Just took my X5 2002 out in some really bad lake effect snow. Close to a foot. Tried the hill descent mode for the first time and man does it work like a charm. Great in the snow
Great video! And I have to agree - just recently thought about selling my '02 E53, but it's just so handy to have around that I can't part with it. It proved its worth in our Seattle snowstorm a few weeks ago. Also it's the only luxury SUV I can find out there that has a manual transmission, so I'll keep replacing door handle carriers and window regulators until it finally dies!
You hit on every thing and reason as to why we still have our '02 that was bought new and why we didn't keep a 2017 Q5. Agree, the X5 will bite you with repair bills at times, but when well maintained...it drives, stops, & handles with the best of them and has been a real surprise in the snow (had no idea).
E53 X5 Buyer Guide: th-cam.com/video/2rJfVAPrDk4/w-d-xo.html My Blog: www.bimmerzeit.com/ My NEW Project: www.wagenart.com/ The BMW Store: amzn.to/3ql5Dd1 Driving a classic E53 X5 BMW in the first Blizzard of the year. This old X5 still has what it takes to navigate safely through a storm! The hill descent control was a great feature to use while traversing steep snow covered roads. With some extreme snow rated tires, this truck would be unstoppable. Thinking of buying an old X5? Watch this first: th-cam.com/video/2rJfVAPrDk4/w-d-xo.html MORE E53 X5 VIDEOS: 1. E53 X5 5 Year Cost of Ownership: th-cam.com/video/JkpaOVuoKQY/w-d-xo.html 2. E53 X5 Door Handle Carrier DIY Guide: th-cam.com/video/ge7-HJ0DUz0/w-d-xo.html 3. E53 X5 Transfer Case Gear DIY Guide: th-cam.com/video/UR7Vv5SQvDc/w-d-xo.html 4. X5 Transfer Case Gear Replacement: bit.ly/2DERQLw My favorite detailing products: Griot's Synthetic Clay: amzn.to/3gAO17P Dual Action Polisher: amzn.to/2Z4cFI6 Hexlogic Foam Pad: amzn.to/3f9auIC Meguiar's 205 Polish: amzn.to/2Z998IC BMW OIL FILTER TOOL: amzn.to/368Uz9i BMW GERMAN OIL FILTER: amzn.to/2MPdE8P CREATOR C310 BMW SCAN TOOL: amzn.to/2NaIuru GREEN MOLYGEN OIL: amzn.to/31MfCLi LiQUi MOLY ENGINE FLUSH: amzn.to/2MJ8cUQ LIQUI MOLY LIFTER ADDITIVE: amzn.to/2MKdNu3 LiQUi MOLY JECTRON INJECTION CLEANER: amzn.to/31IwpPt BMW Maintenance: amzn.to/2PhLncF ONLINE www.bimmerzeit.com THE GRAM instagram.com/bimmerzeit FACEBOOK facebook.com/bimmerzeit TWITTER twitter.com/bimmerzeit Questions? Send me an email at bimmerzeit@gmail.com My CAMERA GEAR; Sony A7sii: amzn.to/2zwwwVC Sony 16-35: amzn.to/2NIeXF1 Rode Mic: amzn.to/2ubhfo5 GoPro 8 Black: amzn.to/3gbtSFU This description contains affiliate links. If you click my custom link to purchase a product, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Win!
I agree I’ve been tempted to sell my E53 4.4 but since we have had a lot of snow in Washington state yesterday and today it really does drive like nothing is in your way. Handles great even with old tires. Great vid 👍🏻
Love the video, greetings from Germany! 10 years ago I often drove an X5 with the 3.0 engine and a 5 speed manual. We had tons of fun with this car but honestly the fuel economy of this thing kills me to this day. It was absolutely obscene how much it drank when being pushed hard. On the other hand, I have never seen a rusty one and it really was built like a tank. The 3.0 diesel would be the better choice economically and is even slightly quicker than the 3.0 gas version. The low end torque fits really well, too! Keep it up, you have many miles left in it :)
Hallo! Yes I agree with you, this car is getting around 16 miles per gallon efficiency which is pretty terrible. That is the one major downside of this car as a commuter, not only the financial cost but the carbon pollution per mile that this SAV emits. Thanks for watching.
Just grabbed a an 01 and it really is just ridiculous in the snow , almost unbelievable. I have never driven anything quite like it , it's as if there is no snow on the ground. Of course when cornering and stopping one should be cautious but I swear this thing will move through snow like nothing. Im running the half worn all seasons that were in it when I bought it and I've tried to purposely get stuck in an abandoned parking lot outside of town with around a foot of snow in the drifts and 6 to 8 inches approximately in between and I can't get stuck 😂 don't get me wrong I realize anything can and will get stuck but this thing is beyond anything I ever experienced in a winter driver and it's 20 years old .
I currently have 01 BMW X5 5-speed with snow tires. Drives very well in snow. Spent so much money to get it the way I like it. 215k miles and still going. These are good cars for someone who knows how to wrench.
I’ve had my E53 ‘06 3.0i since June making this my first winter in it, and it is amazing - right down to the heated steering wheel. I’m coming from an ‘03 ML350 (w163) and the X5 puts it to shame in literally every way when it comes to livability. That said, the E53 is broken in every corner - I just spent $1100 to replace the sunroof gaskets as winter was pouring into my interior. That said, I’m about $6000 into it with 265,000kms (165k miles) so I can’t complain. The last challenge is the fuel cost - this car DRINKS gas like it’s on vacation at an open bar.
LOL ouch $1100 that is a rough one. We have the giant PANO roof and we don't touch it... scary. Yep rolling around 16-17 mpg right now is pretty bad on ours too. Thankfully fuel is cheap at the moment.
Hi Rich, Must say really nice videography, especially the ‘journey’ from your house to the X5! There is no doubt about it, for practicality, function and safety it’s pretty hard to beat. Didn’t know about BMW applying that tech from Land Rover( really interesting). That snow was a piece of cake for the X5 !! Cheers
Thanks Philip, yes the X5 shines in this kind of weather. Makes it worth owning one when the going gets tough. Yes BMW purchased Land Rover Group in 1994 (not 2004, I misspoke) so they acquired all of the design they needed for the development of the X5. When they were done, they sold it off in the year 2000.
As the weather in The Netherlands has been similar the last few days, driving my E53 / 3.0i has been a similar enjoyable experience. The E53 3.0i is the one true X5 for me!
New york we having lot of snow and yes i have too an e53 2001 3.0i and love driving around in the snow with no problem. very reliable after fixing lean codes .
Just drove my winter-beater RWD e30 through a blizzard and 5" of snow. BFG studded tires work like a charm, but still was sideways in every corner, just for fun ) Ps: from Russia with love (c)
Great video, we are on our second X5, both E70s, 08 3.0si and now a 13 35i, love the X5s, great room inside, handle great and can go anywhere pretty much with the right tires and driver.
They are a great value. X3 and X5 check out Facebook marketplace in your area, so many for sale out there. Just be ready to DIY everything or it will drain your bank account!
I agree with you bro.... I have an 04 , it is a beast in the ❄, I have mine for just about 12 years ...yes 12 years purchased in 09, second owner. I used to live in Connecticut (Norwalk and West Hartford) driving back in forth to New York for work that x5 handled everything you threw at it. Great features just wish mine has heated 💺 and Bluetooth compatibility.
nice video. i have an e39 530i i've had for 15 years, got an e46 330xi 6 months ago, and a few months ago bought my wife an e70 x5 n52. as a newbie mechanic, i love wrenching on the M54 engines. the n52 so far is more of a pain - had to buy a two-way communicating obdii scanner so that i can program a new battery and reset adaptations. had a dead battery and when i jumped started it, short circuited the FRM module which dealership wanted $1,200 to replace. Ended up removing and sending to a shop to re-code it for $99 but just a slow, painful process; I didn't know that was an issue and then found that BMW extended warranty on the module but mine was out of the extended warranty. no lights on dash and drives great, but when I pull codes there are issues with the junction box and seat calibration. love/hate so far as it is comfortable, heated seats/steering wheel are nice comforts, and it looks great too.
I never had a x5 but after have a 2003 530i with v6 i dont want to drive any other year vehicle i believe these are the most luxurious and most capable vehicles ever
Very cool intro! I’m based in SE Michigan, and we’ve gotten a good amount of snow this year. Different from the past few years where we just had bitter cold and freezing rain. I’ll take snow any day over freezing rain!
My 03 x5 m54 just ticked over 260k miles and I’m weird about it. I actually look forward to taking care of it and when things show age I usually can find an aftermarket upgrade for a good price
My abs light is on, dsc button doesn’t work and I’m always careful but my x5 2003 30i drives so smooth in the snow. I can tell it’s gonna drive even better once I fix the abs light
I think the abs and dynamic stability control are not working for you if that’s the case - can be dangerous! Definitely get that repaired ASAP for winter driving. Could be a simple sensor replacement.
i saw someone go with 255/60r 17 tires on the style 130 17 inch wheels same tires, would that be any different then going with the stock recommended tire size?
You can look at tire sizes here tiresize.com/calculator/ I put those sizes in and the overall dimensions look OK. However, it is not advised to put a 255 width tire on the factory 7.5'' width rim. I think that is beyond the safe limit, so you'd need a wider wheel like the 18''x8.5''
Always wondered how those did in the snow. I have a e46 Xi and that thing is a beast in the snow; just plows through it all. However, the front axle boots are garbage and rip every year. Any axle or drivetrain problems in the E53?
Before the X5 my wife (then girlfriend) drove a 2002 325xi with blizzaks. Commuted daily from CT to Manhattan for several years in that car. It was amazing in the snow too. Yep, replaced both axles in it once. Replaced driver axle in the X5 at 150k. No drivetrain issues other than transfer case gear issue, have a few videos on that!
Are those snow tires and which ones? I think that's one of the critical components in snow driving performance. My X5 is hopeless in snow when running conti EWS (all season tires). Seattle area is receiving a ton of snow fall at the moment.
Hey good question! I should have mentioned it in the video. They are new Pirelli Scorpion all season tires, around 6k miles on them. They worked pretty well, but were not as grippy as the Michelin X-ice we used to have on this car. Next tire might be Falken Wildpeak mounted on style 75 BMW wheels by BBS.
@@BIMMERZEITT Yeah, without snow tires, you're going to get stuck real good in heavy snow and ice in your E53 X5, like this E53 X5 3.0. th-cam.com/video/061xUcugqGA/w-d-xo.html But with winter tires, yeah, that beast can go anywhere in inclement cold weather.
Bimmer Zeit, I got an e46 325xi auto with 140k on the clock, no records of any kind of transmission service... your thoughts? I've put a ton of work on it and would hate to ruin it
Hey, there are two schools of thought: 1. Change trans fluid with service kit, it’s not really lifetime fluid. 2. If you have no trans issues or symptoms, don’t touch it. A master tech foreman at BMW told me he subscribes to #2. Don’t touch it if no issues. He has seen many transmissions ruined after a fluid service - it seems to disturb the transmission.
Yeah I love my E53. We are only expected to get 4-6 inches of snow here in AR. Is there a max speed for the hill decent control? I have never used mine in my 6 years of ownership.
Hey Alan, great question. I’ll have to check the owner manual and report back, it might automatically turn off once a speed of 20 mph is reached or something like that.
@@BIMMERZEITT Mine says...."You can use the accelerator or brakes to vary this automatically controlled speed within a range extending from approx. 3 mph (5 km/h) to 15 mph (25 km/h). You can use the +/- button to set the cruise control to a target speed in the range from approx. 3 mph (5 km/h) to 15 mph (25 km/h). HDC is automatically deactivated once vehicle speed again exceeds approx. 35 mph (60 km/h)"....I did not know the cruise was part of these system functions. Sweet!!!!
@@CrazyOneToo thanks for reporting back with the info! The feature worked really well, thankful I had it on the descent in the video. Didn’t look dramatic on video but it was very steep, could have easily slid off the road with these all season tires. Another 6-8” hitting us tomorrow... big winter here in CT this year
Have you successfully diagnosed the cause of your surging idle on your e28. I just started experiencing an identical issue on my 633csi after 5+ years of no problems. I removed and cleaned the ICV and confirmed it is receiving correct voltage from the ICM. Also, confirmed I have no air/vaccum leaks or 02/temp sensor issues. Do you suppose it could be a problem with the distributor/rotor or valves? I reckon either of these wouldn't cause issues exclusively at idle(engine sounds great under throttle) but, I would appreciate your opinion.
Hey Aaron I haven’t figured it out yet. The car has been in storage in the garage since October. I may try replacing the ICV next with an updated metal body one from a 325e e30. After that, I wonder if a mouse chewed a wire or caused an electrical issue to one or more wires.
@@BIMMERZEITT very mysterious and intriguing. I look forward to you sorting yours out as I do mine. And, will keep you posted when I come to a resolution.
@@RonnieTT I’m now reading this: bigcoupe.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=31014 It seems to be a common issue with early model cars specifically. I haven’t seen many confirmed fixes online with any of the forums. I assume you’ve seen all 3 of my surging idle diagnosis videos? The ICM seemed to resolve the surge for a short period of time, I was thrilled. But then it came back. I tried a brand new unit and a rebuilt. Makes me think it may be an electrical issue. Definitely frustrating. Keep me posted if you find a solution! Be well.
My 2002 Z3 M roadster is the best bad weather rig I got well until I put chains on all four wheel of my wife's 2015 Jeep Wrangler sahara jku... but that's her toy not mine. I kick myself for not buy 2005 X5 4.8is with a M package. My mechanic got it wrecked for his wife black on dark gray inside. She wanted black on black... he paid $10k for it in 2006 was asked me if I wanted it for cost $15k after she said no. Should have got it... would still have it if I did
Initially it was for something believed to be caused by a faulty ICV. Replaced the idle control valve with a very expensive new one, and 4 new (different) codes appeared within 400 miles. Will continue looking into it...
Upon further research it appears ATV laws were changed in 2002 in CT, so I'm not sure that it is actually allowable to ride on the public roads. But they do offer registration of ATV's for certain use. Not legal advice! Haha
I have a 2002 manual X5 3.0d it 3rd e53 I've had and I love them. Such a well built bargain car!!
Sadly the diesels never came to the US. They are more reliable than the petrol version sold here.
Just took my X5 2002 out in some really bad lake effect snow. Close to a foot. Tried the hill descent mode for the first time and man does it work like a charm. Great in the snow
You must be in Chicago area. I have family out there just got 10-11”! Yes it does work like a charm! Great feature.
Great video! And I have to agree - just recently thought about selling my '02 E53, but it's just so handy to have around that I can't part with it. It proved its worth in our Seattle snowstorm a few weeks ago. Also it's the only luxury SUV I can find out there that has a manual transmission, so I'll keep replacing door handle carriers and window regulators until it finally dies!
You hit on every thing and reason as to why we still have our '02 that was bought new and why we didn't keep a 2017 Q5. Agree, the X5 will bite you with repair bills at times, but when well maintained...it drives, stops, & handles with the best of them and has been a real surprise in the snow (had no idea).
E53 X5 Buyer Guide: th-cam.com/video/2rJfVAPrDk4/w-d-xo.html
My Blog: www.bimmerzeit.com/
My NEW Project: www.wagenart.com/
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Driving a classic E53 X5 BMW in the first Blizzard of the year. This old X5 still has what it takes to navigate safely through a storm! The hill descent control was a great feature to use while traversing steep snow covered roads. With some extreme snow rated tires, this truck would be unstoppable.
Thinking of buying an old X5? Watch this first: th-cam.com/video/2rJfVAPrDk4/w-d-xo.html
MORE E53 X5 VIDEOS:
1. E53 X5 5 Year Cost of Ownership: th-cam.com/video/JkpaOVuoKQY/w-d-xo.html
2. E53 X5 Door Handle Carrier DIY Guide: th-cam.com/video/ge7-HJ0DUz0/w-d-xo.html
3. E53 X5 Transfer Case Gear DIY Guide: th-cam.com/video/UR7Vv5SQvDc/w-d-xo.html
4. X5 Transfer Case Gear Replacement: bit.ly/2DERQLw
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i have an ‘01. love it.
I agree I’ve been tempted to sell my E53 4.4 but since we have had a lot of snow in Washington state yesterday and today it really does drive like nothing is in your way. Handles great even with old tires. Great vid 👍🏻
It’s a great car and greater value now that these are selling for so little.
Love the video, greetings from Germany! 10 years ago I often drove an X5 with the 3.0 engine and a 5 speed manual. We had tons of fun with this car but honestly the fuel economy of this thing kills me to this day. It was absolutely obscene how much it drank when being pushed hard. On the other hand, I have never seen a rusty one and it really was built like a tank. The 3.0 diesel would be the better choice economically and is even slightly quicker than the 3.0 gas version. The low end torque fits really well, too! Keep it up, you have many miles left in it :)
Hallo! Yes I agree with you, this car is getting around 16 miles per gallon efficiency which is pretty terrible. That is the one major downside of this car as a commuter, not only the financial cost but the carbon pollution per mile that this SAV emits. Thanks for watching.
I think the fuel economy is same with the E83 X3 3.0 which I drive, awful.
Just grabbed a an 01 and it really is just ridiculous in the snow , almost unbelievable. I have never driven anything quite like it , it's as if there is no snow on the ground. Of course when cornering and stopping one should be cautious but I swear this thing will move through snow like nothing. Im running the half worn all seasons that were in it when I bought it and I've tried to purposely get stuck in an abandoned parking lot outside of town with around a foot of snow in the drifts and 6 to 8 inches approximately in between and I can't get stuck 😂 don't get me wrong I realize anything can and will get stuck but this thing is beyond anything I ever experienced in a winter driver and it's 20 years old .
Hell yeah! Welcome to the e53 club 😎
It hasn’t been running but it will
I currently have 01 BMW X5 5-speed with snow tires. Drives very well in snow. Spent so much money to get it the way I like it. 215k miles and still going. These are good cars for someone who knows how to wrench.
Nice, 5-speed manual really rare on this model. 215k barely broken in yet! Pretty common now to see these in the 300k+ range which is amazing.
Damn this Intro looked amazing
Thanks bro!
I’ve had my E53 ‘06 3.0i since June making this my first winter in it, and it is amazing - right down to the heated steering wheel. I’m coming from an ‘03 ML350 (w163) and the X5 puts it to shame in literally every way when it comes to livability.
That said, the E53 is broken in every corner - I just spent $1100 to replace the sunroof gaskets as winter was pouring into my interior. That said, I’m about $6000 into it with 265,000kms (165k miles) so I can’t complain.
The last challenge is the fuel cost - this car DRINKS gas like it’s on vacation at an open bar.
LOL ouch $1100 that is a rough one. We have the giant PANO roof and we don't touch it... scary. Yep rolling around 16-17 mpg right now is pretty bad on ours too. Thankfully fuel is cheap at the moment.
Hi Rich,
Must say really nice videography, especially the ‘journey’ from your house to the X5! There is no doubt about it, for practicality, function and safety it’s pretty hard to beat.
Didn’t know about BMW applying that tech from Land Rover( really interesting). That snow was a piece of cake for the X5 !!
Cheers
Thanks Philip, yes the X5 shines in this kind of weather. Makes it worth owning one when the going gets tough. Yes BMW purchased Land Rover Group in 1994 (not 2004, I misspoke) so they acquired all of the design they needed for the development of the X5. When they were done, they sold it off in the year 2000.
As the weather in The Netherlands has been similar the last few days, driving my E53 / 3.0i has been a similar enjoyable experience. The E53 3.0i is the one true X5 for me!
Definitely! The 3.0i is a classic. Just received some new old stock style 75 BBS wheels that I found for it in Franeker, NL!
New york we having lot of snow and yes i have too an e53 2001 3.0i and love driving around in the snow with no problem. very reliable after fixing lean codes .
@@PurpleL4bel ah the lean codes never end! Part of life with an M54 engine.
@@PurpleL4bel hi, do you guys have something similar to road tax in New York, US?
Just drove my winter-beater RWD e30 through a blizzard and 5" of snow. BFG studded tires work like a charm, but still was sideways in every corner, just for fun )
Ps: from Russia with love (c)
❤️❤️❤️
Great video, we are on our second X5, both E70s, 08 3.0si and now a 13 35i, love the X5s, great room inside, handle great and can go anywhere pretty much with the right tires and driver.
Oh nice, how do you like the 35i vs. the 3.0si?
@@BIMMERZEITT love it, has sooo much more power and torque, the 8 speed is amazing.
I really want an X3 so bad so I can have that back space for my needs plus having a bed in the trunk for camping sounds fun
They are a great value. X3 and X5 check out Facebook marketplace in your area, so many for sale out there. Just be ready to DIY everything or it will drain your bank account!
Buy something else there notorious for problems and are not cheap to fix
@@johndaniel3474 it’s an old car ofc they have issues
I agree with you bro.... I have an 04 , it is a beast in the ❄, I have mine for just about 12 years ...yes 12 years purchased in 09, second owner. I used to live in Connecticut (Norwalk and West Hartford) driving back in forth to New York for work that x5 handled everything you threw at it. Great features just wish mine has heated 💺 and Bluetooth compatibility.
Wow 12 years! Long time to own a car. You left Connecticut, where are you now?
nice video. i have an e39 530i i've had for 15 years, got an e46 330xi 6 months ago, and a few months ago bought my wife an e70 x5 n52. as a newbie mechanic, i love wrenching on the M54 engines. the n52 so far is more of a pain - had to buy a two-way communicating obdii scanner so that i can program a new battery and reset adaptations. had a dead battery and when i jumped started it, short circuited the FRM module which dealership wanted $1,200 to replace. Ended up removing and sending to a shop to re-code it for $99 but just a slow, painful process; I didn't know that was an issue and then found that BMW extended warranty on the module but mine was out of the extended warranty. no lights on dash and drives great, but when I pull codes there are issues with the junction box and seat calibration. love/hate so far as it is comfortable, heated seats/steering wheel are nice comforts, and it looks great too.
Nice video. Just this week also a lot of snow in The Netherlands. Not a weekly thing in our country.
Thanks Mark! I actually just purchased some new old stock style 75 BBS wheels that I found for it in Franeker, NL!
@@BIMMERZEITT Let me guess: Offenga (BMW specialist), Franeker ...
I never had a x5 but after have a 2003 530i with v6 i dont want to drive any other year vehicle i believe these are the most luxurious and most capable vehicles ever
Very cool intro! I’m based in SE Michigan, and we’ve gotten a good amount of snow this year. Different from the past few years where we just had bitter cold and freezing rain. I’ll take snow any day over freezing rain!
Thanks! I agree Alex I’ll also take snow any day!
The X5 e53 is fantastic! The best is the one you've got, the six-speed 3.0 Sport diesel model made during 2005/2006.
Diesel wasn't available in the states..
Just drove through a snowstorm in my mini cooper with no working traction control lol I am so done with this winter thing man.
I’m ready to move to California or Texas. I need that sun and warmth year round. Ugh!!
My 03 x5 m54 just ticked over 260k miles and I’m weird about it. I actually look forward to taking care of it and when things show age I usually can find an aftermarket upgrade for a good price
My 2005 x5 e53 4.8is is a beast, in NC no problem
Hey Scott, what kind of snow are you guys getting there this year?
@@BIMMERZEITT nothing yet in Charlotte, mountains yes
I drive an ‘04 E53 3.0. I love it and won’t let go of it. 156k and going strong. Currently in Texas. I’d say get another X5 or X3 for the wife. 😀
156k?! Hardly broken in yet! I’ve heard of these going to 375k and beyond.
@@BIMMERZEITT I’m an original owner of an ‘03 E53 4.4 with 392k! I’ll keep it forever!!
My abs light is on, dsc button doesn’t work and I’m always careful but my x5 2003 30i drives so smooth in the snow. I can tell it’s gonna drive even better once I fix the abs light
I think the abs and dynamic stability control are not working for you if that’s the case - can be dangerous! Definitely get that repaired ASAP for winter driving. Could be a simple sensor replacement.
@@BIMMERZEITT abs sensor?
@@dassehmc you have to scan your car with a bmw tool get all the codes first bud
@@BIMMERZEITT I did already and the only code I get is abs temporary system deactivation so will my module need recoded or just change the sensors?
Viewer here from Baltics, Lithuania
👋🏻
i saw someone go with 255/60r 17 tires on the style 130 17 inch wheels same tires, would that be any different then going with the stock recommended tire size?
You can look at tire sizes here tiresize.com/calculator/ I put those sizes in and the overall dimensions look OK. However, it is not advised to put a 255 width tire on the factory 7.5'' width rim. I think that is beyond the safe limit, so you'd need a wider wheel like the 18''x8.5''
Always wondered how those did in the snow. I have a e46 Xi and that thing is a beast in the snow; just plows through it all. However, the front axle boots are garbage and rip every year. Any axle or drivetrain problems in the E53?
Before the X5 my wife (then girlfriend) drove a 2002 325xi with blizzaks. Commuted daily from CT to Manhattan for several years in that car. It was amazing in the snow too. Yep, replaced both axles in it once. Replaced driver axle in the X5 at 150k. No drivetrain issues other than transfer case gear issue, have a few videos on that!
Are those snow tires and which ones? I think that's one of the critical components in snow driving performance. My X5 is hopeless in snow when running conti EWS (all season tires). Seattle area is receiving a ton of snow fall at the moment.
Hey good question! I should have mentioned it in the video. They are new Pirelli Scorpion all season tires, around 6k miles on them. They worked pretty well, but were not as grippy as the Michelin X-ice we used to have on this car. Next tire might be Falken Wildpeak mounted on style 75 BMW wheels by BBS.
@@BIMMERZEITT Yeah, without snow tires, you're going to get stuck real good in heavy snow and ice in your E53 X5, like this E53 X5 3.0. th-cam.com/video/061xUcugqGA/w-d-xo.html But with winter tires, yeah, that beast can go anywhere in inclement cold weather.
Bimmer Zeit, I got an e46 325xi auto with 140k on the clock, no records of any kind of transmission service... your thoughts? I've put a ton of work on it and would hate to ruin it
Hey, there are two schools of thought: 1. Change trans fluid with service kit, it’s not really lifetime fluid. 2. If you have no trans issues or symptoms, don’t touch it. A master tech foreman at BMW told me he subscribes to #2. Don’t touch it if no issues. He has seen many transmissions ruined after a fluid service - it seems to disturb the transmission.
Yeah I love my E53. We are only expected to get 4-6 inches of snow here in AR. Is there a max speed for the hill decent control? I have never used mine in my 6 years of ownership.
Hey Alan, great question. I’ll have to check the owner manual and report back, it might automatically turn off once a speed of 20 mph is reached or something like that.
@@BIMMERZEITT Mine says...."You can use the accelerator or brakes
to vary this automatically controlled
speed within a range extending from
approx. 3 mph (5 km/h) to 15 mph
(25 km/h).
You can use the +/- button to set the
cruise control to a target speed in the
range from approx. 3 mph (5 km/h) to
15 mph (25 km/h).
HDC is automatically deactivated once
vehicle speed again exceeds approx.
35 mph (60 km/h)"....I did not know the cruise was part of these system functions. Sweet!!!!
@@CrazyOneToo thanks for reporting back with the info! The feature worked really well, thankful I had it on the descent in the video. Didn’t look dramatic on video but it was very steep, could have easily slid off the road with these all season tires. Another 6-8” hitting us tomorrow... big winter here in CT this year
Have you successfully diagnosed the cause of your surging idle on your e28. I just started experiencing an identical issue on my 633csi after 5+ years of no problems. I removed and cleaned the ICV and confirmed it is receiving correct voltage from the ICM. Also, confirmed I have no air/vaccum leaks or 02/temp sensor issues.
Do you suppose it could be a problem with the distributor/rotor or valves? I reckon either of these wouldn't cause issues exclusively at idle(engine sounds great under throttle) but, I would appreciate your opinion.
Hey Aaron I haven’t figured it out yet. The car has been in storage in the garage since October. I may try replacing the ICV next with an updated metal body one from a 325e e30. After that, I wonder if a mouse chewed a wire or caused an electrical issue to one or more wires.
@@BIMMERZEITT very mysterious and intriguing. I look forward to you sorting yours out as I do mine. And, will keep you posted when I come to a resolution.
@@RonnieTT I’m now reading this:
bigcoupe.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=31014
It seems to be a common issue with early model cars specifically. I haven’t seen many confirmed fixes online with any of the forums.
I assume you’ve seen all 3 of my surging idle diagnosis videos? The ICM seemed to resolve the surge for a short period of time, I was thrilled. But then it came back. I tried a brand new unit and a rebuilt. Makes me think it may be an electrical issue.
Definitely frustrating. Keep me posted if you find a solution! Be well.
My 2002 Z3 M roadster is the best bad weather rig I got well until I put chains on all four wheel of my wife's 2015 Jeep Wrangler sahara jku... but that's her toy not mine. I kick myself for not buy 2005 X5 4.8is with a M package. My mechanic got it wrecked for his wife black on dark gray inside. She wanted black on black... he paid $10k for it in 2006 was asked me if I wanted it for cost $15k after she said no. Should have got it... would still have it if I did
Those are all great car choices, very nice. The X5 prices are pretty low these days, you never know, might find one for yourself after all!
What’s the CEL for that you got on?
Initially it was for something believed to be caused by a faulty ICV. Replaced the idle control valve with a very expensive new one, and 4 new (different) codes appeared within 400 miles. Will continue looking into it...
Wait I can ride a atv in ct in the snow wow
Upon further research it appears ATV laws were changed in 2002 in CT, so I'm not sure that it is actually allowable to ride on the public roads. But they do offer registration of ATV's for certain use. Not legal advice! Haha
You ok man ? You haven’t posted in a while , hope all is good .
Hey bro, thanks for checking in. All is good! More videos coming very soon.
RRIP-Offffffffffff !