New E53 owner

[hennabm]

Hi all

I've been wanting to scratch the 4x4 itch for some time now. Today the situation presented itself. I have purchased a 2002 3.0l petrol with LPG.

A couple of issues are the manifold blowing a little; the drivers door not opening from the outside and the battery is not holding charge and needs changing.
The other fault I have now found is that the steering column adjuster electrics are not working.

I can see plenty of time reading the forum and have already read up on the door handle issue. Looks very doable for me.

It does have service history and it is now with 186k on. The auto trans oil was last changed at 98k, so probably due again although no issues were observed at all during the road test.

Look forward to chatting as I get it sorted for the road again.

cheers

[Horizon]

Hi and welcome to the forum, considering they were first on the market at the change of the century, they still look fresh.

[hennabm]

Hi
Thanks for the welcome.

The E53 still does look contemporary. Mind you the modern X3 looks nearly as big.

I've just found the upper tailgate release on the lower tailgate is inop.

Deep joy.

[Alan Gunn]

Regarding the steering column adjuster.
Do the memory buttons work on the seat.
My car had the same problem when i got it and i first changed the adjuster stalk but didn't fix it.
It turned out to be the module on the side of the seat plenty to be had on the bay.
I bought one for a range rover half the price of a bmw x5 and both the same part.

[hennabm]

Hi Alan

The M button lights up and goes off when pushed. Apart from that when I press 1, 2 or 3 nothing happens.

Looks like I'm needing a seat memory module.

Many thanks.

[Alan Gunn]

[quote="hennabm"]
Hi Alan

The M button lights up and goes off when pushed. Apart from that when I press 1, 2 or 3 nothing happens.

Looks like I'm needing a seat memory module.

Many thanks.
[/quote]
Exactly how mine was.
Very easy to change them over.
Will look tomorrow if i can find one on the bay and post the kink but if you find one let me know.

[hennabm]

:beer2:

Thank you. I'll look in the tips section on how to replace it.

[hennabm]

I take it by module you mean the complete panel that operates the seat functions?

[AW8]

Looks like you have inherited a few issues as part of the purchase.

It may be prudent to go right through the car and do some totting up maths before you start spending on individual issues.

Great if you sort everything but do consider cost of sourcing car plus cost to fix up against likely value used once sorted.

Good Luck

[Alan Gunn]

Only one i can find at the moment.
The one i bought was for a RANGE ROVER L322 same part but less money but none about at the moment.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-X5-E53-F ... SwW6BaDvy6

[hennabm]

Hi Alan

Thank you. I now have a choice as I have also tried the 1st part link in another post.

Just gathering prices at the moment before getting everything gathered together.

[hennabm]

Hi Alan

Well, I've priced the door carrier, a battery and the seat memory controls and all are cheaper from my local dealer.
The only bit that wasn't was the BM54 amp. For a new one of those for my "professional" system was a mere £900!! The links you gave me will be invaluable. Thank you.

The door carrier is already out and waiting for a replacement after a drama where I was locked out of the car because of a dead battery. An ex AA man came with his pneumatic pads and rods and tadah - we were in.

Looking at the seat memory controls, I don't seem to find a "how to" for that. Does the seat need to come out or just the cover panel to get at the module?

TIA.

[X5Sport]

If your amp is faulty, you can get it repaired by Cartronics who will also upgrade its functionality.  Several people on here have done this and been very pleased. 

[Alan Gunn]

You don't have to take the seat out to change the memory panel.
One screw at the back best to go in the rear door to get at it and the rest clips on but i broke a clip and i bet you do as well.
How to video but they have the seat out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5UXYRKsn0A

[hennabm]

Hi X5

Thanks for the advice. I will get in touch with them.

Hi Alan - thanks again - your tips and knowledge are invaluable to a novice X5 owner.