Should it handle like this?

[Andyjdmteg]

I've decided to commit to the car. I'll be working on the continent for the next fortnight as soon as I'm back it's going into a specialist for a thorough going over. I just hope it's minor components as I've just had a full service on our gtr which isn't cheap. If the x is shot she'll have to go but the wife likes it that much there's already talk of selling our disco and buying another x!  Will have to be a v8 though can't get enough of that noise.
Greatly appreciate everyone's feedback

[CondorX5]

V8's are the best! i agree, that V8 growl is second to none!  Good luck with getting it sorted, the self levellling suspension is a nightmare sometimes and perhaps best sorted out by doing a coil conversion.  But once you know the price of repairs etc you can decide whats best. 

[AVI-8]

My bets are that it's your track control arm bushes which are shot, when the same bushes on my E39 went soft, the symptoms were tramlining, wandering in a straight line, tyre scrub when turning under full lock, free play in the steering, overall not a good driving experience.

[Andyjdmteg]

Blimey my first post has turned into a double pager.
I was thinking along the same lines. The last integra I had developed a similar problem. Turned out to be rear arm bushes and front track rods or bushes, can't remember. On a positive note I think my rear suspension may be ok as I started the car the other day with the rear seats down and I'm sure I heard the compressor fire up for maybe 4 seconds. The boot was empty so I'm guessing I'm best to listen outside the car with a load in the back?
Im still not getting any errors on screen can I test the system through the diagnostic check menu. The one where the clocks sweep?
I've now sold our discovery so luckily have some cash to throw at the old girl. I'm really taken by it wish I'd bought one years ago.! It's a shame as my uncle must have loved it as the exterior/interior is immaculate. The engine and gearbox are great and all the stamps are in the book. I think it's the most handsome gen of the x5.

[X5Sport]

The air pump is embedded in foam in tbe 'dome' and from the sounds of it running normally. 

Have a look for 'Scanner 1.4.0' on the forum as it's what a lot of folks in here use for fault checking.  The 'Check Control' function in the binnacle will only show errors that have resulted in warning lights I think.

Scanner 1.4.0 needs XP or XP Mode to run though more and more folks are finding ways to get it running with later OSs.  It plugs into the OBDII port.

Richard

[Andyjdmteg]

Cheers I'll have a look at that it'll probably run fine under an xp shell on another version of windows.

[AW8]

I also think it is worth you testing another similar car - specifically another facelift sport with self levelling rear only suspension.

Your negative impressions may be down to a fault but ideally drive a tidy example so you have some idea as to what you should expect. I say this because I think it is important to make sure you know what the car should drive like rather than chucking money at a car you may still find soft and roll like compared to other cars.

I have only scan read the thread but I would comment that the ball joint was only changed on one side.

Rear subframe bushes can fail from 70k sometimes less. Also you mention Bridgestone tyres. I suggest you check the load index ratings - should be 103 front and 107 rear also check the sizes should be 2854519 rear 2555019 front. This may seem obvious but a few have bought cars with wrong tyres and or wheels. Some have been wrongly sold run flats too....now that will certainly affect the car.

[X5Sport]

[quote="Andyjdmteg"]
Cheers I'll have a look at that it'll probably run fine under an xp shell on another version of windows.
[/quote]

It will indeed run inside a VM.  I run mine that way as I have a copy of Win7/64 Ultimate on the laptop which includes 'XP Mode'.

Richard

[Andyjdmteg]

I think a test drive is an excellent place to start. Infact there's a 55 plate 3.0d sport on 44k massively overpriced at a local garage (12750!). I may pop down and play the naive punter to grab a drive if I get time before I'm away with work.
Thanks again folks

[Andyjdmteg]

Just an update the cars been up on the ramp at my Indy. Cannot see anything with large amounts of play in it suspension wise and the brakes are absolutely fine. So, next port of call is to try a different set of wheels. The tyres on the car atm all have good tread but are showing signs of perishing with age. I'm also going to replace the front shocks and springs/suspension top mounts and anti roll bar bushes. I'm borrowing a nice new set of wheels to test before the works done just to gauge if the old ones are warped in any way.
Also noticed a bit of a weep from the p/s resevoir so changing that aswell.
And to top it off I think I may need a vanos unit as the car blew smoke today after sitting running for a while. Although no rattlesnake noise so hopefully it's that and not the bloody valve seals.