I thought I'd say farewell, as my Big Black Monster is gone, and I've moved on to a 520d M Sport Touring. The X5 had ended up being used on school runs and for towing the caravan, and I'd bought an lpg Saab for my 90 mile round trip daily commute. I ended up consolidating, so now I've got the 520d ...

X5Sport is right, that's the front diff vent pipe, supposed to be like that, nothing to worry about.

Dave
2003 BMW X5 4.6iS Auto
2007 '57' Saab 9-3 Aero 2.0T Auto

I've just put mine up for sale:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-039-53-039-BMW-X5-IS-AUTO-BLACK-SAPPHIRE-WITH-BLACK-LEATHER-HEATED-COMFORT-SEATS-/191561165316?

To properly diagnose, you'll need to let the air out of the rear air springs, that's why any wear in the rear suspension isn't pixked up on mot.

Dave
2003 BMW X5 4.6iS Auto
2007 '57' Saab 9-3 Aero 2.0T Auto

Normally associted with an abs sensor failure. A plug in diagnostic tool such as scanner 1.4.0 will tell you which one.

Dave
2003 BMW X5 4.6iS Auto
2007 '57' Saab 9-3 Aero 2.0T Auto

Depends whereabouts in the southwest, but can recommend Emtec in Salisbury, Andy and Steve know their BMWs, and don't charge the earth.

Dave
2003 BMW X5 4.6iS Auto
2007 '57' Saab 9-3 Aero 2.0T Auto

Lidl are doing a 3.8amp charger and conditioner for £18 this week, does 6v and 12v

Dave
2003 BMW X5 4.6iS Auto
2007 '57' Saab 9-3 Aero 2.0T Auto

Vaseline on the door seals works, used to do that in Canada when it got properly cold!

Can't think how the drivebelt for the aircon would be linked to the transmission position, so probably not that, sorry. Worth checking though?

Dave
2003 BMW X5 4.6iS Auto
2007 '57' Saab 9-3 Aero 2.0T Auto

There are two accessory drive belts on the V8, one for power steering and alternator, the other for the air con compressor. Maybe the air con one is shredding, will sound like a flailing noise. I had the air con one go, and it got jammed under the other one and was making a racket. Changed both ...

Timing chain and tensioners/guides?

Dave
2003 BMW X5 4.6iS Auto
2007 '57' Saab 9-3 Aero 2.0T Auto

I run LPG on my Saab, and I've just changed over to Iridium plugs when I had the LPG service done before Christmas. The LPGA fitters agreed that Iridium plugs are much more suitable for LPG, as the combustion temperatures differ, and because of the lower calorific value of the LPG, a stronger spark ...

I've read that if you take off the pillar cover and pull the seat belts all the way out, then spray the reel with silicon spray that that frees them up.  I keep meaning to have a go at mine, but haven't got round to it yet.

The facelift models were launched in Sep/Oct 2003 as the 2004MY cars, although initially this was the 3.0D, 3.0i and 4.4 V8. My 4.6iS was built in Nov 2003 as a pre-facelift, as the 4.8iS wasn't launched until 2004. It does seem that a few of the facelift parts found themselves onto mine, as it has ...

Whereabouts are you?

I've got a set of 4 Meyle HD bushes and the Sealey special tool, all brand new and unused, sitting in my garage. I bought them to change my bushes, then found that there were new ones on there already.

I'm near Salisbury, Wilts, work in Fareham, Hants. I could let you have the ...