Undercarriage Panel Remove & Detail
Well, today was another day of cleaning, this time focusing on the panels covering the undercarriage of the vehicle. I had enough time to take care of most of the panels from the rear axle to the front but I have the trans and engine cover to do next, maybe next week. Burned up another 5hrs removing cleaning and detailing each part then reinstalling. Additionally I cleaned up the side step panels where they connect under the car. Again, lots of work but well worth the effort IMO. I only wish I had a better angle of the undercarriage photos.....huge difference!


Just after removal:
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...psdhitkz64.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...psbws4hg6j.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...psod2rmiwm.jpg


Some before and after shots:
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...psvfxanj1s.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...psijnic7zj.jpg


http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...pscjgxbvrh.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...pssrhedpqt.jpg


http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...psp3zadaue.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...psbvk5h55y.jpg


Even the hardware got some attention:
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps4ulwtz6b.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps1zumzqly.jpg


Reinstalled and looking good. Sorry didn't have right lens with me so photos aren't very good.
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...pswcgwoew0.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps28xkibzs.jpg

Looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor!!

Well, I planned to do some modding over the weekend but decided to have Crevier BMW take it in to inspect a few things I noticed before I was about to detail the engine bay. Right now I'm rolling around in a 16' 535i M-Sport and I must say I don't mind if they take their time with my X. Once I confirm a few things with the details I'll fill you guys in with the details.

Well, the X5 is back home. Was about to detail the engine compartment but saw what appeared to be a small oil leak by the turbos. BMW found the issue and replaced turbo oil pressure lines under warranty. While they were in there they suggested replacing the vacuum lines but instead I ordered up the parts so I can do a DIY soon. Anyways, here are a few pics of things I'll be working on soon...

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...psuxo3xjqb.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...psyrcdaiiy.jpg

Ouch, you had to accept BMW offer. There is a lot of pain involved in the vacuum hoses replacement.
I replaced my turbo feed line (the top one) which started to seep at under 40k miles. The others 2 are real PITA to replace, but when the time comes i will order custom made SS braided lines to fix this once and for all.

I'm not too concerned about the vacuum line replacement. I've pulled and rebuilt BMW engines before so I'm not easily intimidated. I sure as hell wasn't going to give the dealer $800 in parts and labor so I decided I'll tackle this myself.

Ok, that makes sense. I thought their offer was free.
Rebuilding engines on the stand is one thing and working on it when installed is another story, especially for the modern era engines. You'll be amazed to what places these vacuum hoses reach. If I were you, I'd do a vacuum test before I replace anything. In California weather you should expect some problems after 50-60k miles.

My thought is that any vacuum lines in a very hot climate (just above turbos) after 5 years and 75k miles are going to be pretty dried up. That being said I purchased all the rubber vacuum hoses to do a full replacement so I wouldn't have to go on a witch hunt for a leak later down the road. I hate diagnosing certain issues as those so I'd much rather just replace everything and be done with it. My though is if one line is starting to fail, the rest are likely to as well.

Correct!

Black Bumper Grills & IND Painted Front Reflectors
Yesterday was a long day of hiking (approx 3,900 ft to elevation for 10,064) and so today I had to keep the legs working to avoid them cramping up. Decided it was the perfect time to tackle what I've been wanting to get done for a while. Installation of the IND reflectors requires bumper removal and so does the front lower grill so it was a 2-for-1 deal. Overall a pretty straight forward job and no surprises. I put together a couple of videos for those who like to DIY so I'll probably get those uploaded in the next day or two.

Anyways, who cares about all my yapping.......I know you guys really only care about the pics :)


Getting ready for bumper removal

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...psbaarn7cj.jpg


About 15 minutes later...

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...psmj2of7uw.jpg


Decided it was a good time for a detail as well as vacuuming up all the junk around the radiator and intercooler. I couldn't believe the size of some of the grass hoppers I got out of there.

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps6wuck7ia.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...pszewdmuir.jpg


Removing old silver grill and replacing with new black unit as well as cracking open the new painted front reflectors

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...psg4z3mwhq.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...pscfbdf5oh.jpg


Reinstalling after reflectors and grills were done. Some final shots

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...psuhwkhiyc.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...psgm3msw0h.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...psvhpj5vle.jpg