Newbie needs help

[adieu]

Hi everyone and thank you for letting me join you all.

I have recently purchased a 2007 X5 4.8i and i'm loving every minute of it. But i have a couple of things i'd like to ask your help with.

1. Does anyone have a link for led bulbs that will fit in the reading /map lights?

2. I have the sports package which includes 275 40 20 and 315 30 20 tyres, how important is it to have star marked tyres? And can i move to a non staggered step up of say 275 40 20 both front and rear?

3. Is it worth mapping?

4. Has anyone changed the exhaust on one of these to improve  flow and sound?

5. My rear light on the tail gate does not work, how easy are these to source and replace?

6. What brake pads and discs do you recommend?

7. Satnav is a 2007 issue, how easy is this to change or update?

8. Whats the best mod / trick or hint you can offer

I'm sure i will have more questions soon, but thank you all in advance for any help you can offer.

[Koxos87]

Now, two newbie looking for answers.. [emoji23] [emoji23]


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[briankerrys47]

I assume you have taken out a warranty !! On these cars very recommended or deep pockets should things go wrong!!

[Marrow]

[quote="adieu"]
Hi everyone and thank you for letting me join you all.

I have recently purchased a 2007 X5 4.8i and i'm loving every minute of it. But i have a couple of things i'd like to ask your help with.

1. Does anyone have a link for led bulbs that will fit in the reading /map lights?

2. I have the sports package which includes 275 40 20 and 315 30 20 tyres, how important is it to have star marked tyres? And can i move to a non staggered step up of say 275 40 20 both front and rear?

3. Is it worth mapping?

4. Has anyone changed the exhaust on one of these to improve  flow and sound?

5. My rear light on the tail gate does not work, how easy are these to source and replace?

6. What brake pads and discs do you recommend?

7. Satnav is a 2007 issue, how easy is this to change or update?

8. Whats the best mod / trick or hint you can offer

I'm sure i will have more questions soon, but thank you all in advance for any help you can offer.


[/quote]

Map isn’t worth it , leds best place is eBay dirt cheap and easy to swap I have done all mine. I run star marked run flats on mine not cheap but worried about diff and transfer box. I would stick with oem for pads.

With these cars I would just stay oem for most stuff tbh as mentioned when they go wrong they cost a fortune and tbh cost a fortune to just run so unless you have money to burn don’t bother with modifications save it to keep it on the road. Having said that I would swap or mod the back box to hear that v8 a little more !!!!

[X5Sport]

1. Does anyone have a link for led bulbs that will fit in the reading /map lights?  Check Realoem for the bulb types and choose what you need.  There are dozens of different ones that fit the same holders.

2. I have the sports package which includes 275 40 20 and 315 30 20 tyres, how important is it to have star marked tyres? And can i move to a non staggered step up of say 275 40 20 both front and rear?   Extremely important unless you want to risk your diffs and transfer boxes.  The approved tyre sets are shown on the tyre pressure plate but you could go to a non-staggered setup to reduce risks & tyre costs.

3. Is it worth mapping?  To do what with?  Fuel economy or power?  Given the risk of timing chain guide issues, I would leave it as is.  Getting it wrong could cost you a lot of money.

4. Has anyone changed the exhaust on one of these to improve  flow and sound?

5. My rear light on the tail gate does not work, how easy are these to source and replace?  Again check on Realoem for the bulb type and search for a replacement on line.

6. What brake pads and discs do you recommend?  Standard fit are Pagid or Textar and work fine unless you want Brembo?

7. Satnav is a 2007 issue, how easy is this to change or update?  If more than just a map disc update then you will need to change everything including the iDrive.  Aftermarket swap out systems are available for non-OEM type satnavs.  Easier to buy a Garmin    It can be done but only if you have the time and money to source a CIC type iDrive and get appropriate licence keys from BMW.

[adieu]

Many thanks everyone. I have the older type idrive with a dvd slot below the cd player, is this easier to update?

Will take on board all of your advice.

I'll need to source some new front tyres as the garage kindly replaced the part worn 3mm left dunlops with some brand called 'pace' ....

I have found nearly all the led bulbs, but have tried various ones in the rear map lights and they are all too big. Any pointers?

Thanks again everyone.

Also is there anything I should avoid doing with the car that could cause issues..

[X5Sport]

Map discs can be got from BMW and take minutes to upgrade.  We can’t cover non-OEM on here, Forum rules.

[Graeme]

Hello,

The tail gate rear lights on the older cars are prone to failure because the gaskets deteriorate and let water in, which then blows the LEDs. There is no option but to replace the whole unit as there are no separate bulbs.  I had to have both mine done about 4 years ago (2007 E70)  - units then were about £100 each!  They do come with a much improved gasket though!

Best wishes,

Graeme