...8ab0152ff9.jpg

Its that time of The year we like to drive, last year I toke My E39 This time is The 4.6is going for a overall make up...

Entering the city, notice the different colour in the passenger door( the door was swapped due to an accident that damaged the door.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...5f001e1223.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...ba1c62cb46.jpg
The wallet sucker bill
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...98b8178c80.jpg

And a small vid captured by Lolita's owner 😹😹😹
https://vimeo.com/187780294

Started getting parts already
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...cd238d7a17.jpg

The Rovers will get lifted, new tires and wheels, the jeep will get wheels,tires and a custom muffler(Powerflow)...

The X will get me broke:D:D:D:D:D

Tinking on getting a powerflow exhaust too... what do you guys think?!

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In the past week;
Installed front and rear fender flares, body of a 4.8iS.
Installed k&n cold air intake.
Installed LED interior, it's not bad
Performed my first oil change. I followed the steps found from this forum actually. It was actually really easy and simple, not to mention quite fun. I enjoy working on my own car.. might do the oil changes myself from now on. I now get to know what goes in the car, in term of oil, filters, etc.

X5 finally got a good wash. Been about two months. I know, I'm a bad parent. Between dealing with the failed ALC module (finally just bypassed) and then a failed passenger front window regulator (replaced with good used unit with new sliders and zip tie mod) the X5 had just been put inside dirty for a long while. Benefits of 3 other cars I guess.

After 4.5 hours, here are the results:

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...5/DSC_0513.jpg

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...5/DSC_0515.jpg

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...5/DSC_0516.jpg

Made sure to get the fender liners and everything, but did stop short of removing the wheels. I'll do that next time. With the open spokes on these wheels I was still able to clean the barrels really well.

It looks fantastic. Out of curiosity, how did you score the clear side-markers on your headlights?

Great job!

See the thread below. Not for the faint of heart let me tell you. It's actually high temp silver wheel paint. Lots of flake in it.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ml#post1072341

Thank you sir. Much appreciated. So many nice X's on this site, just trying to hold my own with everyone else setting the bar so high. Yourself included of course. :thumbup:

Put on new belt tensioner pulley and idler pulley. Put an end to the "flute" under the hood.

http://cloud.tapatalk.com/s/580c0d46...22_181752.jpg?

Decided to FINALLY install my Titanium silver deco skid plate and remove my Kalahari Beige painted deco skid plate. I'm happy with the change for winter.

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You have two skid plates? You lucky dog.

I have 3 actually. An unpainted black one too.

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Need the plastic cover on the front bumper. Looking good otherwise.

Sexy. Love the running boards

I think Crystalworks uses that area of the bumper for his front plate holder. Probably removed it to clean the area and plate mount.

Familiar with the sweet lemons concept? It's when something bad happens so you justify the pain by coming up with an excuse. The classic "Who'd want a super-model millionare girlfriend anyway?" concept. I must be feeling some variation of that with the X5.

My 4.8is isn't back from the transmission replacement yet. I haven't even seen my new wheels in person. So what do I do?

Eonon GA6166X
Esky 170 Backup Cam

@crystalworks: I really like your wheels (and of course the imola red too), everytime you post a pic I want to have them :)

Okay a little more Eye-Candy for the X5 club of the latest upgrades. New interior wood, refurbished wheels (Lexus ISF hyper silver pearlescent powdercoat), new vredestein ultrac vortis, steering column lower shaft. Man these new Vredesteins stick like glue and super comfy. Oh boy what a difference.

[IMG]http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/...20Interior.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/...20Exterior.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/...res%20Rear.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/...es%20Front.jpg[/IMG]

Correct, still have to put it back on... not as easy as it sounds since it designed to be tamper resistant.

Thanks guys for the compliments. I've put 17,000 miles on her since purchasing and still really enjoy driving it.

Thank you. I recently added 15mm H&R spacers in the rear for a +9 offset in the rear. They are almost fender flare flush now. :thumbup:

Oh, in case you were interested... forgestar is doing a $200 off fall promotion. ;)

@crystalworks: tempting, but shipment to germany and getting them "legal" won't be that easy, furthermore I've spent to much money on wheels this year ;)

@X53Jay4.8is: I like the dark wood trim, if I will find a perfect one I will fit that too. Did you change your steering wheel to a pre facelift one?

Time to get mine polished and prepared for some nice pics...

When I purchased the vehicle that was the steering wheel on the X5. Its the same steering wheel that my E39 M5 is equipped with so I suspect the previous owner installed it from a donor BMW (E39M5,E46, etc.)

Ah ok, I also like the facelifted e39/e46 steering wheel but wouldn't swap it just because of that :)

Replaced the fuel filter- preventative Maintenence.

Oil change, air filter, and tire rotation. :) love the squared setup

:worthless:

Windshield replaced
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...c92d5038d2.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...c608127e18.jpg




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He has posted pictures of the square set up in an earlier thread/post.

Thanks..........Must have missed it!

I still want to SEE new pics of his squared set-up!......:rofl::p::D

Put my click-clack snow tires back on for the winter, and filled my washer fluid. I always forget how squishy the ride gets with the 17" Style 130s... :nanana:

Replaced leaking radiator with Behr (same as factory) for $212 from FCPEuro.com. Also replaced the water valve and now getting heat immediately in the cabin. Easy DIY.

Changed Front and rear diff fluid. Replaced transfer case fluid, performed oil change and had alignment done to get the most out of my new Vredestein Ultrac Vorti Tires.

[IMG]http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/...S/IMG_0964.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/...S/IMG_0962.jpg[/IMG]

Changed Front and rear diff fluid. Replaced transfer case fluid, performed oil change and had alignment done to get the most out of my new Vredestein Ultrac Vorti Tires.

[IMG]http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/...S/IMG_0964.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/...S/IMG_0962.jpg[/IMG]

Replaced CV joints with Febest CV joint/boot kit. Kit seems to be of high quality with the exception of the weak band clamps. Purchased heavy duty sand clamps from a local auto store and secured them very well.
Replaced stock thrust arm BJ's with OE Lemforder BJ's
Replaced thrust arms with Meyle HD
Car is still on jackstands until sway bar end links get replaced with Meyle HD.

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/...pszcalbm7z.jpg

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5rjsogpe.jpg

Front end refresh phase II. Struts and strut mounts/bearings. Still didn't fix the clunking at the right front end. Not sure what the hell is causing it now that I've replaced all the front suspension parts.

Check your headlight level sensor connection. The ball joint in mine rusted and seized causing a popping sound.


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I'll check that out. Thanks!

Replaced the passenger side window, not because it was broken, but because it was replaced with a non BMW glass by a previous owner. Took me a couple of hours to replace it and did the plastic clips at the same time. Got the glass for 10 bucks from a guy that was stripping a X5.

Performed Oil change and transfer case fluid flush - uploaded a video for the Transfer case here, including doing the computer reset: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol4PofF-fZY

Also installed the rear cargo net!

Checked fuel pressure, solid 50psi.

Not the problem. It's very strange. When turning the wheel from lock to lock while stopped or moving very slowly (like in a parking lot) is when it happens. Like a combination of pops and clunks mainly in the right front. I've replaced all the front suspension. Anyone have any other ideas?

Steering rack and couplings?

Upper strut mount?

Re-torque all fasteners?

Did you do tightening of suspension fasteners with the vehicle on the ground on its own weight?

I haven't checked the rack. I'll check that next. The tie rods seem solid. Fasteners were torqued off the ground except the thrust arms. The book said torque everything off the ground except the thrust arms. I replaced the upper strut mounts and bearings when I replaced the struts.

Sounds like you've looked at everything except your steering column U-Joints!

2002 X5 3.0 311,800 miles
2014 428i 22,600 miles

2004 325i sold at 123,600 miles
2001 325i sold at 66,000 miles

1970 Firebird - Under restoration

There is a washer in the strut hat that if not
Reinstalled or installed incorrectly will produce the results
You're experiencing.

I think I got it in there right, but I'll check. I sort of doubt it is the problem though as I was getting the same noise before I replaced the struts and strut mounts.

Just about! Next thing I'm going to try is have the wife turn the wheel back and forth while I I am outside looking for the noise.

Yup sounds like everything! Good plan having the better half turn the wheels for you, good luck!

I would be suspicious of that if the noise was coming from the drivers side.

dang moneyp1t.

Sent the valve covers to get PC. Seals are good. micropitting on the covers is most likely the case for the oil in the spot I'm seeing.

Can you have the sealing surface machined?

@X53Jay4.8is: just noticed that you have a pre-facelift front on a 4.8is?
Did you or your previous owner swapped either the front or the engine?

No my X5 is a 2003 4.6is model

Ah ok, was confused by your nickname and the 4.8is badge ;)

Picked up a late model '03 4.6iS yesterday.
First order of business: replacing trunk emblem & license plate bulbs/lens.
Next: Wash

Would like to see some pictures.

:worthless:!!!!!

A few shots of my recent updates. More/better when I get it back from the shop again. Recent visual updates include the blacked-out hood and kidney grills as well as the new wheels.

https://2jmtrg-sn3302.files.1drv.com...&cropmode=none

https://p8xrow-sn3302.files.1drv.com...&cropmode=none

https://zycvjg-sn3302.files.1drv.com...&cropmode=none

Much better thanks for sharing. Welcome and my you have a fine looking X:thumbup:

Thanks. I'm not the no-pic posting new buyer though. Been here a while, just coincidental timing. I'll still take the compliment on the X though. :D

OrangeFurious I love those wheels. They look tits on the e53.

Thanks. I'm a fan. I was worried the black would make the truck too dark but overall I really like the effect.

Gotta get the aux input going in your X!

New alternator after getting stranded on the side of the road.

Sorry having a tough time upload photos, this site is terrible with picture resolution/size restrictions...I had to upload them to a hosting site. Hopefully it works now. Here's picture after it's first wash.
http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/a...psdm40ditz.jpg
http://i915.photobucket.com/albums/a...pshz2huqxo.jpg

Stewart water pump, new thermostat, new upper and lower hoses, new radiator, expansion tank, belts...should be good to go for a while now...

Engine bay detailing and Interior mods
[IMG]http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/...e%20Detail.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]
http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/...r%20Covers.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/...l%20Covers.jpg[/IMG]

Ohh lovely just like mine



[IMG]http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/...S/IMG_0964.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/...S/IMG_0962.jpg[/IMG]

:xoutpost: Jonathan
Nice pairs of bimmers you have there ;) The Oxford Green still look good.

Appreciate it :thumbup:

Here's a good one from last year, changing the cluster bulbs. These go dim or burn out in our clusters so it's hard to read the mileage. Super quick and easy fix!

Yesterday I completed the DIY fix for the panorama sunroof on the 4.8is - rear panel deactivation.
Such a simple and no-cost mod to do, it's great to have a functional sunroof (minus rear panel tilt) with summer approaching here.

Can you elaborate? Not familiar with this one.

Helmholtz Resontor Delete
 

Completed a helmholtz resonator delete for a more complete intake flow and aggressive sound.

[IMG]http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/...%20delete1.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/...20delete22.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/...%20delete3.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/...%20delete4.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/...%20delete5.jpg[/IMG]

:D

Fixed the front passenger window regulator (replaced) and replaced the sound insulation at the front and reattached the old one at the back. So the only one which was not checked & fixed by me this year is the driver side rear door insulation :)

Had to repair the light-guides of the doof handles (lit ones). They where broken and one was missing about an inch of the light-guide.

NIce repair job you just saved youself $150:thumbup:

Thanks :)
Those light guides are pretty fragile - if you are pulling to strong at the door panel you will rip it of.

If anyone needs to fix PMMA like these light guides above: I used ACRIFIX 1R 0192

Here you go:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXpDcy8C56Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqmmFf9gARM

Ordered fan clutch tools, an INA tensioner pullery and idler pulley, and a new set of Continental belts - I have this cold startup squeal which goes away when the engine gets warm - hoping that is the fix, for $60 its a cheap way to know, and at least I finally have the tools to do my water pump job and anything else in the vicinity that might be needed in the future - OFHG, etc -

I'm betting that will fix your problem. Had the same problem. Replaced the idler pulley, the tensioner pulley and the belts. Problem solved. Replaced the fan clutch becasue it was old and it would be off. Noise problem solved. Both of the pulleys bearings were shot.

Yep I did the fan clutch a few years back as it almost seized. I think I got a Chinese Merle or other brand idler.

My October Saga continues. To date:

• Steering vibration diagnosed as bent rims (two indy's swearing my suspension is perfect). Replaced the rims, handful of related stuff (new lugs, hub centric rings, etc).
• En route to have wheels installed, transmission goes. Replaced the transmission.
• Two days after the transmission is replaced, hit the trifecta. Voltage patterns are all over the show, hoping to get it back with a new alternator today.

Fun fact - the new rims didn't fix the vibration, but the transmission shop found my ball joints were bad. I guess I have an extra set of rims now. :)

Replaced my coolant temp sensor on my 4.6is. The DIY asks you to remove a few things to do it, but I just reached down there and removed it mostly by feel. Took 15 minutes tops with most of the time figuring out how to remove the electrical connection.

Next is the double temperature switch, located on top of the water pump housing. DIY asks to remove several things but I am going to try to do without doing any of that.

Your voltage regulator might be bad and not the alternator. And it may be the relay for the smart changing system. I know this because I have an n62 in my 545i and am dealing with the same thing. I have the relay coming and will replace that first, and if it is not that it is the voltage regulator.

Self lev susp inact error sorted
 

This morning I finally got around to working on this. I had this for around two weeks now and when connected INPA to car it wouldn't work. Found another cable up my attic though and all now OK.
I got one error message of which I have shown below. I just erased the error message and went for a run of about 3 miles and this seems to have done the trick for me.

Saturday I changed the left turn blinker

Yesterday arrived at home with The Car limping, woke up, fired it up and a sound of marbles in a can started right away😒😒😒. Decided to remove The exhaust and guess wut... cats are dead and gone

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...23b542a299.jpg

Well at least we dont have emission test here... I'm running w/o cats and no engine lights on... fingers crossed


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Got my 3.0d up on jacks today to track down which wheel bearing is going bad - turned out to be the left front. Spotted that the front control arm bushes are pretty much gone too, along with both front rotors (which I knew about).

Going to be a spendy few weeks ahead.... add all that to the oil service, new air filter and engine breather (CCV) assembly, front and rear diff service etc... Oh the joy.... :confused:

Not for my x5, but picked up a set of style 373 20" wheels for the wife's mtech e83 X3. $300 for the set of staggered 8.5" and 9". Only inspected one closely... but if the others are in the same condition I think these were fairly new take-off wheels. Wasn't really looking for wheels but I just couldn't pass up the price on these.

https://images.craigslist.org/00F0F_...tI_600x450.jpg

^^PHENOMENAL buy for the price :thumbup:

Valve cover gasket and Alternator
 

2 years ago I've changed my valve cover gasket and i have to change them again both !! :dunno:... there is oil coming out of the valve spitting on my alternator... plus Alternator brush are quit finish - got the battery light ON and of course my dear friend SES light ON as well....starting to think to send the X to the retirement land....

$300 for a set of OE 20" wheels is a steal! Nice score.

Right! Was shocked when I saw them... listed less than a few hours. Super chuffed to have gotten them for that price.

Yep, didn't even try to mention price. Just handed him the cash and loaded up. These things have more marks on them from being moved around a storage unit than from actually being on the road. They are definitely NEW take-offs. A little polish and the few marks on them will come right off.

Here are 2 of them cleaned up. Going to polish, seal, and then ceramic coat them.

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...122_163346.jpg

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...122_163337.jpg

Meyle HD Front Control Arm goodness is about to happen...

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...psih12yztc.jpg

Seems like it's time to set the X5 on fire...

In the past 5 months, I put a new brake caliper, pads, rotors, OFHG and control arms on the X5. It bit me back with warping the rotors (pad deposits?) and breaking the windshield washer pump.

This week, the parents tell me the CEL, ABS, DSC and Brake light come on. Not looking forward to diagnosing everything now that I need it back for the winter.

Started installing my suspension refresh. Unfortunately someone at some point in the past stripped out the ball joint bolts in my driver side knuckle. Yay for shitty shops.

Not today but a few days ago, did an oil change and oil pressure sensor. I got the "stop, oil pressure low" message. 40$ from the dealer and 30 min later, I was back on the road.

This Saturday is front struts and bags...maybe the BMW aluminum pedals too..they've been sitting in the drawer for more than 6 months now.

Cleaned the ICV, changed the front diff fluid, replaced the front washer fluid pump and cleared all the codes. I hope this garbage stays together for another year.

Changed all the belts, tensioners and pulleys. The cricket sound (crickety-crick-creticky-crick) when the car is cold is now gone:thumbup:

When changing the valve cover gasket, apply a thin layer of pliable/non-hardening sealant on both surfaces. Also make sure to use the correct torque to tighten the bolts. If over-tightened, you risk crashing the gasket and it therefore start leaking sooner.

Lucky. I did that and it's still here. It's intermittent but mostly when it's cold.

Bought a new Hella xenon headlight for $1 on eBay from a dealer a couple of months ago. It was advertised as "parts/not working", so I took a chance for a buck.

I swapped the ballast and bulbs over and installed it. Light worked great, but noticed it wouldn't adjust vertically using the manual adjustors. The auto-level stepper motor worked fine, but the light was clearly out of adjustment. Pulled it back out and discovered the base plate was separated from one of the adjustor balls inside the housing. I removed the bulb holders and the stepper motor and, using a set of pick tools, snapped the ball back into the adjustor socket. Neither the ball or the socket were damaged, just dislodged. Put it all back together, re-installed it and it holds adjustment just fine. Win for $1!

Replaced transmission oil.. 129k km with the factory one, was about time to change it


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What was the torque value you used to tighten up the two spring tensioners to the engine block?

I have the hydraulic one (which I replaced along with the pulley). I did whatever the Bentley manual states which I believe is around 40 something ftlbs.

Today I performed the largest and most complicated X5 upgrade/mod ever attempted on this forum. Avert your gaze lest the brilliance of my automotive genius blind you forevermore!

I ordered a BMW Cargo Net, OEM Part# 51 47 9 410 838 from Amazon.

* I really wanted one for a long time, and like the one in my E38.:dunno:

OHHH oooo:rofl:

https://www.amazon.com/BMW-Luggage-C.../dp/B006Z1YOOG

Just jerking your chain.....

That's the exact one I ordered! :wow: I'll do a full build/install thread when it arrives.

Look Ma, No Arms...
 

Finally made time to sort out my front control arm bushes...

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...psajnrlfas.jpg

Also changed the front diff oil while I was under there. Boy, there sure are a LOT of screws/bolts to undo to get at the diff!! :rolleyes:

Actually, the control arms were a little tricky to get at too - at least on the left side. The cold air inlet duct is a real pain to remove and re-fit.

Because I was "pottering" and cleaning as I went, the whole job took about 6 hours, including taking the arms to an auto engineering place to get the old bushes removed and the new ones pressed in.

All in all, a good day's work. Car feels much firmer in the front now.

Next task - engine breather/oil separator replacement and air filter. Many more screws to some out! :D

I love those clear/silver headlights. So jealous of all you non-US buyers. :(

I prefer them too. :thumbup:

Tails are similar - no visible orange.

Some of the earlier BMW cars we get here had the orange turn signals but from about 2004-2005, the trend towards stealth turn signals really took hold.

For instance, here's an NZ-new 2003...

https://imganuncios.mitula.net/bmw_x...9318487959.jpg

My tails have no orange in them, but (I think) US regulations requires amber turn signals up front. Deeply irritating. I've considered a few ways to mod but none really leap out as worth the effort, and EU OEM's at ~$2,000 for a set seem a little much.

THAT SAID - I can say one thing for US auto regulations. It's not our fault all the seatbelt tabs are red, that's EU. We just happen to get red tabs too because everyone else in the world does.

The effort required is crazy... ask me how I know...

http://i370.photobucket.com/albums/o...ights%2049.jpg

Oh I know - I've read your threads. :wow: You and I have almost identical X5s, which is part of why I'm so aware of how much better they look without those damned amber corners. :)

Purchased BBS CH-R (20x9, et24) wheels and Blizzak LM-32 for a STEAL. But tires are probably not advised to be run on an SUV tho they can handle 1,500 lbs of weight.

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I left a little of the amber because I liked it and without it the edge of the housing would show and look unfinished.

The amber bugs me less on the pre-facelift units, and I agree they'd look awkward without it.

OMG seeing again makes me really how goooooooood they came out

Thanks RB. Definitely the mod that has shed the most "age" from the look of the X5. These have aged very well and updating the angel eyes to LED, plus the silver reflector, help modernize it just a hair. Even with the wheels, the headlights are the mod that I notice most every time I walk to/from the X.

bcredliner, which brand of LED signal bulbs did you go with? I'm going to be looking into LED conversions in the near future if I can. Going to start with the fogs...