Replaced laser in the MKIV navigation computer
 

Been dealing with read error messages, random reboots, random freezes and slow boot-up time since I purchased the X5 last winter. With the warmer weather the issues have gotten even worse.

Bit the bullet and tore into my MKIV navigation computer to replace the laser assembly. Cannot believe how quick this unit now boots up and displays a map seconds after starting the engine.

Followed these instructions:
http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/all-bmw/navigation/53616-diy-changing-laser-unit-mk4-sat-nav-unit.html


Bought the laser assembly from China eBay seller. Search on eBay for SF-HD4 to see all the ones available.
My new cable had a curve in it but worked fine.
http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/CaUAAO...mVI/s-l500.jpg

Would recommend straight cable which fits better:
http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/LigAAM...f9w/s-l500.jpg

Replace the rubber trim over the front windshield. After 16 years of uv on the rubber, the rubber has failed and started to crack and crumble and fall apart. I brought the rubber trim from ECSTuning and they packaged it in a large box with a lot of bubble wraps and it arrived in perfect condition. Would hate to install a rubber trim if the seller had coiled it up and stuck it in a padded envelope.

Pulled off the oil filter housing to replace the gasket. Got it all out in under 1.5 hours, which I was pretty happy with, especially after leaving a few sockets and wrenches at work and improvising with less than ideal ratchet sizes. Left it apart for the night as I didn't want to tackle too much, and I want my better ratchets and sockets for installation.

^ doing the ofhg your self isn`t a hard job, just time consuming for a 5.00 part. imagine getting a shop to do it

I know that. I've done one before on my 318ti. Just stating that <1.5 hrs was pretty quick for me, as I think I'm close to book time. Putting everything back together should take me another 45 minutes, making this a ~2 hour job.

Replaced a no name cabin filter with a Mann charcoal filter and replaced the front passenger exterior door handle carrier.

Changed all 4 rotors and brake pads. Adjusted the rear drum brake also. 94K and was running on original rotors. Went with Akebono and curious to see how much less dust there is. Could not believe the rotors were soooo easy to change. 1 set screw and a few pounds with a rubber hammer. bam!

Had windshield number 4 installed. Let's see if I can escape Dallas area road construction damage for more than a year this time.

2002 X5 3.0 305,400 miles
2014 428i 19,700 miles

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

1970 Firebird - Under restoration

I had a rock hit my windshield recently. Can't seem to get one that is bad enough that the insurance company would take care of a replacement. It's one of those that the guy at the carwash can fix.

16!? I can barley make it 3 :bustingup