XSeries-forum

Hi hi,

New to the forum and new to X5.

I sold my 2017 330iGT MSport to settle the PCP and reduce outgoings for a mortgage app. Before that I had a 2017 118i MSport.

I brought the 2003 X5 e53 (face lift) for cash, 88k with FSH. Engine felt good and the paint in decent condition and wheels newly finished.

While the car is old, I love it, I love the styling, ride height and m54 engine.

There are a few upgrades I want to make to this car
I think the suspension is a bit off and want to explore upgrading it.

But first I want to put a modern aftermarket infotainment system in and new sound system.

Any help with these projects would be awesome!

Hello and . Many of us have owned an E53, great cars, and the one that set the mold for SAVs. Good mileage on your example for its age too..

Infotainment upgrades are a big subject, Chinese look a likes of the OE screen style with better features were popular, but i did see a kit that mimics the upright screen look now. It very much depends on your requirements and inevitably budget.

Suspension is off? Knackered shock absorbers or clacky rattles perhaps? The rear subframe bushes fail with age and its a comprehensive task to renew them all, but worthwhile if you do.

Hi SaphireBlack,

I’ve been looking at the upright type screens, something like this;

https://xtrons.co.uk/bmw-x5-e53-android ... -pqs1153bl

I also forgot to mention, the two other things I’m considering, upgrade standard headlights to Xeon and repair of the cluster display.

There is a clunk from the rear when taking off, and it feels a bit bouncy in general when driving London roads.

If you’re upgrading the headlights to Xenon then you’ll need OEM lamp units approved for HID lighting. MOT rules have been changed so that just adding the bulbs & ballasts is an MOT fail.

Sounds like rear bushings need looking at. Quite common on a 20+ year old E53.

WOBMW wrote: ↑Fri Nov 15, 2024 9:20 am Hi SaphireBlack,

I’ve been looking at the upright type screens, something like this;

https://xtrons.co.uk/bmw-x5-e53-android ... -pqs1153bl

I also forgot to mention, the two other things I’m considering, upgrade standard headlights to Xeon and repair of the cluster display.

There is a clunk from the rear when taking off, and it feels a bit bouncy in general when driving London roads.

I saw a different screen version that required cutting a section of the dash top out. That solution looks much easier.

With the suspension, I'd definitely be having the rear subframe bushes examined carefully and the shocks looked at.

I fitted a 9" screen Chinese unit some years ago now and it works well.
One thing you need the long cable that runs to the rear of the car and it connects to the dvd and stuff in the ps cubby hole.