chrislux

Depends what model it is .

The Aux Heating is a rare option on UK cars . It appears on the OBD but doesn't necessarily mean you have the unit fitted under the bonnet . First thing to look for is the Webasto unit at the back passenger side of engine bay . If nothing there , you don't have it . If it is there , it need to be programmed by someone with Autologic to get it to work .

You can retro-fit TV , but as UK analogue has all disappeared , you're prob better looking on ebay for a digital package . It's neither a simple or cheap project to do , but is possible , but I'm sry I don't know the full parts list you will need off-hand . However , I do know that the digital units have a crap picture on the move , so if that's what you're thinking of , it might be worth re-accessing if it's really worth doing .

You can retro-fit TV , but as UK analogue has all disappeared , you're prob better looking on ebay for a digital package . It's neither a simple or cheap project to do , but is possible , but I'm sry I don't know the full parts list you will need off-hand . However , I do know that the digital units have a crap picture on the move , so if that's what you're thinking of , it might be worth re-accessing if it's really worth doing .

Normally you can put a CD charger in no matter what head-unit you have . BMW's are Alpine units re-branded for BMW , so the cheapest option is either 2/h (most breakers shud have one) or buy an Alpine . The only thing is you will have to make sure of the plug as they changed but I can't remember which year it was done .

There is normally a small card the size of a large credit card in the handbook with the 4 digit code written on it . If it's been lost , I guess a Stealer will have to re-set and give you a new code

One of the other forums I frequent , a guy had a 318ti Compact for sale at £950 If you're interested , I can find out if it's still there and some more details ? Cheers , Chris

On my '05 3.0d , you go into the OBC screen and select SET in bottom left corner . This opens up a menu starting with MPG reset I think . If you then scroll all the way to the bottom , it'll 'turn' to a new page which has SCREEN , CLOCK , DATE , NAVI VOLUME , COLOUR SET and lastly at the bottom LANGUAGE . Press the volume button to enter and then scroll across to English . If for any reason this doesn't work , you can also change the language in the 'hidden' OBC menu that you get to via the indicator stalk , but I can't remember the procedure for that off the top of my head as it's such a long time since I did it !!

With the batt. warming light and dim headlights I wud have said battery or alternator . But ASC & ABS light as well , that's interesting and has thrown me . Guess first thing is to test the battery and alternator , check the belt . If they're OK then start looking for smthg else .

If you havn't already bought any , I use Continental and they're very good . And for Winter tyres I use Yokohama , which are excellent .

I've had my 05/05 E53 3.0d for about 1 1/2 years . The Missus had always wanted one (she's had 2 E39 Tourings before) and I got offered this one for a snip by a friend . First thing I had done was a re-map (I've had 2 other Diesels re-mapped before so know good results can be had) 272PS 525NM and an improvement in MPG too . On the usual school/town run it's getting 28/29MPG , on a run at steady 150KMH seen 39.2MPG . I've seen 230KMH on the clock , that's plenty fast enuff for a 4x4 . It'll cruise easily at 200KMH . Also had auto-lock at 10KMH engaged and when locked/unlocked it bleeps . Only major problem I've had was the starter motor (a common fault because they're not Bosch but Magneti Marelli !!) Missus loves it , and I must say I enjoy driving it too .

Schmiedmann do manifolds for 4cyl models , and complete exhausts . Gas flowed head with bigger injectors . New high lift/longer opening cam with air filter and re-map . Wudda thought that lot shud get another 30 BHP or so . Depends how much ya wanna spend really

Is there a way to select you get an incoming mail if there's an answer to a topic you're watching ?? I've got the box on the right ticked , but not had any mails to alert me of answers to topics I'm watching so far . If not , could be a reasonable idea , so you can keep in touch with things . Chris

Is it all fine since the new battery ?? Chris

Hi , I have a similar problem with my B8 since I had a new tank sensor fitted . I've been told that the only way to sort the problem out is to take the sensor out and re-fit it again , but I can't be bothered with the hassle as it's a lengthy job to take the tank out . My guess is that your B10 is similar unfortunately . However , if you find out differently , I'd love to know :) Chris P.S. Are you member of the Alpina Register too ??

Welcome to X5 ownership , they're great . Had my '05 facelift 2 1/2 years and love it . The PDC sensors common problem , might just be some dirt , but they're not difficult to look at of overly expensive to replace . Front passenger speaker cud be a worn cable , or dry joint . Batteries generally last about 5 years , I had to replace mine last X-mas . Faulty blower is possible the 'hedgehog' , Final Stage Resisitor , common prob on several models of BMW !! About £40 . Check this link for more info ; http://www.motormec.co.uk/aircon.pdf Hope that's useful . Cheers , Chris

There are two ways of 'unlocking' various options on the E53 . One is by Indy's with an Autologic . I had auto-lock on doors function enabled , and also when the vehicle is locked , the indicators now flash and it beeps , once on lock , twice on un-lock . There are a lot of other features , but it depends on the spec. of your car , and I'm not familiar with all of them , sry . Jason at BW did mine , he's always got time to help if you call him 07831 103030 . The other way is using and Intravee , which I'm looking to buy . This opens up some other things like auto-folding door mirrors , PDC display on OBC , soft indicator which has a set amount of flashes . Here's their forum , they'll help for sure ; http://www.intravention.co.uk/forum/ Hope this helps a bit . Chris

I'm going to have my E36 Touring painted during Winter , so I thought I'd try and help a bit here . Costs can be what you want them to be . Honestly , you can pay £500 quid but it'll be as rough as hell , all the way up to £15k by a top notch bodyshop . A lot will depend on the state of the bodywork of your car to start off with . If there's any rust anywhere , I would advise replacement panels , otherwise the maximum guarantee you will get will be 3 years before it rears it's ugly head again . Also , bear in mind that after you've had your pride and joy repainted , putting back on old trim parts will make it look !Removed! !! So budget for those too . Maybe also new bumpers if it's a non-plastic type . To give you an idea , mine will have new bonnet £350 , new tailgate £500 , replacement rear wheels arches £200 each parts . I will have the glass taken out and new ones installed afterwards with new windscreen . New door rubbers . New door trims etc . For this I was quoted between £5k-£8k from Munich Legends in Sussex . I also had a quote from a shop in West Bromwich,Birmingham which was £3k called BeemaBuild . And there is also a reputable shop up in the North East who made the restoration to Park Lanes E21 . If I find anymore info , I'll let you know , but I hope this helps to start with . Good luck Chris

E36's OEM towbars were made by either Westfalia or Brink , and had a detachable ball . In the centre section of the diffuser is a trap-door you take out to reveal the female part of the towkit , to which you clip in the male ball , and when not in use it's all hidden . Westfalia and Brink are quite expensive , but you pay for their quality . When you retro-fit them , there is no hole drilling etc needed , they fit existing holes etc . I believe that Witter also make a good option , a bit cheaper but still good quality . However you may need to drill holes . If you want a cheaper option , then go for a fixed ball , I reckon they're 1/2 the price , but obviously not as neat as you can see everything when not in use . As far as fitting is concerned , if your not bad with spanners , it shudn't be too bad . Just remove the rear apron and then most of it is accessible . I'm not too hot with electrics , but as long as you take your time it's relatively straight forward . I fitted one on my E39 with help from friend and it took us about 5 hours , but we weren't working flat out so I'm sure more experienced will do it more quickly . Hope that helps . Chris

Nope , M3 Evo wasn't available in Avus unless specially ordered by Individual . 086 Black 263 Dark Blue 275 Boston Green 299 Techno Violet 300 Alpine White 111 303 Cosmos Black 309 Artic Silver 314 Bright Red 317 Orient Blue 335 Estoril Blue 357Sierra Red 358 Evergreen 372 Stahl Blue 393 Meer Green 502 Techno Violet I don't know the difference between 299 & 502 though Chris

Usually on E36 there is a detachable centre section in the diffuser , which reveals the 'female' section of the towbar , and you offer up the 'male' ball and click it into place . If you don't have the detachable centre section , I would suggest that it isn't an OEM tow kit . If my memory serves me correctly , the factory fitted were either Westfalia or Brink . It is of course possible to cut the diffuser , but then it isn't invisible when not in use . Hope that helps . Chris

Heard about it at BMWCCGB Gaydon meeting in August

Hi everyone , I heard about this forum when I was at Gaydon in August . I'm originally from Wolverhampton , but live now in Luxembourg (for last 25 years !!) I've had many BMW's over the years , but my current stable has a '97 Alpina B8 4.6 Touring & an '05 E53 X5 3.0d re-mapped with 268PS . Cheers , Chris