XSeries-forum

Hi!

I recently purchased my first X5! It's a 2004 94000m 3.0d blue with the xenons, comfort pack, sat nav, panoramic roof and the 20" alloy wheel upgrade.

Coming from an remapped E60 530d it is a really big change in terms of performance and speed but so comfortable to drive! It's actually not as slow as I thought it would be

I have a couple of question which I hope you guys can help with:

1. The steering wheel was shaking/ wobbling at motorway speeds 60+. I searched the forum and noticed people mention wheel balancing! So yesterday I had all 4 wheels balanced and guess what the fronts where way out!
Now the steering wheel shake has almost gone and a LOT better! however there is still a slight shake between 60-70mph... after 70mph it seems to go and is virtually non existent (wasn't like this before the balancing)...
What else is there to check for the small shake I am still getting through the steering wheel?

2. The seat belts seem very lazy when retracting, is there anything that can be done for these?

3. Remap - how much quicker does it make the car? e.g. the 0-60 stock time is 8.6 would a remap to 250-260hp bring it down a second? I have read the MPG increase is also beneficial which is a plus!

4. Angle eye lights - I noticed there are a few different type of bulb upgrades, which is the brightest and most reliable one to get?

I plan to change the dash bulbs to newer ones as the display is quite dim during the daytime, and possibly the chrome dash rings.

Other than that I'm loving the new car

[quote="e53_kash"]
Now the steering wheel shake has almost gone and a LOT better! however there is still a slight shake between 60-70mph... after 70mph it seems to go and is virtually non existent (wasn't like this before the balancing)...
What else is there to check for the small shake I am still getting through the steering wheel?
[/quote]

Welcome!

About the shake, it can be a number of things. Check the control arm bushings, struts, generally for any kind of play between the front suspension elements. Also, check the tyres! I had a vibration that was caused by the damage on the tyre side wall.

Make sure the balancing is actually correct.  Even a small error on these big wheels will show up.  1-2g is all it needs, or a weight an inch out of position.  My guess is the balance needs to be a tad better.

Seat belts - pretty common.  My E53 did it and so does my X6.

It's torque you need and you need to be careful not to overload the gearbox or it WILL break.  Unlikely to get a full second off it.

You should be able to turn the dash intensity up.  The LCD should be clear and readable all the time.  Try adjusting the thumbwheel.

Nothing will be as bright as the current BMW system unless you go for HIDs.  LEDs are what you need but you may have to spend a lot of money to find they really aren't that great in normal daylight which is why so many pictures of them are in garages, shade or at dusk.

And...

Richard

Try aerospace 303 spray on the belts - extending them out and using it on same before gently releasing and then working mech back and forth a few times before allowing it to dry. If filthy clean belts 1st.

[quote="AW8"]
Try aerospace 303 spray on the belts - extending them out and using it on same before gently releasing and then working mech back and forth a few times before allowing it to dry. If filthy clean belts 1st.
[/quote]

This will work. I actually used a silicone spray on mine and it worked a treat.

You could always get the B pillar trim off and spray direct on the mechanism but that's a bit more involved.

Thanks for the replies guys. I really appreciate it ☺

I showed the car to my mechanic and he said it was in very good condition including engine and gearbox so really happy about that!

He mentioned my control arms had play in them when he was braking which would explain the remaining wobble from the steering wheel so will get that fixed along with a cv boot that has split.

The driver side xenon had just turned pink so need to change that. Halford are charging  £60 per bulb!  Any recommendations where to buy from and a guide on how to replace? Does the bumper have to be removed as some instructions I've seen on the net?

For the dash I think the bulbs will need to be replaced as it's still dim even turning the light knob all the way up.

Any guides on removing the seat belt mechanism?

Thanks for the welcome 

£60 for a bulb is pretty average.  OEM are Osram D2S fitting.  From a Dealer you will pay £300 EACH!

Beware of going cheap.  They aren't usually saving you much and may not last as long.  HIDS4U, HIDS Direct and others on the web.

If you are changing both you could fit Xenarc from Osram.  Got good write up.

Richard

[quote="AW8"]
Try aerospace 303 spray on the belts - extending them out and using it on same before gently releasing and then working mech back and forth a few times before allowing it to dry. If filthy clean belts 1st.
[/quote]

Thanks for this I will try it and report back