Don't put tall ass tires in an attempt to correct the 4.10 gearing, thats a ghetto ass redneck fix. Keep your 255/55/18 or at least the proper rolling aspect ratio diameter. Save your transfer case and your speedometer for that matter.

If you want to get rid of the 4.10 gearing, just get a 4.4 front and rear differential as they will bolt right in to your manual X, and enjoy 3.64 gear ratios. They are readily available on junked X5's, on ebay etc. Change the driveline fluids afterwards as well, with Redline 75W-90 gear oil in the diffs and proper Xdrive fluid in the transfer case.

For weatherstrip clamos your welcome:

BMW E53 X5 M54 3.0L Search SiteSearch Weatherstrip - 51717006757 - Weatherstrip Mounting Clip - ES#128467

And yes if you ghetto rigged your CCV system and have a broken valve cover hose you are losing oil out of it. Take off the catch can, replace your CCV with updated cold weather parts and the cold climate dipstick tube according to this PDF, and your X should run proper again, with no oil consumption:

http://chrisparente.com/Images/530/CCV-SIB110803.pdf

Idling rough and then dies, I wouldn't think that is condensation in the MAF at all. Probably your vaccuum leak is making the idle rough (again, fix your CCV system properly and remove ghetto catch can fix), I would also check your spark plugs at 122k, your DISA valve, and your lower intake elbow as they do crack and cause vaccuum leaks.

Wipers I can't help you with but the rest I hope I did. Welcome and I hope you follow the suggestions to fix the X5 properly!

Yes, not confirmed, but I think you could use an X3 gearbox but it only address half the equation. The X3 also uses 3.64 ratio diffs. Not sure about the 530 xdrive, but my guess is yes once again.

It might be 6's, but I think the diff swaps would be easier and cost effective, and that is the route I'm going first. But you are right on in addressing the the actual gearing in the transmission. If you want to look into it and share with the group your findings, I'd be stoked. I do know from driving my wife's Manual X3, the gearing is much better. The ratios are massaged to be more car like and less truck like. 1st gear is still on the revy side but better.

I'm gonna have to go look up the specs on the 330xi now...........oh and welcome to the 3 pedal clan!

Hey Thanks a lot Ricky Bobby for your advice and links. I think that is the clip I need but it's weird, there are 3 different kinds on the same strip on the bottom of the driver side door. I'm guessing it has broken and been repaired before.

The catch can I haven't actually installed yet so right now it has a broken hose right where the crankcase vents to the ccv valve and im sure the actual ccv valve needs replacing as we live in a cold climate and my GF drives in short spurts as did the previous owner. But I'm really not wanting to get into that job. Have you done it? I've been reading a lot about the catch can and I see a lot of benefits to it, one being you don't have to mess with that hard to get to ccv valve that will prob fail again. I did check the plugs and they do look like they need replacing. Ordered them yesterday. I read a little about the disa valve, I'll have to look more into it.

In defense of the larger tires, I don't really see what the prob would be to go taller. I admit 1.5" might be a bit too much but 1" would be totally reasonable. Most people prob wouldn't even notice by looks. I have lots of experience with this. My '06 330i I put a size taller and I love the effect:
-higher quality ride as I have sport rims (low profile), cant remember exact size
-speedometer is actually spot on now
-looks better
-opens up the gears (taller gearing), stay in gear longer
-possibly better mpg on highway

Sure it robs a bit of power but barely noticeable on my 255hp 330i.

I also have 4 lifted trucks all with larger tire size. (redneck) There are lots of reasons to do this depending on what you use the vehicle for. And for the most part it is for utilitarian reasons, not so much for looks in my case. We live in Colorado and get a good amount of snow. Taller/wider tires are a huge advantage in sketchy conditions. I'm definetly going up in size somewhat, just not sure how much. I've never been disappointed with the effects and never had any probs with higher wear on components even with superchargers on my toyotas. I really don't think a size up would make an x5 look ghetto. Cooler looking in my opinion. What do you think of this truck?
http://mostwantedtoday.com/wp-conten...pse-BMW-X5.jpg

Thanks Green Dragon, I can't wait to hear how the 3.64 diffs effect that first gear. These 3.0's are not super powerful for these trucks so I'm a tad worried about loss of torque with higher gearing in the diffs/taller tires. probably fine though. Maybe I'll be inspired to do some performance mods. Do you think the AFE intake helped? I'd be willing to pay $250 if it was at all noticeable. Maybe some exhaust mods. Funny how I'm all into modding my GF BMW, but mine I'm leaving alone. Her car needs it. Mine is already awesome stock.

CCV parts are on my workbench to be installed just waiting for a warmer weekend to take my time in the garage, it's supposedly not a fun job but doable if handy. As for the tires I guess you could go taller, I'm just not a fan of increasing the overall rolling diameter although I'm sure some do it with no problems.

I installed the afe intake last week as I got a deal for 120 from a member who sold his X5. I feel its a bit peppier in higher rpm and a worthwhile mod. With the Pro Dry S filter it's non oiled and cleanable with the cleaning kit from AFE which I bought on eBay for 10 bucks. Will be the last filter I'll ever need on my X!

There is an auction on eBay for the AFE intake for 237 or best offer. You could prob offer 200 and get it, would be worthwhile at that price in my opinion, I clean my filter once a year so I like the reusable and washable filter on it.

Welcome to Xoutpost Rohin.

if you're interested in winter wheels, check out my post:

http://www.xoutpost.com/classifieds/...les-tires.html

Ricky, I checked out that CAI on eBay. Didn't get it for $215 but even at 237 seems like a good deal. I'll pick one up soon. I'm also waiting for some warm weather to do all the work one the x5. Very excited to finally get it in great shape and hopefully stop burning oil. Good luck with that ccv replacement. I've been reading on several forums it is a bear. I guess some guys could do it without taking the intake manifold off but some said it was easier to just get it out of the way. Let us know how it goes, please.

Ldiggs I just bought a set of 18" 58 style rims on craigslist for $260. Plan on getting some new all seasons soon. I used to be into swapping wheels for seasons but not anymore. If I had only one or two cars to maintain maybe, but it is now 6. Thanks though.


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Hey Ricky
In my registry you noted I have a 2002 when I actually have a 2001. Unless you know something I don't.

I had a mt e53 moment this morning. Last time I went to Germany I rented an a4 and did some spirited driving on the autobahn. When I got home I was dissapointed by my automatic e46 and missed shifting. This was why I went on the hunt for the mt e53. So I got back from another vaca trip to Europe / Germany last night. I had rented a c class benz to take to Luxembourg and I got it up to 130mph on an unlimited stretch of the autobahn (would have gone faster but it was dark and rainy - if you've ever driven the autobahn you'll know that that the no limit portions are remote and hence unlit). So the moment came this morning when, contrary to the last time, the e53 was fun to drive and still feels tight and smooth even compared to a brand new c class. So hard to believe it is an suv and I greatly prefer the interior feel of it.

I'm with you, mcurcio1989. Our 3-pedal E53s may have their issues [like all vehicles], especially after 8+ years on the road, but when running properly, they are unusual and pretty special. We should trademark "E53 Manual Moments."