Greetings

[Ubatoid]

Thought I'd better say Hi as I'm planning on being around for some time.Bit of background, my main passion since the early 80s has been the Range Rover. Ive had 6 now, all variations, petrol diesel Mk1 and 2 and consider myself to be somewhat of an authority on the subject. But there has always been a niggle to my passion and that is how I find myself on this forum. Ive long admired the X5 and the time has now come to delve into that world as I have become somewhat dissalusioned with the RR. Before I commit to buying (4.4) I need to know the ins and outs. Us Range Rover boys have James Taylors Range Rover books detailing the development and various options,fitments,trim and extras question is, is there an equivilent for the X ? or can anyone reccomend any reading material. Im particulary interested in the diagnostics side of things.

Thats it for now.

[AW8]

Greetings

In have written a couple of lines on the E53 X5 & which you can read if youClick here

As for diagnostics there are various choices. I merely use a straight forward dash plug in Peake Unit. It will read diagnostic codes and also allow you to reset service/inspection lamps. Simple to use & has thus far always pointed me in right direction. As with most diagnostics you can use data wisely but sometimes the fault code identified may merely point you in the right direction. My peak is great for verifying dealer reports of faults.

Others have more hi-tech kit which promises the earth & can also adjust some other functions, however, there can be some restrictions for anyone using asame who has a lack of understanding &/or experience using same.....a laptop & suitable connection lead may also be required

[Ubatoid]

Great info AW. Interesting reading with some good pointers. Thanks.

[AW8]

Glad you read it & without too much need for pro-plus

[shadrack]

i have a inpa, dis etc dealer level diagnostics on my laptop, i can alter anything! to much, some buttons i dare not press in case i mess up the car!

[Ubatoid]

"......dealer level diagnostics" Thats what I'm after. The RR uses T4, Autologic or Faultmate (which I have) to get right into the systems, what is the BMW equiv ?

Also RR uses the RAVE cd based workshop manuals, again is there an equivilent for the X5?

Great forum, I have a Hooligan on my shopping list before I've even got the car !!!

[Sanj]

[quote=""Ubatoid""]Great forum, I have a Hooligan on my shopping list before I've even got the car !!![/quote]

Don't! Search thread I posted beginning of year first, then check out a unit (mentioned to Phiggystardust couple of days back) by Dynavin E39A. Should get your head spinning!!!

[X5Sport]

Service Manuals for the E53 are few and far between. The most popular being the Bentley publication. It's written for the US market so has nothing about the diesel versions (unless there's another varint I haven't seen yet) as it seems no one else has written a manual. whether the X5 is seen as too complex, needing too much electronic wizardry, or because BMW won't provide the info is unclear - although I suspect the latter is a very big part of the reason. In the US, manufacturers have to publish far more than they do here. It's the same with order tracking. In the US you can find out all about your new car order, but here - no chance, or pester your Dealer. Ridiculous really.

There is an on-line version of the BMW TIS (Technical Instructions) around, but it doesn't cover every variant of each model, although it has most. You can buy your own copy of course.

[x555]

Welcome along i use bmwscan 1.4.0 to diagnose/fault find mine.

[Ubatoid]

[quote=""Sanj""]
Don't! Search thread I posted beginning of year first, then check out a unit (mentioned to Phiggystardust couple of days back) by Dynavin E39A. Should get your head spinning!!![/quote]

Sanj, what are you doing to me ???? Your review of the Hooli sounded great, then I looked at the Dynavin. Man I dont know which way to go now.....


Best keep reading and researching.

[Sanj]

LOL! Don't get me wrong the Hualingan unit is a great replacement for non-OEM screen cars. It becomes a big upgrade. But for a car that had the screen from manufacture the results are smaller. My biggest problem was the iPod interface (double-clicking whilst on the move impossible - not to mention dangerous) and other interfaces being dated...

The iGo satnav is amazing in comparison to the OEM unit. But now the zoom of scale is also possible on the OEM units with an Intravee

The Dynavin is generally considered the more stable unit/better build quality too. You have to see it in action too. Think they're not available just yet, so sit tight and then commit when you have a play with both!

I know I'm not helping but best to be sure!

[Ubatoid]

Oh my sweet lord youve done it again !

OEM units with an Intravee

Something new to look at ! I am activly looking for X with existing Nav, 1 cause the wife gets lost taking the kids to school and 2 so I can sell the parts to a purist at upgrade time but now..... man, more research...

[Sanj]

Let me know if I can further...

Doubt I am though!

[Ubatoid]

Things are looking up. I think I may have cut a deal on a 2002 4.4..going to see it Saturday let's hope it lives up to the description and pictures. Will be most annoyed of its not as described as its a 4 hour train journey away !!!!
Wish me luck !

[Ubatoid]

Car turned out better than expected ! Comfot memory seats, zenons, slide out load, twin DVD players folding mirrors, it was really badly advertised. Had sweet ride home, all 240 miles. Let the modding commence.