XSeries-forum

Hi all

I have just introduced myself in the newbie section and have just put a deposit on a X3 twin turbo diesel.

Having previously owned a 530d with similar power (remapped) I was mega impressed with the responsiveness thanks to the small turbo - large turbo setup.

The one I have gone for requires a little love and attention, being a mechanic by trade this doesn't concern me too much especially as I picked it up for a good price.

Jobs I need to do.

1. Tyres, three are worn very low and the other isn't great so I he budgeted for a set, now having researched this it seems tyres are a minefield and I need your advice, it currently has the staggered 19" setup, I have read online that you can change to 245/45/19 all round without issue, is this correct? If so does it really matter on the brand and star rating? Any help on this would be great, will also have the four wheel alignment done at the same time as the steering wheel isn't straight.

2. The car has travelled around 67000 miles and is due for a service shortly so I will do this as soon as possible, I am going to change oil + filter, ait filter, fuel filter, pollen filter, oil vortex filter and add some additives.

I also would like to change the gearbox oil, transfer box oil and diff oil for peace of mind, does anyone have the grades these take? I understand the transfer box oil is a BMW specific part?

3. Swirl flaps - on my e60 I changed these and decoked the system, luckily I choose to as all were broken and only just hanging on whilst one was wedged in the intake port of the head :-O, does this engine have them? Are they the same 32 mm ones as the 3.0 single turbo?

4. Thermostats - I changed both on my e60 as it never got up to temperature, how do I check that on the x3? Is it worth just changing them and the anti freeze anyway?

5. On the last MOT carried out in April it stated play in a front cv joint, I couldn't hear this and will check it but has anyone suffered with this issue before?

6. Brakes - the front pads are getting low so will change these and the rear discs are rusty so will likely change these with new pads fairly soon.

Luckily I'm doing all the work myself and can get most parts at trade price as this could get expensive.

The wheels have seen better days and have lost lots of fights with kerbs so will be refurbishing these myself just can't decide on colour, the car is grey. Anyone got pictures of a grey x3 on different colour wheels before I carry out some dodgy photoshop attempts haha.

Is there anything else I should be doing or checking?

Many thanks for any help or advice.

Nick

1. staggered set up: only bmw approved * marked tyres. Same all round: does not matter.
2. Transfer box fluid: only shell tf-0870. Search ebay. Always calibrate transfer vtg ecu after oil change.

Yes it has swirl flaps (they all do after the E53 which was the only version to escape that peril) but can't tell you the sizes.  Supposed to be a 'safe' design, if there is any such thing with these particular horrors.

If you can, get a full code read done to show everything currently logged.

Tyres are something you need to be careful with.  A wrong choice can lead to a smashed transmission transfer box.  It is unequal wheel rotation speeds that 'wind' the transmission up until something snaps/breaks.  Different rolling diameters are what causes this most often, such as a brand new pair on one axle and a well-worn pair on the other.

Check the actual sizes on the factory plate.  As above, if all the same then you should be OK.  If retaining the staggered (why wouldn't you?) then best way is the '*' marked way.

Thanks for the speedy replies.

KKX5 how is the calibration done? Thanks for the oil specs I will get looking.

As for the tyres I figured keeping them all the same size means I don't need '*' rated tyres and therefore cheaper and more readily available, basically I can either get decent branded part worns in either staggered or matching or new matching "middle of the road" brand tyres for the same price.

And as it's only 10 mm bigger front and 10 mm smaller rear whilst keeping the same rolling diameter this seemed like a logical option however it is not a size that is fitted as standard to the model.

I will definetly get the swirl blanks and do this asap.

Codes will be read before any work is carried out to give me an idea of what needs doing (hopefully no more than mentioned.)

It drives really well with no excessive noises or clonks and everything is smooth and appears to work as it should.

Tyres: dont go cheap road. Bridgestone, dunlop, continentals, michelin. Always same make. Calibration, bmw dis or ista. You need to tell ecu that fluid is new. Calibration will set new clutch pack values+reset  classification resistor. Gearbox: Bmw Atf-2, Zf lifeguard 6 or Ravenol 6hp26(ebay). Diff: 78w90 full syn.

Regarding the gearbox service , you should replace a few seals .

Items 1&2 here  http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpar ... Id=24_1014

Items 5 , 6 & 7 here  http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpar ... Id=24_1071

And of course all of these  http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpar ... Id=24_1010

Take note the quantities shown on parts list .
To search correct parts for your car , enter the last 7 digits of the VIN on the home page .

Oil filling instructions here  http://www.zf.com/media/media/document/ ... atalog.pdf
And here  http://www.zf.com/media/media/document/ ... kit_EN.pdf

I will edit this post when I find the correct instructions for replacing the seals

More bumf which at least shows how to change the sealing sleeve which can be tricky , just pay close attention to all the alignment info .
http://www.apra-europe.org/dateien/down ... ronics.pdf