Joop's 2010 X5///M Project Thread

[JupiterBMW]

I suppose its time to start a project thread for the X5. As most of you know, the vehicle was purchased for my wife, but I bought an ///M version so that I could enjoy it too, as I not only traded in her car for this, but also sold my ZHP. This thread will document the maintenance, mods, and fun I have with this vehicle. Excited to figure out a few one off custom ideas as well as bolt on some upgrades. Of course, some maintenance and cleanup will be done first. Overall though, a good starting point.

2010 BMW X5 ///M
Silverstone II metallic
Black Nappa leather
Piano Black Trim
Cold Weather Package
Driver Assistance Package
Premium Sound Package
Comfort Access
High Gloss Roof Rails
Power Tailgate

It has a lot of other options as well, but what's listed are only non-standard options not already included on the ///M model. So, to us, it feels pretty loaded up. Of course, it has mounds of power, but its still plenty drivable in "normal" mode. Overall, I think we'll love the vehicle, it brings a great blend of utility vehicle and performance toy. :biggrin

Maintenance needed:
-Slight clunk/rattle over bumps... Front swaybar end links purchased in hopes it'll do the trick.
-Emissions light kicked on... Right bank O2 sensor.
-Rear brakes are 3500 miles from being due.

Mods so far:
BMW Performance CF Front Splitter
BMW Performance CF Mirror Covers
BMW Performance Gloss Black Kidney Grills
Black Fender Gills
Black Badges
OEM Euro Clear Front Corner Lenses
BMW 21" Style 239 wheels, 21x10" and 21x11.5"
BMW OEM LED interior bulbs
Yellow powdercoated brake calipers
Tinted windows (Llumar FormulaOne Pinnacle 35% and Llumar AirBlue80)


There will surely be additions to both the maintenance and the mod list! But for now, I think we're well on our way. I'll update the below list as time goes on... :)

08/28/14- 31,765 miles- Purchased
12/03/14- 35,517- Front swaybar end links
12/08/14- 35,472- Oil service and swap out spark plugs
01/08/15- 37,023- Replace iDrive Controller
01/11/15- 37,119- Replace O2 sensor, Bank 2, sensor 2 (passenger side, post cat)
01/15/15- 37,xxx- Install K&N intake filters
02/04/15- 38,019- Replaced Vaccum pump and turbo intake tube seals
03/25/15- 39,697- Brake fluid flush/bleed, replaced cabin microfilters
03/30/15- 39,923- Replace brake pads, Centric Posi-Quiet, all 4 wheels

[JupiterBMW]

At the dealer during purchase day!

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jdinisio/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/IMG_3200.jpg (http://s88.photobucket.com/user/jdinisio/media/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/IMG_3200.jpg.html)

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jdinisio/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/IMG_3201.jpg (http://s88.photobucket.com/user/jdinisio/media/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/IMG_3201.jpg.html)

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jdinisio/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/IMG_3196.jpg (http://s88.photobucket.com/user/jdinisio/media/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/IMG_3196.jpg.html)

Right after purchase, on our way to Key West for Labor Day weekend... :biggrin

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jdinisio/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/IMG_3354.jpg (http://s88.photobucket.com/user/jdinisio/media/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/IMG_3354.jpg.html)

At home for the first time, meeting the ZHP for one night before the ZHP goes to the new owner...

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jdinisio/IMG_3364.jpg (http://s88.photobucket.com/user/jdinisio/media/IMG_3364.jpg.html)

New tint...

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jdinisio/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/IMG_3389-1.jpg (http://s88.photobucket.com/user/jdinisio/media/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/IMG_3389-1.jpg.html)

[JupiterBMW]

Car wash today. :thumbsup

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jdinisio/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/IMG_3765.jpg (http://s88.photobucket.com/user/jdinisio/media/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/IMG_3765.jpg.html)

[danewilson77]

Awesome Joop. Glad to see you in here again.

"No flamesuit required"

[JupiterBMW]

Thanks buddy... :)

[az3579]

Yellow calipers.

/thread

[JupiterBMW]

Hahah, to be honest, I didn't like them at first, but they've grown on me... And for what its worth, my wife absolutely will not let me change them out. She admitted that anytime she sees a car with colored brake calipers, it turns her on... I was kind of shocked to hear this.. And here all along I've been painting them black. :facepalm

[Hermes]

It's not white...

jk, nice car

[jiggz]

Jon - finally this thread shows up! Yah I know you've been away at work :)

So are you ditching any of the previously installed mods, or adding any new ones? What are your plans?

With some help I completed some custom coding on my X5 today and it was $ well spent. Highly recommended.

[wertyu78]

Hahah, to be honest, I didn't like them at first, but they've grown on me... And for what its worth, my wife absolutely will not let me change them out. She admitted that anytime she sees a car with colored brake calipers, it turns her on... I was kind of shocked to hear this.. And here all along I've been painting them black. :facepalm

LOL! Awesome. This thread is full of win.


Sent from my iPhone

[cakM3]

Been waiting to see your project thread since you have gotten your beast Jon :thumbsup Looks great! :)

[TheFinanceGuy]

I love this. Looks fantastic!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Whitexi]

Definitely a nice purchase!

[JupiterBMW]

Thanks for the replies everyone...


So are you ditching any of the previously installed mods, or adding any new ones? What are your plans?
Actually, I'm pretty happy with all of the current mods, with a few very small exceptions. I don't really like the front clear reflectors, so I'm thinking about ordering the iND front and rear reflectors in Silverstone. Then at least it'll match front and back. I also don't really like the aftermarket corona ring bulbs, but nothing to be done about those, at least not until I decide to drop the coin on the LED headlight retrofit...

The other mods will stay though, and its just a matter of cleaning it up and enjoying it until then. As for planned mods, let me see if I can compile a list... :biggrin

Dinan springs/supplemental ride kit
OEM exhaust mod (opened up for more noise)
K&N air filters
Removed charcoal filters (done last night!)
Velos tune
Vorsteiner CF rear diffuser
coding (bought the cable last night on eBay)

Probably some more little things I'm forgetting, but that's a good start for now. :biggrin

[danewilson77]

Read this Joopy:

1/2 price of the Velos tune and very similar power without the risk of overboosting

http://www.eurocharged.com/blog/399-blog-dyno-of-eurocharged-ecu-upgrade-bmw-x5m-x6m-e70-e71-2008-2011-xdrive-steptronic-w-s63b44-v8-biturbo-m

"No flamesuit required"

[JupiterBMW]

Read this Joopy:

1/2 price of the Velos tune and very similar power without the risk of overboosting

http://www.eurocharged.com/blog/399-blog-dyno-of-eurocharged-ecu-upgrade-bmw-x5m-x6m-e70-e71-2008-2011-xdrive-steptronic-w-s63b44-v8-biturbo-m

"No flamesuit required"

Yeah I've read up on most of the tunes and the X5m crowd seems to regard Velos as the best.

[Tnhl1989]

Let me know if you need help setting up everything to get the coding happen. I know that it's a bit of the a pain to get everything working for e90 cars. Good luck

[330i ZHP]

In for updates

[330i ZHP]

I don't think BMW ever sold cf covers for the x5

[330i ZHP]

Mirror

[JupiterBMW]

Let me know if you need help setting up everything to get the coding happen. I know that it's a bit of the a pain to get everything working for e90 cars. Good luck
Actually Tony, I might be hitting you up sooner than later. I got the cable and I've been trying to get things going, but its having a hard time recognizing the VIN.


In for updates
Thanks, and speaking of updates, a little more maintenance done recently. :)

[JupiterBMW]

Well, even though I'm out of town, I got a call today that our X is finished at the dealer and ready to be delivered. I brought it in on Friday for an oil change, but they notified me it is also due for spark plugs, so they needed it for the weekend. That made me happy. I spoke to my service advisor today and told him that I would talk to my wife, but it might be tough for her to get down there to pick it up right away because she's alone with the kids. He said no problem, they'd deliver it to the house and pick up the loaner then. I was pleasantly surprised with that service. :)

I was going to use this in the "Fall Themed" photo contest thread, but its definitely not worthy. Although, we all like pics, so figured I'd post it here. :)

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jdinisio/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/IMG_3815.jpg (http://s88.photobucket.com/user/jdinisio/media/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/IMG_3815.jpg.html)

[mbeckel]

That's awesome personal service. Glad they took care of your X

Sent from in the bushes

[JupiterBMW]

Yeah I was really surprised and impressed. They said it's going to need front wheel bearings pretty soon, so it'll be back sooner than later I'm sure.

[mbeckel]

Yeah I was really surprised and impressed. They said it's going to need front wheel bearings pretty soon, so it'll be back sooner than later I'm sure.
Wow. It makes maintaining a zhp look like child's play!

Sent from in the bushes

[JupiterBMW]

Wow. It makes maintaining a zhp look like child's play!

Sent from in the bushes

Yes it really does.

[mbeckel]

I really love your X5M, I wanna get my wife a X5 for when our baby girl comes. We're looking at 09 and newer, what platform would you recommend? The M platform is a but pricy for my taste.

Sent from in the bushes

[JupiterBMW]

Honestly the LCI is 2011 or newer. There are a lot of people that have a lot to say about each platform. But to be honest, each of them should be plenty sufficient. Our courtesy vehicle is a 2015 35i and I was surprised, the N55 inline 6 is plenty sporty in the vehicle, especially in sport mode. If you can get sport package or Msport, do it as the looks are so much better. They are plentiful, but definitely go with CPO as the maintenance is definitely extensive and not cheap.

[JupiterBMW]

Would type more but I'm in a class right now. We can chat more, hit me up with any questions.

[mbeckel]

Honestly the LCI is 2011 or newer. There are a lot of people that have a lot to say about each platform. But to be honest, each of them should be plenty sufficient. Our courtesy vehicle is a 2015 35i and I was surprised, the N55 inline 6 is plenty sporty in the vehicle, especially in sport mode. If you can get sport package or Msport, do it as the looks are so much better. They are plentiful, but definitely go with CPO as the maintenance is definitely extensive and not cheap.


Would type more but I'm in a class right now. We can chat more, hit me up with any questions.
Very nice to know. I appreciate your input because you have the knowledge and experience with these X platform cars. The car won't be driven a lot on a daily basis, but will be used maybe monthly for road trips. I'll pm you my number, and I will pick your brain more later on. We're not looking to buy until after the new year sometime.

Sent from in the bushes

[JupiterBMW]

Honestly man, I'm still learning a lot about the platform. I've done quite a bit of research, but still figuring things out myself. Of course, I will gladly help out where I can. PM me anytime and we can chat more.

[cakM3]

Jon, isn't that part of the fun of ownership? Learning more about your new car? ;) Between yours and Stuart's X5 ///M…..you guys have amazing rides! :thumbsup

[BADCLOWN]

i love EVERYTHING about this vehicle........looks amazing with the little touches you've added although id have to say id go with a black one to go with the ZHP. that would be the ultimate pairing.


she's a beaut Clarke.

[JupiterBMW]

Thanks for the comments guys. I too love the vehicle. I've been fighting with a few little interior issues, so I stopped by the dealer the other day and spent $275 on little bits and pieces. Quite silly if I say so myself... The worst part was the vent assembly for the back seats, just on the back of the center console. That piece alone was $96... My daughter kicked it and knocked off the little slider for left/right adjustment of the vent vanes... I have all the pieces and turns out nothing is broken, but to reattach it, I have to not only remove the whole unit, but then disassemble it. Is all that worth being able to return the $96 replacement piece? Ugh...

:biggrin

[TheFinanceGuy]

Jon,
Does this have the optional third row seating?

[JupiterBMW]

No sir, 3rd row was not an option on the ///M.

[TheFinanceGuy]

ah, thanks. Hard to tell what was and what wasn't.

[JupiterBMW]

Well, with the holidays upon us, and major work going on at home, I have been busy to say the least. But, managed to squeeze a little maintenance in on the X recently, replacing a bunch of little interior bits and pieces that have seen better days. Nothing major, but it bugs me knowing that everything isn't perfect in my vehicles, so when I can, I like to replace little things that need fixing.

Replaced a bunch of the interior lights back to OEM after the previous owner switched them out to some cheap LED units. Also removed and repaired the rear vent that my daughter had busted. That was awesome, got to return the $96 replacement part! :thumbsup

Still have to find time to swap the O2 sensor. Once I get the emissions light situation handled, its time for some toys. :biggrin

[slater]

...replacing a bunch of little interior bits and pieces that have seen better days. Nothing major, but it bugs me knowing that everything isn't perfect in my vehicles, so when I can, I like to replace little things that need fixing.

Replaced a bunch of the interior lights back to OEM after the previous owner switched them out to some cheap LED units. Also removed and repaired the rear vent that my daughter had busted. That was awesome, got to return the $96 replacement part! :thumbsup


nice work on the remove + repair, jon!

i share the same sentiment about wanting things 100% with the car, but i've found when it comes to the backseat zone... i have learned to try to not be so OCD (and overbearing) about the condition of the area back there and how they treat it. because, really, they are more important than the car. i guess the important thing is to teach them, gently, to treat stuff with respect, without being a jerk. i've done the jerk bit, it sucks!

i'm admiring your X5M from afar - it's on my list of 'would like to have' vehicles but the fuel economy, coupled with canadian gas prices (which are lower than they've been in 10 years), makes it a bit of a pipe dream at this point. but it just looks stellar!

merry christmas!

peter

[JupiterBMW]

Thanks Peter! To be honest, the fuel cost in this thing is just absolutely staggering. The fact that prices are so incredibly low right now (filled it up this morning for $3.29/gal for 93 octane) is a huge bonus, but it won't last. It still costs me about $70/week on average. When we bought it, I budgeted for $300/mo in gas, and we are using just about all of it each month.

The only funny part of it is that the ONLY thing that makes the poor gas mileage worth it is the acceleration... Which uses even MORE gas. :facepalm :biggrin

[slater]

Thanks Peter! To be honest, the fuel cost in this thing is just absolutely staggering. The fact that prices are so incredibly low right now (filled it up this morning for $3.29/gal for 93 octane) is a huge bonus, but it won't last. It still costs me about $70/week on average. When we bought it, I budgeted for $300/mo in gas, and we are using just about all of it each month.

The only funny part of it is that the ONLY thing that makes the poor gas mileage worth it is the acceleration... Which uses even MORE gas. :facepalm :biggrin

smiles per mile, jon... smiles per mile... :)

peter

[JupiterBMW]

Yes that's what they say. I'd like to add though, every time I hit the gas station, it's "tears per tank". [emoji16][emoji16]

[slater]

Yes that's what they say. I'd like to add though, every time I hit the gas station, it's "tears per tank". [emoji16][emoji16]

LOL!!!

[az3579]

Thanks Peter! To be honest, the fuel cost in this thing is just absolutely staggering. The fact that prices are so incredibly low right now (filled it up this morning for $3.29/gal for 93 octane) is a huge bonus, but it won't last. It still costs me about $70/week on average. When we bought it, I budgeted for $300/mo in gas, and we are using just about all of it each month.

The only funny part of it is that the ONLY thing that makes the poor gas mileage worth it is the acceleration... Which uses even MORE gas. :facepalm :biggrin

But you expected this to happen........ right? You might want to up the budget by about $200. This way, you can get on it more and not feel guilty about it! :biggrin

[JupiterBMW]

But you expected this to happen........ right? You might want to up the budget by about $200. This way, you can get on it more and not feel guilty about it! :biggrin

Lol I think $300/mo for gas is plenty, I don't need to budget in more for silly driving.

[Sockethead]

Our 4.8is was the same way. The price you have to pay for a badass SAV

[JupiterBMW]

Added my latest maintenance into the general "what did you do" thread, but oh well, I'll bump this thread with a couple of Christmas themed photos, and one other one.

Christmas Decorating in the Tropics. :biggrin

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jdinisio/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/_MG_9190.jpg (http://s88.photobucket.com/user/jdinisio/media/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/_MG_9190.jpg.html)

And I saw this vintage BMW the other day. I grabbed a quick pic before chatting with the owner. Its kind of a Yin and Yang photo being that one is a new model, 4 wheeled beast, and the other is a vintage old sport bike. I thought it was cool.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jdinisio/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/IMG_3984.jpg (http://s88.photobucket.com/user/jdinisio/media/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/IMG_3984.jpg.html)

[JupiterBMW]

Another update this evening... Finally replaced the O2 sensor that gave a check engine light. Had I known swapping an oxygen sensor was so easy in this thing, I'd have done it a lot sooner. All I have to do now is get someone to erase the codes for me.

[BCS_ZHP]

Lol I think $300/mo for gas is plenty, I don't need to budget in more for silly driving.


Jon, A dozen or so years from now, your girls will be driving, try doubling or tripling your gas budget then. Bruce

[JupiterBMW]

Yeah, I hear ya, but at least then, I won't be paying for day care... That's a nice car payment in itself!

[TheFinanceGuy]

Yeah, I hear ya, but at least then, I won't be paying for day care... That's a nice car payment in itself!

Damn nice car payment. More like a mortgage payment.

[wsmeyer]

Two kids in daycare is costing me $2200 a month. Just about the same as a state college!

[slater]

Two kids in daycare is costing me $2200 a month. Just about the same as a state college!

dang. at that cost, it almost makes sense to have one parent stay home. there is no better way to raise your kids.... i am very thankful that we can afford to that (we homeschool as well).

peter

[Sockethead]

We have a Nanny 4 days a week and I stay home on Fridays. She's $12.00 an hour... for the twins to get home care. Worth it in my opinion.

The kids are one of the reasons we got rid of our X5, E53s are too expensive to maintain once they get over 100K but were probably going to get another one. The MDX is nice but no X5. We're Hoping the e70s are a little more reliable...I'll be watching this thread to see lol

[wsmeyer]

dang. at that cost, it almost makes sense to have one parent stay home. there is no better way to raise your kids.... i am very thankful that we can afford to that (we homeschool as well).

Both my wife and I grew up in suburbia with Mom home and spent all our time outside playing with the other kids in the neighborhood. We would love for our kids to have the same but there just aren't any neighborhoods anywhere near us that have enough kids for that to happen. Ultimately we ended up putting our kids in daycare so they would have plenty of other kids to play with.

[JupiterBMW]

My project thread has become a parenting thread... Awesome. [emoji53]


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

[wsmeyer]

My project thread has become a parenting thread... Awesome. [emoji53]


This is what happens when you get old

[az3579]

We're Hoping the e70s are a little more reliable...I'll be watching this thread to see lol

This is the wrong thread to watch, Rob... There is absolutely no comparison in maintenance for an M versus a regular X!

[JupiterBMW]

This is the wrong thread to watch, Rob... There is absolutely no comparison in maintenance for an M versus a regular X!

That's not entirely true. While the cost of the ///M maintenance is much more, the actual things that happen seem to be about the same.


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

[Sockethead]

This is the wrong thread to watch, Rob... There is absolutely no comparison in maintenance for an M versus a regular X!


That's not entirely true. While the cost of the ///M maintenance is much more, the actual things that happen seem to be about the same.
Exactly. With the e53, It was everything... suspension modules, transmission, transfer case, fuel pump, motor mounts, valve seals, ignition switch, coolant expansion tank, power steering hoses, subframe and suspension bushings, ball joints front and rear, rear hatch lock, tailgate rattle, window regulators, power folding mirrors... even the friggin cup holders broke. I'm sure there are a few things I've forgotten. We loved our e53 and we still really miss it but man, were they unreliable... everything I listed were common issues...

[johnrando]

This is what happens when you get old


My project thread has become a parenting thread... Awesome. [emoji53]


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

lol

[JupiterBMW]

Well, another little addition to the X this evening. I finally ordered and installed the K&N filters. There are zero intake options, so this is the only intake mod available, which is actually OK by me because it only cost me $90. :biggrin

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jdinisio/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/IMG_4077.jpg (http://s88.photobucket.com/user/jdinisio/media/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/IMG_4077.jpg.html)

[Vas]

Oiled filters ?

[JupiterBMW]

Yep, the standard K&N filters. I know there's a lot of talk about oiled filters... Lets not go there, everyone has their opinion and it'll never be decided. :biggrin

[danewilson77]

Yep, the standard K&N filters. I know there's a lot of talk about oiled filters... Lets not go there, everyone has their opinion and it'll never be decided. :biggrin
+1

"No flamesuit required"

[derbo]

Yep, the standard K&N filters. I know there's a lot of talk about oiled filters... Lets not go there, everyone has their opinion and it'll never be decided. :biggrin

I run an K&N replacement filter ATM. :)

[Sockethead]

is it me or do they look tiny? I'd think that a V8 M would have some massive filter in it...

[wsmeyer]

is it me or do they look tiny? I'd think that a V8 M would have some massive filter in it...

That's what I was thinking too. The ones in my X5 4.8 are twice that size.

[BADCLOWN]

we've all been duped............theres actually a 4 banger under the hood of those X5Ms.

[JupiterBMW]

Haha, yeah they're on the smaller side. About 4" tall and 12" wide each. But I promise, no 4 cylinder. [emoji16]


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

[wsmeyer]

we've all been duped............theres actually a 4 banger under the hood of those X5Ms.

Actually two four bangers with their own air filter. Still seem small to me.

[JupiterBMW]

Well, a little bit of an unfortunate update to this thread. And well, no pics, because I'm out to sea. But, on Wednesday Ayren dropped the X at the dealer to have a very persistent check engine light diagnosed. I was hoping for just another O2 sensor, but fearing the "worst" at having to replace both cats, a job that I figured would cost about $2500... Also the perfect opportunity to drop $2100 and get AR catted downpipes...

However, I was sadly mistaken. The CEL code is just for another O2 sensor. Apparently the X will tell you its Bank 1 or 2, but always sensor 2 (post cat). If you replace it and the code comes back for the same bank, most likely you need to replace the pre-cat sensor... How lame that the car doesn't differentiate! Anyway, so they're doing an O2 sensor on the left bank, a code that I had never gotten. Whatever, no big deal...

On the other hand though, they also informed me of a really bad oil leak from the vacuum pump, an absolute bear of a job that calls for 10.1 hours of labor at the dealer. And they also told me that there is a pretty bad oil leak somewhere near the valley pan. Of course, with the N63/S63 being upside down engines, the two exhaust manifolds and both turbos are in between the heads, so all of that will have to come out as well to do the repairs... So, the O2 sensor, the vacuum pump, other oil leaks, and labor to do it all...

Long story short, getting the oil leaks all fixed, and the O2 sensor, parts and labor hit me at $4200 (before tax). My Service Advisor felt really bad about the job, so he knocked $500 off, which is awesome. He told me that the tech actually begged him NOT to sell the work because it was all so intense and he didn't want to do it! :eeps The kicker of it all is that there is currently an "N63 Customer Care Package" out that addresses many problems with the N63. The S63 of course is not included, which is BS being that it is almost an identical engine... So, while people with the regular X5 50i, all of these repairs, and others, are being checked for free. Meanwhile, they're getting loaners of equal or GREATER value (my wife got put into a Jetta loaner, even after I called way ahead and insisted on a BMW SUV for safe transport of my kids), aaaaand they're getting a BMW courtesy gift of $50 value... Could be a gas card, could be a goodie bag with some BMW swag, etc etc...

Joop gets none of this. :facepalm

Anyway, so, a massive repair bill isn't something I wanted right now, definitely puts a damper on my Unicorn E90 M3 search. But, we'll get the X back in good repair and hopefully running better than before.

[330i ZHP]

good lord - sorry to hear for you and potentially for me

damn - that vacuum pump is on the back of the engine - looks like a pita. Here is a quick write-up I found:

I finally received new Vacuum Pump for my 2011 X6M p/n: 11668605976 ($200 new, genuine oem BMW - no box). Removed the old leaking one and installed new one. (local authorized BMW dealership offered to do this job for $2000 labor + $500 parts = $2500, when I asked why so expensive, was told 9.5 hours of labor). Took me 4.5 hours all together from start to end, total cost: $200 + my own time:

- Remove plastic engine cover
- Remove filters from passenger's side
- Remove plastic engine trim passenger's and driver's side
- Disconnect and remove oxygen sensors - passenger's side
- Remove heat shield from top of the catalytic converters
- Remove heat shield next to the vacuum pump (passenger's side)
- Disconnect Vacuum Pump
- Loosen three bolts holding old vacuum pump (E8 Torx External)
- Remove old vacuum pump
- Rotate new vacuum pump to match same position as the old one
- Install new vacuum pump and torque three E8 bolts
- Re-assemble all components in reverse order
- Done (4.5 hours)

[330i ZHP]

At least for the tech, with the turbos, manifold and cats out of the way the vacuum pump would relative cake job

[330i ZHP]

http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=17199796

[fredo]

That's crazy, man ! Sorry to hear about it. How many miles on your 2010 X5 ?

[cakM3]

Damn Jon, sorry to hear that! Especially when you're out to sea...talking about bad timing....

[JupiterBMW]

Stu- yeah I read Igor's DIY, looks surprisingly easy, not sure how he did it in 4.5 hours when BMW calls for 10. The other seals in the valley pan had me more nervous though. And yes, be prepped for if/when you need this service.

Fredo- We're at 36k miles or so right now.

Charlie- thanks buddy.


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[330i ZHP]

Book rates (times) are always high. And techs love when they get paid for X when they can do it in X-6

[JupiterBMW]

Book rates (times) are always high. And techs love when they get paid for X when they can do it in X-6

Yeah I am sure that is part of the case. The labor rates are insane too, $216/hr... Curious as to how much that varies around the country.


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[az3579]

Yeah I am sure that is part of the case. The labor rates are insane too, $216/hr... Curious as to how much that varies around the country.


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$145/hr here, and I thought that was insanely expensive...

[Vas]

36k miles and major oil leaks ? Man that blows.

[WOLFN8TR]

Wow $4,200! That would make me want to cry. It's cool the service advisor took $500 off but still....OUCH! Sorry to hear the news Jon.

[danewilson77]

Damn. $4200 is half a ZHP.

The friendliest forum on the planet.

[derbo]

$145/hr here, and I thought that was insanely expensive...

we are around $200-$225/hr here.


Then again our $100 bill is worth like $88 here. :\

[Sockethead]

That sucks man. I guess that answers the question about reliability over the e53. BMW still can't make a V8 that doesn't leak oil.

Kristen mentioned that when she was a service advisor at BMW, she would of had BMWNA good will the job at that low mileage. Have you asked them to do that? I know they reduced the labor by $500 but that's a drop in the bucket at $4200. If BMWNA will good will it, the dealer will still get the parts and labor $ from them.
She got BMWNA to goodwill 50% of a valve seal job on an '04 650 with 75k on the clock... She suggested that you call BMWNA about it if the dealer won't help you. I'll have her get you a number if you want to go that route...

[JupiterBMW]

Rob, I'd appreciate that. I figured I was stuck because I didn't buy it from a BMW dealer.


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[Sockethead]

Well I think one point you should drive home when you talk to them is how many BMW's you've owned over the years. That's how Kristen got them to pay for work on that '04 650. It was that guy's 4th BMW. Kris is the second owner of her 135, She bought it from a friend in Ohio and she's gotten BMW to good will a shitload of stuff on her car...
I'll get the number for you... it will probably be Monday when she gets back in her office.

[johnrando]

Wow, sorry to hear. Great idea on the good will Rob, hope that works out.

[JupiterBMW]

Well, got a text from my Service Advisor that the X is done. He said no more engine light, no leaks, and no oil smell. He said it is running a lot better too. So that's good. I have to get a hold of BMWNA tomorrow if I can, just sucks, our communication is so flaky out here!

[wsmeyer]

Edit ***

Some things shouldn't be said on a public forum

[Sockethead]

Joop, Sorry for the delay. Kristen said you just call the customer relations number on the their website. 1-800-831-1117

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/ContactUs/

[JupiterBMW]

Yeah man, did that already and spoke to them. Awaiting their response...

On a brighter note, the brake pads I purchased from Ray arrived a few days ago. Thanks Ray! [emoji106]


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[bcleaver]

That's a bummer man, sorry to hear. At 36k are you not covered under the original factory warranty?

[Johal E32]

That's a bummer man, sorry to hear. At 36k are you not covered under the original factory warranty?

+1? I take it the warranty expired after 4 years?

[JupiterBMW]

That is correct, warranty ended in November of 2013. This was a very early 2010 model, built in Sept 2009, sold in November of 2009.


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[Johal E32]

How much money was it to renew 4 more years/100K miles if you don't mind me asking?

[JupiterBMW]

To CPO the vehicle would've entailed the following.

$415 for inspection

Must pay at that time to repair ALL findings (they would've most likely found these problems)

Then you are eligible to purchase the CPO warranty, which would've been a little over $4000 for the x5m.



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[Johal E32]

I seem assuming the car is in good health, seems like a good deal. Just for the peace of mind incase of anything happening..

[Sockethead]

Kristen bought that warranty for her 135 a few years ago. The one she got covered most everything. Since then BMW has changed the terms of the warranty and it don't cover Jack shit now.

[JupiterBMW]

I seem assuming the car is in good health, seems like a good deal. Just for the peace of mind incase of anything happening..

Perhaps, but they would've found the maintenance I just had done, so it would've been about $8000 after all was said and done. I already did 1 O2 sensor myself, and the front swaybar end links. That work at the dealer would've cost me another $500 or so.

I'm hoping to get all maintenance done while I'm home so I can do it myself. :biggrin

[JupiterBMW]

Check engine light... Round 2... I'll be home in less than 2 weeks, now I have a project... Ugh.


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[slater]

Check engine light... Round 2... I'll be home in less than 2 weeks, now I have a project... Ugh.


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bummer man. i'm suddenly not envious of your beautiful X5. :) hope you get it sorted easily.

peter

[wsmeyer]

Have her double check the gas cap is tight.

[JupiterBMW]

Thanks guys.. Not the gas cap as I had her check that. I'm thinking another O2 sensor... Two have been replaced, only 2 more to go. I'm just going to do both of them as soon as I'm home.

[JupiterBMW]

Well, a few more updates, finally got the brake pads done that I had purchased from Ray. (thanks!) Finally, the squeaking is gone, and hopefully the brake dust is drastically reduced as well. A couple of quick pics before I took her to get washed. Tomorrow I'll hopefully get a chance to take some real photos. :)

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jdinisio/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/IMG_4333.jpg (http://s88.photobucket.com/user/jdinisio/media/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/IMG_4333.jpg.html)

Here's a shot of about 1 week's worth of brake dust. I cleaned the insides of the wheels though when I did the brakes, and I had the car wash do the rest. They look great now, and hopefully they last longer with the new pads!

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jdinisio/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/IMG_4334.jpg (http://s88.photobucket.com/user/jdinisio/media/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/IMG_4334.jpg.html)

[ELCID86]

lookin' good.

[cakM3]

love that carbon fiber lip Jon :thumbsup

[danewilson77]

Looking good Joop.

"No flamesuit required"

[330i ZHP]

nice

[JupiterBMW]

Thanks guys... With the arrival of the M3 tomorrow, I took the X to get all cleaned up today. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have some time to take a couple pics of both of them together... :)

[johnrando]

That will be sweet.

[330i ZHP]

Looking forward to pics

[WOLFN8TR]

Me too...[emoji106]

[JupiterBMW]

Wow, I really dropped the ball on pics! My bad!! But anyway, even out at sea, I can still update my thread. I finally spent the time (4 days) to do a full detail of the truck, and I am so much happier with how the paint looks and feels. Its not perfect, has some sandblasting on the leading edges of the rear wheel arches, but on such a light color, its barely noticeable. I ended up buying a $30 OBDII scanner to keep in the glove box as the check engine light is a pretty common thing. Its the same stupid "very small emissions leak" so I just reset it when it turns on (assuming there are no other codes).

On the bright side, I picked up a few small cosmetic mods for when I'm home. I debadged the truck and bought color matched emblems. My wife wanted the M badges, I wanted it debadged, so this was a compromise. I'm really excited for the look though, so much that I actually did the same thing for the M3. In addition, I also bought color matched front reflectors. The ones in there now are the Euro clear ones, which are fairly hard to get from what I understand, but I don't like them, so I'll swap them out. After this I'm going to lower the truck, just having trouble deciding which kit. And then I'm going to have the wheels refinished when she's due for tires (that'll be this fall I'm sure). Can't wait to ditch the run flats for Michelin PSS!! Not looking forward to buying them in 21" though!!

Anyway, pics and more info when I can. :)

[JupiterBMW]

Stupid slow satellite internet... Double post because my connection flaked...

Anyway, now I will edit this post, and add a pic. Everything gets better with pics...

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/jdinisio/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/_MG_9597.jpg (http://s88.photobucket.com/user/jdinisio/media/2010%20X5%20M%20Pics/_MG_9597.jpg.html)

[johnrando]

Nice pic. I don't see the M badges though, is that a "before"?

[JupiterBMW]

Nice pic. I don't see the M badges though, is that a "before"?

Right now, both vehicles are completely debadged. I left for the ship before the new color matched badges arrive. So, I'll install them when I get home.


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[johnrando]

Ah, thanks. So even more stuff to look forward to for when you get home.

[wsmeyer]

Needs to be lowered

[az3579]

Needs to be lowered
It's an SUV... Totally defeats the purpose! He does live in Florida though so that's out the window. Lol

[Sockethead]

Umm... it's not an SUV, it's a SAV

[slater]

Umm... it's not an SUV, it's a SAV

i thought it was a CELV... Check Engine Light Vehicle.

:cheers

peter

[Sockethead]

i thought it was a CELV... Check Engine Light Vehicle.

:cheers

peter

LOL Aye, that it is!

[az3579]

Umm... it's not an SUV, it's a SAV

Same damn thing. Stupid BMW marketing! :facepalm


i thought it was a CELV... Check Engine Light Vehicle.

:cheers

peter

Fitting. lol

[JupiterBMW]

Thanks for the comments guys, lol. It does need to be lowered, still unsure if I want the H&R 2" kit or the 1.2" kit.


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[Sockethead]

That was the only nice thing about the air suspension in the e53: I could put false measurements in during the calibration process and fool it into lowering it as much as I wanted.

[Torxuvin]

That really bites. I'm sorry to hear that buddy.

Side note, did I miss the M3 thread? I don't see one.

[JupiterBMW]

That really bites. I'm sorry to hear that buddy.

Side note, did I miss the M3 thread? I don't see one.

Holy crap, just got the notification of your post, 11 days later! Sorry about that! As for the X5, I've learned to live with the light, it's grown to be part of E70 M ownership... Besides, my wife has gotten really good at scanning and resetting the codes as well. Lol. As long as no new codes pop up, I'm living with it for now.

As for the M3, no thread yet. To be honest, I wasn't going to post one because I can't afford to mod either of these vehicles! The Dinan exhaust for the M3 costs as much as all the Dinan parts I had on my ZHP combined... And the Dinan exhaust for the X5 is $1000 more that the M3 one!


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[wsmeyer]

Just lower the X5 and be done with it.

[JupiterBMW]

Just lower the X5 and be done with it.

Yeah someday. You have the wrong kit though!


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