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4.8is questions from a new owner...gauge lights, stereo, etc.

Hi Guys,

My 4.8is finally came, so my project list is beginning. A few odd questions here/there though:

1. Why would BMW leave the last few rev-limiter-indicating LED's always lit? On the 4.8is thread, it was indicated that this is so. Wierd.

2. My X5 didn't come with manuals: so trying to learn everything about the truck quick (of course).
a. Is there a dynamic Bass adjustment on the stereo? The EQ doesn't do much in that department.
b. Is there a HUGE update for the GPS? Dial-a-letter and press the button? No keypad? Hugely archaic. Even my MIL's Q-series (2002) has a dynamic keypad. Awful GPS so far.
c. How do you vent the roof w/o retracing the sunroof sun-screen all the way (if possible).
d. a small bitch: on a pricy SUV such as this (what was the average price??), why didn't BMW clear-coat the engine compartment & trunk areas?
e. What oil & change intervals do most people like on their 4.8's?
f. Common spark plug recommendations?
g. Common sun screen recommendations (for the dash)?
h. Anyone have a set of manuals for sale or is there an online link to them?
i. Is there an engine performance or efficiency setting anywhere w/o getting a custom computer flash?
j. What do people recommend for add-on tow hooks? I need one pretty quick..lots on ebay too. I plan to remove my rear bumper cover anyway for re-spray so I could install a bolt-on at that point).

Thanks guys!

Mark

1-its just like a normal car rev limiter.

2-you can go on the bmw website and there should be a PDF of it.

3-not really just whats on the screen
4-nope, i personally find it very cool.
d- why would you need it clear coated?
e-5000 miles
f-
g-as a detailer i never put anything on my dash. just cleaned it well.
h-
i-no
j-BE SURE ITS DONE RIGHT. Ive worked on a e60 at came in with one of those ad on tow kits that somesort of uhaul place installed straight to the sheet metal where the spare is located. one good tug and it may rip out. also they blew a bunch of stuff trying to wire the lights. car wouldnt even start.

get an oem one. it may be expensive though

Thanks for the comments, though I meant a fold-out sunscreen to protect the dash. Local stores don't carry a decent size & the BMW ones are a bit loud.

The engine compartment looks dull w/o the paint being clear-coated....looks unfinished...like what you'd expect to see on a 90's Ford Explorer.

Mark

C: Push the sun roof button "UP" toward the sky
F: The spark plugs are 100k mile plugs.
G: Use OEM sun shade - PN 82110008342
H:Check out ebay for a used user manual - 2004 BMW X5 3.0i 4.4i 4.8is Owners Manual Case | eBay. You can also download the PDF of the manual. It will address most if not all of your questions: http://cache.bmwusa.com/PDF_bc5026d7...9-fd1c10f196b8

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porschesolutions (Post 901092)

Hi Guys,

My 4.8is finally came, so my project list is beginning. A few odd questions here/there though:

1. Why would BMW leave the last few rev-limiter-indicating LED's always lit? On the 4.8is thread, it was indicated that this is so. Wierd.

Without it, your motor will blow. The just make it look cool instead of having it painted on. Never seen a car without a rev limiter showing on the tach. Except on the Buicks.

2. My X5 didn't come with manuals: so trying to learn everything about the truck quick (of course).
a. Is there a dynamic Bass adjustment on the stereo? The EQ doesn't do much in that department.

Within the program, there is a Bass adjustment, but I am not understanding what you mean by dynamic??? In any case, a lot of people don;t like the sound the stocks system put outs, so I would be surprised if it would have Dynamic bass adjustment. I looked up the meaning, but I am not sure it is what you are talking about.
b. Is there a HUGE update for the GPS? Dial-a-letter and press the button? No keypad? Hugely archaic. Even my MIL's Q-series (2002) has a dynamic keypad. Awful GPS so far.

Since your MY is 2006, depending on your production date, you may have the latest disc available. Is it old school, yes... But gets the job done.
c. How do you vent the roof w/o retracing the sunroof sun-screen all the way (if possible).
Pushing the center of the button places the Pano roof in vent mode, but that tilting action is the fault of the roof. There are clips and pins that support the cassette and glass. Some have complained that riding with it in vent mode and hitting a bump, pops these pins out of position.
d. a small bitch: on a pricy SUV such as this (what was the average price??), why didn't BMW clear-coat the engine compartment & trunk areas?
It's not coated because they don't feel it is important. At least I think. I am sure there is a better answer on that.
e. What oil & change intervals do most people like on their 4.8's?
If you wait for the indicators, it goes about 10K depending on your driving. But normally, I change it at 7500 miles. I've had my oil Blackstoned and it came back Within normal limits 4 times. I normally have it done once a year.
f. Common spark plug recommendations?
[B]Spark plugs should be changed every 100K miles. Either NGK PN:NGK IZFR6H11 or Bosch PN:BOSCH FR7KPP332 /B]
g. Common sun screen recommendations (for the dash)?
Common is the Factory BMW Shade. Loud??? I dunno, it just says BMW on the outside. I haven't seen many X5 with a cover none the less with an aftermarket cover.
h. Anyone have a set of manuals for sale or is there an online link to them?
BMW X5 Manuals | PDF Download - BMWSections Just scroll down and download it. If you want a hard copy, EBAY.
i. Is there an engine performance or efficiency setting anywhere w/o getting a custom computer flash?
No. ECU will need to be flashed to change any tuning on the electronics and motor.
j. What do people recommend for add-on tow hooks? I need one pretty quick..lots on ebay too. I plan to remove my rear bumper cover anyway for re-spray so I could install a bolt-on at that point).

Aftermarket tow hooks are tricky. Due to the placement of the rear PDC sensors, if the bar protrudes out too far, the sensor will send a false reading.OE is way to go, but is difficult to find.

Thanks guys!

Mark

Enjoy it!!! NOW POST PICTURES!!!!

you sound very ungrateful for the newly acquired X. when you buy an X5 you should be ready to pay for the name and problems that come with it. I think you should have started small, like trade your x5 for my 2002 3.0i. at 93k on the clock it gets the job done at no problem. Almost done fixing all the odds and ends on it. Just sayinggg

Yea, get rid of this car you just bought if you already hate it. Without a yearlong honeymoon type period you're just going to get more and more grumpy.

The redline lights are pretty simple. The yellow lights act as a warning, and the red light is your redline (i.e. fuel cutoff point). You can dip into the warning area if you have to, but it's not particularly good for the engine. That last yellow light won't go out. Think of it as the partial red on the older tachs.

As for consumption, I get 20 or so if I baby it. The transmission/throttle response will adapt to your driving style so if you drive like a grandma it will start adapting to you and make it easier to get better mileage.

As far as I know, BMW has never wasted clearcoat on the engine bay. I'd bet 80% of the BMW market in the US doesn't even know how to open their own hood. Some people (not me) douse their engine bay with some kinda oil to make it look clean. I wouldn't recommend doing this, but you seem pretty worried about it.

I have a softcopy of the manual, but it's larger than the limit of attachments here. PM me your email address and I can send it to you.

Or just get it from BMW USA. I think that's where I got it.

Our X5 came with two complete sets of manuals and binders... if your intersted I'll ask my GF if she wants to sell the extra set...

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex77ae (Post 901220)

I really like it, make no mistake, just was expecting more after seeing the dull paint in the jambs, engine compartment (though acknowledge that most will never look at it).

The Sat-nav is a bit disappointing being so archaic...so is the DSP. My buddy's '98 540i sport has a much better stereo system in it...even with being 8 years older & $20k cheaper.

I can live with those items...just expected a little more.

Ok on the gauges..I figured they'd go out (the rev limiter & last orange) once the truck was at full operating temp.

Let me check on the online manuals first, see if that satisfies :)

Mark

For the Tow package - NOTHING other than the Original BMW part!!!

I just reinstalled one on my 4.8iS, and beleive me, it is a substantial set of parts that go into your car, not just a U-Haul weld on/screw onto "frame" set...

The job usually goes for about $1000 total at a dealer, for parts and labor, about $400-500 for a part and about the same for the labor... there are DIY on this website... it comes with the trailer module, that is prewired on the car already...

Do not take a short cut on this, unless you want it for the looks only...