Greydog

Hi Baz What engine ? 3.0, 4.4, 4.6, 4.8 or 3.0 diesel. A garage can do a sniff test on the header tank which will tell you straight away if there is a gasket issue (not unheard of but quite rare). Was the purchase from a garage or private? If a sniff test confirms gasket failure then I would ask the seller for some support, difficult situation as it will be difficult to prove it was an existing condition. I would check the thermostat and water pump if its is failed or thermostat failed closed then that will pressurize the header tank (not good when it's plastic) Check the colour of the coolant it should be changed every few years as part of the maintenance. Hope this helps Dave

You say you suspect the Vanos is not working but don't tell us what symptoms? What engine? Vanos can fail but generally are pretty tough, if they do fail it is normally either the Vanos solenoid or the seals. If you are a competent DIY mechanic there are seal kits available even full rebuilt Vanos units and how too's on You Tube. If not then you will need a specialist to help google will be your best mate there. Try Mr Vanos they may give more advice

Normally the bluetooth microphone is fitted in the roof console above the mirror, the connector may be folded back and taped up check carefully. You can also check www.realoem.com put in the last 7 digits of your Vin Number and check all the parts needed and their location Hope this helps

Quite often if cheap washer fluids are used there can be a build up of waxy deposits in the reservoir they can clog the filters on the 3 pumps they can also effect the level sensor. So I would drain the tank and take it out then clean it out thoroughly take out the level sensor and make sure its operating OK. It may be the sensor has failed but I haven't heard of one going before but always possible. Have a look at www.realoem.com put in the last 7 digits of your Vin number and look in Electrical systems scroll to the bottom it will show you a diagram and part numbers if you do need a new one. Good Luck

There are some good buyers guides on here read those but as a rough guide here goes. 2004 was the facelift year so before (2000 2003) X5's came with 3.0i 4.4 and 4.6is petrol and 3.0 diesel engines, there were a few manual boxes but the vast majority will be 5 speed auto boxes. After 2004 power increased for the 4.4 V8 (286 up to 321) the diesel also got a power increase the 4.6is was dropped and replaced by the 4.8. gearbox was replaced with a 6 speed automatic. Engine wise the 3.0i and 3.0 diesel are strong units that with good maintenance give long service 4.4 and 4.6 V8's produce good power but they do have some weak points (search chain guides) the 4.8 is better but not perfect. BMW in their wisdom decided to say the gearbox is sealed for life!! the early GM boxes were not good the 2002 on ZF boxes are stronger but ZF advise service every 60k Interior is generally tough but drivers seat squab will show signs of wear (I brought a passenger seat from a dismantler £80 and swapped the squab) So when buying 1st before you do anything open the bonnet and make sure the engine is cold if it has been run before you get there wonder why, check the oil? Turn on the ignition and check all lights on the dash come on wait and see if the cycle off (right display)then start the engine it should start with no rattles, knocks or smoke (diesel or petrol) if its petrol and there are rattles or knocks walk away it will not be cheap or easy to fix. With the engine ticking over check that all the buttons and switches work as they should cycle all of them at least twice (again no cheap fixes) Look for any missing pixels on the display check nav and other stuff if it has it make sure the heater and aircon work as they should. If your still happy go for a good drive, gear changes should be smooth and hardly felt even when pushing on so should the down changes (any jerks or strange behaviour walk away box repairs are minimum 2k. There should be no shakes rattles or clunks from underneath though suspension bushes only last about 50/60k before they need replacing check for odd tyre wear rear inside edge is a giveaway I would budget for a complete re-bush front and rear and a 4 wheel alignment just to be sure. Re-bushing is a DIY prospect the difference it makes is huge. There are a lot of X5's out there some are better maintained than others good ones are great a bad one is a money pit. I brought our first one (a 4.4) to tow a horse trailer the current one is a 4.6is my experience says take out a warranty, good luck Dave

Morning Jerry If memory serves not to bad a job on the 4.8 as the alternator is "normal" early 4.4 and 4.6 have water cooled ones which makes them a faddle to change/service. Have a check on www.realoem.com to make sure which alternator type. I would also check youtube for any video how too's then make a decision whether to sacrifice some skin or beer tokens to get the job done. Good Luck Dave

I believe Meyle and Lemforder have been OEM suppliers and are good quality. Is your transmission Auto or Manual (my X5 is Auto) Auto will probably be ZF so don't dismiss their kits also their long life trans fluid is a reasonable price.

Morning Ian Welcome to the Forum glad your enjoying the new car. There is lots of knowledge here if you ever need help. ENJOY Dave

Welcome Mark Great choice enjoy your car

Now thats a proper test drive !! Superb car enjoy and welcome to the fold John

Does the car have a good history? Main Dealer or Independent ? It could be some one topped up the header tank with a dirty funnel or jug, happened to me at a Mercedes Dealer drove the dealer mad trying to understand why. A coolant flush and refill fixed it they could only surmise an apprentice had put coolant into a pouring jug used for topping up oil!! Then on the down side head gasket !! get tested quick. I would be talking to the seller if it's a dealer and getting them to repair it, if its a private sale I would try for a contribution at least. On the coolant level warning I just had to replace the sender on my X5 after several low coolant warnings but no top up needed. Fingers crossed for you Jim

Morning Andrew Google HID's Direct they have plenty of experience and a good reputation. Both of my sons have used their upgrade kits, and on my youngest sons Toyota the difference is literally night and day. Just make sure you have headlamp washers so you don't fall foul at MOT time as I believe the lighting regs state washers or self leveling or both

If your car has self leveling suspension and/or headlamp washers I believe you will be OK with a HID upgrade and not fall foul of any construction and use regulations. Just a thought do you have LED headlamps your ID shows 116d 2018 ? should that be 2016? If your headlamps have Halogen bulbs you can upgrade to HID if they are LED I don't think so

WELCOME Is that the colour? My daughter ran a 535d blinding car ENJOY

Welcome Chris Good choice enjoy your X5

Obvious question Darren Did you buy from a dealer or private ? If through a Dealer then either make them fix it or get your money back, if Private then I would still contact the seller to see if they would help. I may be wrong (Not a Diesel driver I have a son who is) as your car has low miles the problem could be EGR or DPF related short journeys tend to get them clogged with soot as there isn't enough heat to regenerate the DPF. If your EGR has swirl flaps they to could be sooted up. Fingers crossed someone with more diesel knowledge will be along to help

Hi Dave answered in your welcome post but try this www.youtube.com/watch?v=GI0L3WcpyDo

Morning and Welcome My neighbour works for BMW, he struggled then found a tutorial on You Tube me I have the OLD pre Idrive system simple like me.

Morning William Sorry no I haven't I will have a look now though Thanks for the heads up Dave

Just be sure that the area you want to restore is raw ABS plastic not painted or dipped if it has been coated it wont work. If it is plastic then mask off the painted are to protect it

If you have a heat gun try this, make sure the gun is on a low setting and never have it stationary on the plastic trim. Warm the trim and wipe it with a clean cloth. Warming brings out the oils in the plastic you will see a lot of gunk removed (old polish and plastic treatments) you can normally bring back most black plastic trim parts unless they are really badly stained. REMEMBER if you leave the heat in one spot you will possibly warp or damage the trim so don't rush it, in the case of heat on plastic more isn't good

That is all you need the diversity antenna and the key need to be synced. put your key in the dash the info centre should come to life with the dash lights. Remove the key and press and hold the unlock button now press the lock button on the key 3 times release the buttons the doors should lock unlock and your done

Very nice ENJOY and Welcome

Try this to reprogram the Key Method 1: 1. Working from within the vehicle and with the doors shut 2. Turn ignition to position 1 and back to off within 5 seconds. 3. Remove the key from ignition and press and hold the unlock button for 15 seconds during this time press the key lock button 3 times within 5 seconds. 4. Release both buttons. 5. Doors will lock and unlock to show correct programming has occurred. Method 2: To do this procedure you need to have one working key and one key that needs to be programmed. 1) Get in and close all doors. 2) Turn on the ignition and turn off quickly. (No more than 5 seconds) to start the process. Next action must take place within 30 seconds. 3) Remove the 1st key. 4) Hold the key up near your left shoulder (this is so it is closer to the remote receiver antenna. 5) Hold down the unlock button and press the lock button 3 times. Release the unlock button and the doors lock which confirms the operation. 6) Quickly repeat steps 4 & 5 for key #2 etc. If it does not work, try doing the keys in opposite order. Key 2 then key 1, vs 1 then 2. Method 3: Alternate if you do not have a working remote 1. Turn key to position 1 five times very quickly 2. Remove key 3. Hold unlock button then press lock button 3 times, release unlock button. 4. If you have another key do the same button pressing within 30 seconds 5. Turn on ignition to finalise.

One of the things you can do is to check out other models in the range to see what parts can be transferred model to model. With the X5 the main loom is pretty standard so adding little luxuries is pretty much plug and play. Good luck with the cigarette lighter LOL