What did you do to / for your E53 today??
 

ECU soft upgrade,
Bought 2nd set of headlights for some mods.
Coded my LCM for led tail / signals and lic plate lights etc.
More coming soon.....
Washed it and back in the garage until summer.

took it to the dealer and was quoted $540 to replace some corroded pins in harness that may or may not fix my electrical issues....and then they'll tell me about everything else that needs to be fixed.

Thanks for asking!

Just replaced FL wheel bearing ....Back on the road to rack up more miles.

Actually, since you ask. Called the dealer at 7:30 this morning, told them to bring me back the 2010 X5 I had been driving for the last THREE WEEKS, pick up my truck that was supposedly fixed in that time. All over a sun roof......... Back portion got stuck open, ordered parts from Germany, pick it up after close last night and decide to try the vent position on my way home and "POP", something not right! I swear, I wonder if some of the "mechanics" they have even have a clue. Obviously they didn't even try to vent the sun roof before they turned it back to me. When I asked about that the response was no we just opened it, didn't try to vent it. STUPID!!! The reason it was in the shop in the first place was because it broke in the vented position! This among the other issues they "could not reproduce", just a bunch of of parts hanging computer geeks that can't diagnosis anything that doesn't set of an idiot light on the dash.........

Rant over, continue on.......

Which brings us to a very important point. I always document and print out a copy of my exact words on what is wrong and other 'facts' about the car. The SA will 'translate' what you say for their records and it could be inaccurate....which leads the tech going down the wrong path. When my bluetooth module failed, I wrote up the whole history. The tech looked at it confirmed my issue was in fact the module. They didn't charge me at all. For my problem today, here's exactly what I wrote.

*Airbag light was set off by customer diagnosing problem and disconnecting harness with battery attached
*Main window control switch will not control all 3 passenger windows or passenger mirror
*Driver door doesn't lock with remote FOB or central locking when car is put into motion


Other Facts
*Driver Door Actuator was replaced with BMW part purchased at International Auto in fall of 2010
*Replacement window control switch was swapped to test for switch failure
*During examination of door jamb harness, it appears that a pin maybe broken (5th from bottom)
*Key left in ignition doesn't chime when door left open
*Interior lights do not activate when driver door is open

Upgraded my angel eyes to iBrite V3s, added LED front signals.

X3 LCI MSport leather/alcantara steering wheel waiting to go on...
Intravee on it's way, KCA-420i already in waiting.
Need to do DME,EGS,DSC, and VTG updates, but waiting on a power supply maintainer.


What did you use for the LED tails? I'm interested in a similar conversion.
Did you use NCS or NavCoder to code the LCM?

Got osf wheel balanced - needed 90g - steering no longer wobbles :)

Straightened out tailgate trim that previous owner had fitted wrong.

Recoded key so that the remote works again.

All cheap but satisfying stuff !

i have nav-coder but i used GT1 simple and easy

Did you change the bulbs or the entire tail assembly?

tail light assembly but bulbs for the signals

update
 

update

custom coding "signal flash 3 times" with one touch for lane change like e70 :cool:

did the window switch replacement help solve the problem? I'm having the same issue.

How did you do that! I can't get use to the one flash when driving the X. I just don't use it. My W211 will flash three times. :thumbup:

The only thing I did for the X today was get on my back and wash as much of the under carriage as I could get to. Tried to get as much salt and crap off the car as possible. Then I washed her with HOT water and BMW soap. Then topped her off with about a cup of anti-freeze (BMW). Everything is working perfectly... fingers crossed and knocking on wood ;)

I changed Brake light light bulb. Hurray, no more error lights.
EDIT:messages

Which setting in the LCM or GM FSW_PSW is that?

Put in a third row seat and a twin turbo....:bustingup

Actually, re-routed my satellite antenna (from front to back) and will be doing an expansion tank replacement.

I drove mine around a bit

Got her a wheel alignment. She's straight as an arrow now. Cursed out the tech though. Moron set my psi @ 50 as opposed to following whats recommended.

I know she needs a wash, but this darn snow in NYC is crazy. Glad my Conti's DWS are awesome!

Well guys, I enjoyed reading all your articles on this thread and some on the other threads. Sadly, I am giving up my X5 possibly next weekend. I got her not even a year ago. I put in a little bit of mods: powdercoating the 20" staggered Y-wheels, smoking the tails, replacing the grilles with black ones, and installing the x-pipe. She's pretty much blacked out. I really love this car but we must part ways. I live in Pasadena, CA so if anyone out here is interested or may know someone, let me know before I turn her back in. She's an '03 X5 4.6is, black, $80K miles only, recently serviced and has really good set of tires, not even 1 year. Thanks X5ers!

Bought some tires for her and made plans for a deceptive skid plate

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Just had 1st visit to an independent, many things annoyed me about the dealer.
Got front discs, pads, sensor/ michelins for the rear wheels, alignment, front left CV boot and Inspection 1.

I'm now applying for bankruptcy :rofl:

oh and I have spent the last couple of days detailing her

Cleaned the interior and conditioned the plastic and leather bits.

Drove it like I stole it, with the Stereo blaring.

Took the headlights out to put led AE in still not done yet.

Updated the Nav FW, and blessed it with 2010 road maps. Looking to do the same as sarb once I've found a set of EFX LED's.

Last night:

Updated DME, DXC, EGS, and VTG to latest software
Coded:
Remote window rollup
Windows active after door has been opened
Removed Key In Ignition warning and gong
Tried to remove Fasten Seat Belt sign on OBC, but same coding I've used in the past didn't work (GEWARTUNG_TEXT = nicht_active)
Changed follow-me-home to turn on every single possible light (BRIGHT!)
High-beams and fogs together

Still looking for 3 turn signal and rain closing sunroof, but I'm stumped as sarb has yet to tell how he implemented.

Washed her in 20 degree weather! :)

damn you ithaca, ny!

Rebuilt the pass door harness.

Gave it a wash...damn snow and ice.

Replaced Front Bushings. Good thing extended warranty picked up the tab.
Brake inspected : F=.8mm, R=.6mm still in great shape @ 46K mi.

Drove her HARD yesterday.

Subframe bushes & two new cam sensors.

Running smooth & quiet now :cool:

New Michelin diamirs 4x4 put on 19

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Front/Rear rotors/pads/sensors, oil/filter, fixed horn and had the interior detailed. Oh, and took it to a car wash.

50k miles and it's pretty much still like a new vehicle.

I love my X5.

Pfft. It is still a new vehicle. Report back when it's 100k+.

:)

50k isn't new in my book but I'm hoping it still feels this way in the next 2-3 years.

New Falken's all the way around, ordered a DICE Mediabridge w/satellite and bluetooth, wash, and mmm what else? That's it for now...

Ordered an Intravee II to replace my DICE Silverline, found a used KCA-420i on eBay and have to see about modifying the spec.doc for an Alpine connector instead of the DICE. New battery last week (because of the DICE draining the old one to exhaustion in severely cold temperatures). Oil change and filter and a modest $1100 of you-should-fix-this from the dealer on the invoice about some minor supsension and belts. 54K and good to go

Question is; what did she do for me today??? Had so much fun driving though 20 inches of snow and drifts up to the hood! Fun as hell!!!!! Thank you BMW

I sold mine yesterday. Does that count?!

Put gas in it, again. Feels like it was just yesterday that I was at the pump. :p

Installed the Mediabridge last night, seems to work pretty well. Only gripe is the navigation through functions and menus. Little slow, but does what is advertised. Ipod navigation sucks but the sirius function and bluetooth work great. Install was fairly straightforward, longest time was spent routing cables and wires and having a clean look.

Set up an appointment with a great local indy shop to get INSP2 - the shady stealership I bought it from gave me forged paperwork that said it had been done at a local dealer, who has no record of the vehicle being in their shop :(

Bigger problem is said stealership is no longer in business, liquidated assets of the LLC, nobody left to sue...

Live and learn, I guess

Flushed coolant, fixed power steering hose with new clamp, blew out washers system and cleaned tank, cleaned belly pan, pressure washed and detailed truck.


http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d5...1/IMG_9227.jpg
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http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMG_2397.jpg
Grille,
Interior Before. http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/...htadze/125.jpg
Interior After (trim I changed before)
http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMG_2405.jpg
http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMG_2404.jpg
Next is LED Lightning, And perhaps Luxury Seats?
I have a question, It sais in Options page that it has Automaticlly adjusible seatbelts, however they don't go up or down automaticlly. Also When manually locking the drivers door, rest don't lock. any thoughts? Thanks

Replaced passenger-side fog light bulb for the 4th time in 2 weeks. I purchased 4 bulbs on eBay, $1.98 per pair plus $6 shipping from Hong Kong. Well, the bulbs were a close match to my HID Xenons, but sadly, they don't work after a day or two!!! LOL! If it seems like a good deal, it's not! ;)

o.l.t., umm quick question. isn't that wayyyyyy too much coolant in the system?
Or was that before you cycled it through the engine/system and bled it?

now THATS awesome. use it for what it's created for.

Sarb, Impressive list of upgrades.
would love to see them.

Took her. through loads of snow covered highways, through some snow drifts and exposed to -30 for a day. Was not happy with me when she started up but no engine failsafe message (like i always get when its any colder). This vehicle is not meant for this weather but it has been coping pretty well with an average around town of 18/L per 100km. But i wouldnt have antything else right now.

Painted the inside grills black.trim paint color left.chrome trim chrome. Cost 8 bucks and 15 min to dry...

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:iagree:

why do you guys say that?
isn't this vehicle designed for winter/cold weather?
~Guess I will find out soon~

sweet angle eyes mod considering that yr of X5's didnt have angle eyes yet.did you just order new headlights or did you put them in yourslef.if you ordered them are we talking plug and play or taping into wires?

i like ur appreciation of black but why destory the wood trim.i hated it at first but after getting used to the amber lighting i realized that the trim goes perfectly along with it.let me know how the LED mods work out.ive been trying to get into that for a while now and have a solid idea how to do everything but wear to place the wires in the car so that it still has the nice quality look on the inside and not some mess of wires running around

Got a set of 5 watt LED bulbs for the angel eyes, quick and easy upgrade, prefer the white color, looks more updated. Now gotta get rid of the DRL's and swap out those too

Fitted one Depo AE to compare with oem headlight..but still uncertain,if I like it :(
What do you guys think?:)

nice halos but i think the HID ones look better

replaced my driver side axel assembly not to long ago.on the same day i found out that ill have to replace the passenger side one as well

New headlight and hids Attachment 47674Attachment 47675

Hi Wilkturbo,

Did you replace the yellow lights on your Depos ,like Fullmetaljacket ,or did they come like that...
Thanks

Nicely done but you still got the same look:dunno:
I kept the inside grill the same(black)..but sprayed the outside black.

No I replaced all the bulbs angles are t5 led plus main beam is hid kit h7 6000k altogether £100 for the lot hope that helps you out

Took her to Joshua Tree National Park and went off-roading. Many of the back roads are muddy and full of water now, so I got to drive through the muck for a ways to see how she handled. And was pleased. Next test will be snow.

Funny thing about the desert is how easy it is to get lost since there are no distinctive trees or other landmarks. Thankfully I flipped on the GPS while I was out in the middle of a valley with two intersecting roads. My instinct was to go straight, but GPS said back up and turn right. So I did and came out exactly where I was supposed to. Niiiiiiiiice.

Tomorrow she get's the desert washed off her while we steady for rain Saturday.

You paid 100 quid for the T5s?
I dont know if they are the same as fullmetaljacket,because in daylight his white T5s just look like 6 white dots on each Angel eye :(

For the hid kit too t5 was 20 pound for 22 of them

Nice.Do you have a daytime pic.Do you like the daytime effect?Thanks

Yeah not bad I would like the t5 smd tho they are more White

I see you still got snow there?What area are you in?
I agree with you they look ok..the T5 bulbs dont look like dots as in fullmetaljacket...
Do you have a link where your bought your T5s,please..thanks

Just an old pic out of my iPhone been no snow here for ages , from Sheffield t5 bulbs from eBay Alltronix just tell em Paul with the x5 sent you he's brill

Thanks a lot.:thumbup:

Last weekend I changed the inner and outer tie rods. Had to guess the positions of the new ones as both sides were seized.

Anyway, today I got my 4-wheel alignment done and I am amazed at my (obviously more luck than judgement!) toe readings.

BOTH sides were 33 minutes. They were out of tolerance yes, but to be the same??? And so close to tolerance..? Thats unreal! So they got adjusted to 9 minutes, bringing total toe to 18 minutes.

Rears are a good 1 degree or so out, and the guy said one side the cam bolt was at its maximum so couldn't do anything with that-the other side was seized! Oh well, just another job to add to the list when the weather imroves a bit! :rolleyes:

Just replaced the window wiper motor and got a speaker for the trunk.whats funny is after i replaced the wiper motor i thought to myself why did i just do all that????ive been driving while its snowing and raining with out window wipers for at least 6 months now

Got new headlights with angel eyes and some new high beam bulbs ...

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Her legs get cramps from the short trip driving during the week, (currently live <3 miles from work) so I let her stretch her legs on the weekend! "New" old house is 55 miles away, so ~220-250 highway miles every weekend.

Oil breather filter replacement
 

After reading that my 3.0d has one that requires servicing I replaced it today, good move it was totally clogged with oil & muck (80,000k) The new one has been resigned where it no longer has a filter and therefore
doesn't require replacement, would suggest anyone with a diesel do the same to avoid potential seal problems.

I have a 3.0d what have u changed ?? Thanks

Had it towed it to the shop. :rolleyes:

I didn't catch what he changed at first either, but look at the title bar above his post. Oil breather filter.

Finally got a chance to really stretch her legs today after sitting for most of the winter except for some short trips. She performed flawlessly and I couldn't wipe that grin off my face every time I'd look in the rear view and see the other cars getting smaller and smaller :p

interior LED bulbs and rear licence plate LED. got many compliments :)

Got some rear window shades from forum member also first aid box's Aldo gave her some windshield fluid and had to change both brake lights they both went out? But that's for the day.

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1)Had a new battery installed in my X5. Needed two jumps and had enough of that. starts right up now.

2) Installed my Sirius Satellite antenna in my spoiler. A cleaner look now reception is crystal clear even inside a inoor garage.

That's crazy, what car actually goes to 50.

What shop did you got to?

They do that crap all the time. I never trust anyone with my air pressure because I have had that experience too many places, including the Mercedes dealership here in Columbia (they are crap though, so isn't saying much).
**Some low profile tires will ask for that much psi.

I'm proud to say i can now comment in here, since I finally bought a 2005 4.4i last night. First thing I did was the infamous light level sensor arm fix. I don't even understand how the previous owners could handle the lights adjusting non-stop while driving. Anyhow, fixed and awesome now. rear fog dead spots to turn into brake lights, very soon.

I drove her past 207,000 miles!! :thumbup:

Gentlemen. How do I replace the interior red night lights that points to the center dash and also on the door release lever on the door? I tried looking into the thick repair manual that I bought but it doesn't say anywhere in there. I also want to know how to replace the lights under the exterior side view mirrors. All these light bulbs are weak and needs replacement. Please let me know how. Thanks guys!

I put in a new battery today. Surprisingly the OEM battery lasted for 7 years and almost 60,000 miles. Bought a Bosch from Pep Boys for $100 bucks. :thumbup:

Removed resonator and installed x pipe and it sounds wonderful

Dried rear carpets and resealed both rear vapor barriers... :(

Took out TCU and amplifier because it was filled with water, opened each one, cleaned and sprayed with moisture remover, replaced and now no more noise from speakers :thumbup:

Sounds like you need to check the rear drains of your sunroof if you had water there, there are a few good threads on that situation too.

Ok thank you "weasel" I was wondering how the water got in there:thumbup:

Went to the gas station.

ripped it apart in search of heated seat connectors.

I had the same problem with water. Amp F**ked had to order another. also blue tooth module :(

after spraying the moisture remover and cleaning it with compressed air, it's working great again.. did u try that?

hi today ,I beggin to dissasemble x5 after short circuit in main fuse box under the dash , i got used main wiring arness from defense to defense an used dash board and computers wish mi good luck guys, sorry for my bad english i live in mexico

you can see pictures at my profile,under big mess short circuit, maybe later I open a new tread with pictures of these big project

Bienvenidos! Your wiring does look like a big mess. Good luck with the project.

Very nice Mini Cooper S! :thumbup:

thanks personanongrata for you reply.................. they need 2 complete days at the yunk yard just to remove de complete wiring arnes from the x5 and the x5 was already tear down no motor no transmision no interiors ..........is only one line from defense to defense.....it need two persons to carry the arness ..........

I replaced the chrome grille with a satin matte black one from eBay.
The chrome one looked alright, but there was no other chrome accents on the truck. I think the black one suits it better?;)

yep and it didn't work so i pilled the amp apart and :yikes: almost all metal pins rotted out. some internal components also corroded. the amp and blue tooth module are now Crap metal:(. still love my X :D

Looks good!I am of the same opinion as you!Also have a black grill as there are no other chrome parts in my car.
Those wheels look nice ,maybe will look even better with some spacers on the rear..:)

Gave it a day of rest staying at home......207000 miles.

Those are my after-market winter wheels and tires (20x8.5") with Pirelli Scorpions.
I can't wait to put my summer wheels on.....(20" staggered) "picture below"....

mine is in getting alllll new suspension bushings and an oil pump. Wheel alignment and re-calibrate the steering sensor.

LED angel eyes
 

Installed LED Angel Eyes last night. Thanks to all of the other members who performed mod and offered up suggestions, I spoke with a couple of you guys and finally grabbed a set. Before and afters. Man what a difference!
Attachment 48319
Attachment 48320

ooooo weeeeee! just purchased some new bmw f&r rotors and hawk hps pads to go along.

Used rapid fix welding glue to fix the drivers side door latch... it is kinda embarrassing to have to roll down the window to let yourself out because a stupid little plastic tab broke off of the latch where the bowden cable hooks for the inner opener. And I refused to buy a $200 latch for a little plastic tab! (but that glue works really good!)

How exactly did u do that I have same exact problem.

Removed the latch assembly, used the adhesive to stick the plastic bracket back in place, then used the adhesive and "welding powder" to add up a some structural integrity to the piece at the break sites. The glue works very well.

Someone already uploaded the video that comes with the glue kit to youtube, so here it is.

Thanks going to do it tommarow. Does it really work as good as in that video?

Took the winter set up off
http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/m...5/f202bc28.jpg
And put on my summer set up
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Purchased new headlights and titanium grill online to freshen up the front Thanks for all your help Tom. You're the best!

The glue has really been impressing me, not only did the latch repair work perfectly but I tried it on rubber today. I was working on an E53 and the rubber strap that holds the jack had torn off at the bottom. I used the glue to stick that back together and not only did it hold really well (I pulled pretty hard and it was seriously stuck together) but the glue joint was still flexible, didn't feel hardened by the glue.

did the computer upgrade for the engine and tranny at the stealers -- FREE -- surprisingly i never thought i could go to the dealer for anything and actually drive out without spending a roll. and i got a wash tooo sweeeeet.

did my first upgrade today. I installed the LED bulbs in the dead spot (euro rear fogs) on the back of my X. I'm glad to say its such a super easy process, but I have learned that I need brighter 1156 LED bulbs . Mine glow, but not nearly as bright as the bulbs do, so I need to remedy that :)
(edit: bought and installed 24 LED SMD bulbs and they are sweeeeet bright - e-bay)

Today was LED angel Eye bulb replacement and it was a wonderful upgrade!! Had to unbolt the 3 10mm nuts to move the PS fluid and air box (I think from memory) to access drivers side, but all in all VERY fast and super simple.
Also wired up the H11 wire connectors to the HID wire harness for plug and play action once my factory projector fogs arrive (any day). Oh I love the light upgrades.
Now to buy some smoked signal repeaters!!!
OH and programmed my universal garage remote.

installed smoked signal repeaters, HID's in the fogs (but I need error free resistor packs to fix strobing, but they are ordered) and installed LED license plate lights. Looks more modern.
added 40% tint to the front two windows to complete the factory tint job. 40% is exact match.

I fitted a new bonnet emblem (Black and Silver carbon) :)

Not today, but yesterday I struggled with hardwiring a V1 on our X5. It is a 12/02 production MY2003 X5; however, it didn't follow pre-facelift rules or MY2003 rules but rather MY2004 rules and I had to tap all three Homelink wires before finding a 12V switched wire. Didn't have the motivation to find a place for the concealed display anymore after that.

After, I had to get the caked on salt from the winter out of the carpets. Even with a steam cleaner and a shop vac, I was only able to get it 70% clean. At least I have a clean feeling car for the trip to Boston tomorrow.

Still need to do an exterior clean and to try to address some rust on the X5. All of that is left for the summer, though.

I changed my stock 18" style 58 wheels to 19" style 63 once. I realy love the style 87s but could get them just yet and got theese and am prety happy with them. Looks bunch better.

Done yesterday:

new expansion tank
new thermostat
new brake pads and sensors

Trying to get things taken care of for my summer road trips.

Installed Philips Extreme +80% H7 Globes in my e53 Low Beams.
Really white Bright and Clear focus. Highly recommended if you can handle the expense. ($84 AU) and lifespan (about 2 years).

Caved in and ordered a vanity plate.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...yresized-1.jpg

New radiator

You trying to say that thing is a German built tank? :rofl: Awesome!

Spartanburg is close enough? lol

But yes, German tank. :)

(edit: it drinks gas like a tank.)

Well, Spartanburg at least sounds German... haha!

:D haha, Panzer. good one

New Roundel
 

Winter took its toll on the hood - ended up with a few knicks, plenty of swirls from the carwash, and a chipped emblem. Decided to use this beautiful spring day to wash, clay, polish & wax the hood - and bestow the X with a shiny new Roundel.

Included a few before/during/after shots. There was definitely some grime under there - dirt and polish residue left by the orbital last fall. Found a nasty gash under the old roundel from the careless bastard who replaced the last one (before I bought it in '04). Feels good knowing there's a good coat of wax under there now!

Alright headed back to the garage to wax the door jambs :thumbup:
My neighbors think I'm insane.

Your not insane, wait... So am I then :-)

This was the hardest winter on my cars I can remember.

new 18" Beyern Rapp wheels and Scorpion tires.

Today I put my baby up for sale. I'll miss her but hopefully I can get another one soon.

Today I took my baby to homedepot to haul home woods, cement , ceramic tiles ,etc... Sound like pick up isn't it?

Win some lose some
 

Fixed the glove box and found out the boot on my passanger side front axel is broken:/

Had the oil filter headstand gasket and left outside cv boot changed (all this past month actually). Driving like I stole it, in the beautiful N. Texas weather.

Valve cover gasket, Motor flush & fill (lubro moly) w/filter, new brakes w/ceramic pads up front and brake fluid flush, power steering reservoir extraction & refill, coolant drain and fill (rad & block).

Long day. Broke a valve cover mounting stud. Thank goodness BMW designed the head the way they did. Went down to my local indy & picked up a new one. Other than that - excited to have new brakes up front, a decent fluid refresh and some new juice in the motor, Lubro Moly 10w40.

hood protector
 

Hi all,

I know a lot of you do not like these hood protectors but to be honest - I do. It is somehow very rare here in Austria to see a car with a hood protector. I also believe she looks now more angry :yikes: Al least she is a real track-cleaner on the Autobahn now when I want to take over. Also some Audis changed the track - what they normally do refuse :stickpoke

Have a great weekend guys !!

PS: and yes - I ordered it in the US.

It's not what I did.... it's something they did to it last night. :)

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:)

Congratulations !!!! :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

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Thank you!! It was a great weekend! :D

After a successful transmission rebuilt, Installed HID Fog Lights and Dice Silverline Ipod Radio Interface

Get the CV boot replaced (ran over a wire that tore it!!) and got 4 wheel alignment.

I did another small upgrade to my "euro fog lights turned into extra brake lights" feature.
I bought a set of RED LED's and tried them instead of the white LED bulbs.
I found the white created more of a pink color, but these red LED's in the red housing match the factory bulb style tail lights (, non-LED tails on my X) perfectly!!!

the LED's came from E-bay at $13 USD shipped.
the seller is warden_jp2008 on e-bay
here is a pic of how red they are.

And they brighten up more from park light mode to brake light mode. they are just perfect!!!

Wash
Clay
Menzerna IP
Menzerna Micropolish
2 Coats of Klasse SG

Looks incredible.

Post some Pictures:thumbup:
how long did it take you?

New black satin grille
 

Today, I changed the titanium grille to satin black... what a differance it made! (and only $50!)

Since December; Necessary items that doesn't offer any cosmetic appeal, but adds longevity and a piece of mind; Valley pan gasket, valve cover gasket, timing cover gaskets, full tune up, oil change, etc.... Cosmetic and performance enhancing items; new OEM floor mats, 35% tint, M3 steering wheel conversion.

To come; High end paint job to correct hail damage and poor PDR attempt. Underride protection (please help me find one!) Mediabridge. Bluetooth. BSW Subwoofer upgrade...Yes? Pixel repair. Seat bolster foam repair. Leather gear shift lever.... In the words of Bubba Gump, I think that's about it. :rolleyes:

What shop is that???

Seems small: I checked the psi on my spare, it had 18psi! What good is a spare if you cant use it. Checked my Merc's spare (first time ever) it didn't even register any air and it is supposed to have 61psi! Good advice, check the spare.

I changed the CV boot and 4 wheel balance and alignment two days ago! I cheated though. Took it to a shop $190 for all labor. Parts $48 shipped from bmwmercedesparts.com

Up next, fix the height sensor that tore the CV boot in the first place.

Driving it in the rain.

today i washed the car properly. going to have an oil change soon. hpoefully ill re paint the front end of the car sometimes during the summer

Spent 1300$ at a Stealer
 

replacing water pump, thrmostat and inspection1. 51% of that was labor.

Did the 3m headlight restoration today. I'll admit I was worried to death that I might screw it up, but it actually came out pretty decent. Definitely better than before. :thumbup:

alternator remove/replace

Hey are this aftermarket headlights? How you get the turn signal bulb to not turn on?

He's in Europe... that's how it is over there. Unfortunately not for us in the US.

Reassembled the transmission valve block, refreshed the AT housing plugs/seals and did the AT pump as well.

old Valeos finally started to fall apart after 5 years. got a new set buy 1 get 1 free on TireRack.com
cleaned, clayed & polished windshield
can't wait for it to rain!

AFE intakes system stage 1
Attachment 49629
Attachment 49630Attachment 49631

Is that Porter Cable worth the investment?

replaced fuse for cig lighter....

new front disc rotors and pads, also got the mechanic to check engine oil level (3.0d) and also diff oil levels, reported all good.

next general service is in 5000 km (i get it done every 10,000 km) and as well as normal service stuff i,m going to get the two diffs oil changed and the transfer case oil changed.

had the auto trans oil changed about 6 months ago.

should keep it purring for a while

I put on a new set of Michelin's. She rides nice and smooth! :thumbup:

Drove to VA for my little brothers HS graduation, hit 20k coming back through Charleston, WV.
Also got pretty decent gas mileage, around 19mpg. Filled up in VA went 421 miles and took 22 gallons to get her full again.

WOW yeah you were going pretty fast to be playin paparazzi!!

Thanks for sharing .......

That's around 19 MPG for that tank of gas! :wow: If you were doing a solid 85 MPH down the road, I would say that is pretty good. I would barely see 18 MPG if I tried to do the same in a 3.0i.

Went to dealer to get airbag light reset. He told me it was due to voltage drain. he said my amp is the cause( amp = 500 watts @ 4ohm 1 speaker lol) he also tried to tell me had it wired in 2ohm producing 800watts lol) I know my setup. He siad the x is throwing a series of low voltage codes and thats why the airbag light keeps comming on. ( REAL REASON- I lifted front seat with out properly disconnecting the ground when I did my rear heated seat mod/investigation) the low voltage was because the battery died while working on it. I had to jump it when done. plus the battery is an 06.. and then all the wire testing I did with POTS probably through low voltage codes to. He charged me 60 bucks to reset the light. TOld me to unhook my amp and see if light comes back on.. I laughed so hard on the inside. Especially after I pulled up all my specs for the amp and speaker and my wiring diagram. I still think i was raped for 60 bucks.

Yeah I'll agree, had the phone ready for the 20k though. :)

I was pretty surprised as well! Just highway with minimal stops. And right around 80, 85 except through the hills of WV.

[QUOTE=hypnotiqdmg;828820]Yeah I'll agree, had the phone ready for the 20k though. :)

:rofl: I was saved by my windows 7 phone yesterday. I was barely able to get a couple shots off of my 95k milestone. That phone doesn't require me to unlock it to activate the camera. I will be a lot more prepared in 5k when I hit the big milestone.

Installed yellow high beam bulbs and blacked out kidney grilles

Fully tinted the car... all done by 3M. 30% sides and rear, clear front and 80% sunroof.

All done in the name of heat reduction. Get 50% from all the tint, apart from the windscreen which is only 40%... but hey, it's clear!

The Big 5-0
 

well i finally hit the big 5-0:( ------ see pics

ooops sory about the size

New Front Tires
 

Got a pair of Toyo Proxy ST II for the front. Had Contentials on the front and Proxy's on the back now I have a matching set. On the way home I noticed how much better it drove with the new tires. Didn't track at all. When I got home from the shop I noticed that the rear left and the front left had oppisite tread pattern. So I looked a little closer and the rear left tire had "right" printed on it, Shook my head and thought how carelss the dealer was that I bought it from a year ago, and how careless I was for not noticing. In my defense, the Contentials had a much different tread pattern so the reversed pattern wan not that noticable. So I rotated the rear tires all proud of my self. Guess what. It didn't matter. Both rears were installed as rights on the rims. So I took it to a shop and had them reverse one of the tires on the rims (and patch a nail hole). So now I have matching set of tires all installed correct. The difference in how it drives is remarkable, plus there was a tire hum that I wasn't even aware of with the reversed tire. Its gone with the correct tread direction.

Getting neoprene seat covers from bavauto next. Sitting in my truck after surfing is taking a toll on the leather.

I added a pull out awning to my roof racks, took a bit of fiddling around getting the brackets to fit, but now we can have shelter wherever we go!

For some reason, I didn't get a pic of it in it's open position though...

[QUOTE=1stE53;830112]1stE53 definitely get the 100k photo, hoping I'll make it there with minimal difficulty one day as well. Went back to VA again and am now around 22k, at this pace 100 won't be far off. :(
Windows 7, haven't had any experience with their phones (minus the old school Treo days), but I'm gonna go out on a limb and say its faster than mine. Don't know if I'd have gotten the pic if not prepared. Hopefully IOS 5 will usher in new features. :)

Safe & happy driving my friend.

[QUOTE=hypnotiqdmg;830750][QUOTE=1stE53;830112]

1stE53 definitely get the 100k photo, hoping I'll make it there with minimal difficulty one day as well. Went back to VA again and am now around 22k, at this pace 100 won't be far off. :(
Windows 7, haven't had any experience with their phones (minus the old school Treo days), but I'm gonna go out on a limb and say its faster than mine. Don't know if I'd have gotten the pic if not prepared. Hopefully IOS 5 will usher in new features. :)

off topic, but iOS 5 has copied most of the features form WP7. Don't fall for the dark side and get an iPhone :yikes:.

To get back on topic... I put in half a quart of oil yesterday to top it off. She has only burned a quart and a half in the last 7500 miles. It usually burns a quart every 9 to 10k. I only start thinking about changing the oil once the 3rd service light goes out. I ordered new head gasket seals though. Will replace those next week. Hopefully that will curb the leaking and I'll go back to the one or less quartz every 10k.

Zize LED License Plate lights. New PIAA wiper blades.
I need to install new BMW roundels, 25mm H&R wheel spacers, and some random interior parts that have broken over time.

Went for a little drive and completely missed the tick over to 15k! :rofl: Oh well. Now time for some preventative maintenance. Brake flush, coolant, and maybe the first transmission flush since it is 7 years old.

I also decided this would be a good place to u/l the other odo pics! See? I *can* get the right shot.. SOMETIMES! :rofl:

Fitted Fender flares :)

Looks great F, just need to drop a V8 in it now my friend :D

Thanks G.:thumbup:..You probably right .At my age, I need something less straining on the old neck muscles..:D

Looks GREAT !!
No need for a V8 - the 3.0d has more torque :nanana:

Thanks H:thumbup:
Yep!G(Huntertec) knows about the torque!He drove a 4.6is recently :)
Btw,thanks also to you that I got the Fender kit,after you told us here how relatively inexpensive the kit was.Mine here,still cost a bit more than yours,even with 15% dealer accessories discount,still cost me €220.74 +vat.
After I got the kit and noted down the individual part numbers,I decided to check prices and to my amazement ,the bumper inserts cost a mere €20.00 each,compared to the 4.6/4.8is inserts that cost €170.00!This maybe be a cheap alternative for those wanting to safe on the cost of the extended flares or even as a replacement.
In photos,the 4.6/4.8is bumper inserts do look better ,I think ,(personal opinion) ,but still dont justify the price difference,but in real life, I somehow prefer the 3.0D SE inserts,as they dont stick out as much at the bottom and dont make the wheels look so inwards.
So then I was left over with 4 spare arch covers,so I better find just the ARBs and the other bits to make a complete kit and sell it..:)

Hi F. (POWERS) how much fun did you have putting the rear inserts on, I would put it in the same category as taking my X mother inlaw for a drive and have her dog sit on my lap the entire trip :confused:, they could have designed them so much better for fitting, I couldn't bear the thought of removing the bumper to do it ( couldn't be bothered ) anyway turned out ok. Any thoughts on lowering it now just to complete the picture.

Helmuth. relax I have a diesel, just a private joke. ;)

You right ,no need to remove bumper.I just remove the wheel well and put a old rag on top of the rear disc and you got an armrest and ready to go hehhee.Its a bit of pain to do the bumper inserts.Bmw supply you with these paper molds ,I then drilled the bumper but on the inside I had to perform surgery on the bumper and melted away with the iron,which I found to be easiest due to lack of space inside the bumper.
My thoughts on this mod are that it looks way better in real life than in photos.I am pleased with it:)
Btw,I took the mother in law away on holiday once ...but she found the way back:(

Hi Huntertec,

no offence - only a joke :thumbup:

Mr. Powers1 ;) .. very well done - looks great !! Question: where are your front and rear spoilers from (the one on the bumpers)? Original BMW or somewhere else?

Have a great day

H

Yes.Go with Eiback springs for the OE shocks.Eibach dont lower the most ,but just enough to make it look good ,great handling and hardly any loss in confort!You seen the PDF I sent you via PM on the Eibach X5!;)

Thanks Helmuth.I bought the OE front and rear spoiler extensions from BMW dealership about 6 years and I also fitted.Theres a seller in Latvia selling them but in glass fibre(GRP),so if you want to safe some €uros,get the OE front spoiler and the GRP rear spoiler(difficult to go wrong here!).
Let me know if you need any more info on fitting or sources :)

I am sure Huntertec didnt take offence!The joke was on the souped up,4.6is,which stood no chance on stand start acceleration to over 100 kph:D
So Huntertec,got first hand experience and the answer he was looking for ,to a thread he started here a few months ago:D

I do have the link to the Latvia guys. You are right - I will take the rear spoiler from them and maybe do something bad to my exhaust tips like faking them. But that should be for next year. Already changed the whole interior to leather this year - only missing the door parts....

My X has an interior now that comes from 3 different countries ...

Thank you,

Helmuth

Hi F, I lowered mine 30mm with Eibach springs, I was wondering if you had any thoughts of doing yours or is it done already hard to tell in the pics. Everytime an X drives by with lip spoilers and flares can't help but give an extended look ( like a nice blonde ) also didn't get the PM with the Eibach X.

Helmuth if you are considering modifing your exhaust both POWERS1 and I have done ours so plenty of help there if you need. (not faked tips but full mod on mufflers) Cheers guys.

Sorry ,misunderstood :)...I havent lowered mine yet,maybe soon and definitely Eibach...
I sent Eibach PDF via email to a few members here,as its too big to post in Forum (1.25mb)..Have to find software to reduce it...