Finally got my Avin iDrive controller knob and installed it today. I think it makes a world of a difference in looks and how it feels. Just a side note, I know another member on this forum ordered the same thing and said it came all scratched up. I thought mine was also scratched but it turns out there is a thin layer of protective film covering the black plastic. The glossy black plastic top also attracts smudges, so keep that in mind as well.

1) Took a photo of the front pulley to see if it needs replacing. Looks like it has never been replaced, all of nearly 140k miles old....
2) Got tired of hitting my head on the corner of the tailgate, so replaced the struts, btw, they're not gas :-)

Vacuum lines replacement....

Yesterday I replaced the Amber reflectors with white ones. Pretty straightforward job.

Before you ask where I get them from,

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Clear-Lens-....m46890.l49292

Easiest acces to remove the yellow ones, see the attached pic.

I love those. Wish they made clear lenses to replace the rear red reflectors too.

Just started learning all about my new-to-me 2013 X5 E70. Looks like the original owner had a hitch installed, but have not found the wiring yet. Did find that there's no spare/jack set. Guess I'm too old school, coming from a 2004 325xi Touring! Wish that it had the Adaptive Cruise Control, but otherwise I'm very happy so far.

https://www.motorcarmarkdown.com/dea...gray_x5_01.jpg

Nice looking ride and welcome!

You can buy a spare tire kit and put it underneath the trunk space (if you have no 3rd row option). Nice peace of mind

... and use normal tyres instead of runflats.

Not sure about the Adaptive Cruise Control though - I don't have it on my X5 but in other modern hire-cars I drive, I find it starts reducing speed way too early when approaching a slower car on the motorway. I find it quite annoying, to the extent that I'll drive without cruise control.

So, having thoroughly searched the rear end, I conclude that the original owner just used the hitch for a carrier or bike rack, since there's no trailer wiring to be found. Any thoughts on the best route to go for a full trailer harness?

Next question: The local BMW dealer quoted me $452.44 for a second remote. Is that about right, or should I look for a second source?

Lastly, when I'm listening to music being streamed via Bluetooth from my phone, if it gets interrupted by a phone call, shouldn't it just start playing again when the call concludes? Am I missing a setting somewhere? I've been spoiled by the BlueBus in my 325xiT.