2002 X5 3.0d Sport - New Purchase Preventative Maintenance

[DJ_x5]

Hi everybody,

I'm usually found over on the E36 forums as I've got a lovely old last of the run 98' E36 M3 convertible which I use as a weekend car (or nice day) however I have now picked up a 2002 model x5 3.0d E53 Sport for driving to work and back so first let me say hi to you all and I hope you will make me feel welcome

Thankfully my X appears to have been well looked after and serviced at the same BMW specialist for over a decade with a turbo replaced back in 2011 which should be 1 less thing to worry about and being an older model I haven't got the DPF either. Would have been nice to have modified the exhausts to go through the rear diffuser as I prefer the look but I don't want black soot everywhere!

I'm looking to do a few bits and pieces before using it heavily and was hoping I could ask for your advice. I'm thinking off the top of my head:

i) Fit the later type crankcase breather in lieu of the rubbish earlier sponge version
ii) New thermostat as it is taking a while to reach the middle of the temperature gauge and I'm pretty sure these should all get to temp within 10 mins or so even in cold weather?
iii) New water pump? Do the early X5s suffer with plastic impellers and is it worth switching it out?
iv) Do these suffer with EGR issues and is it worth blanking it off?
v) Swirl flaps removal and blanks fitted. Anyone have a link to somewhere selling the blanks for a reasonable price?

vi) Anything you kind gents can advise on?

vii) I also seem to have the common fault with my rear wiper and screen wash. Neither work and so I'm assuming I need to check:
a) 13mm nut on the wiper arm
b) actual rear wiper motor
c) wiring loom going into the bootlid
d) wiper stalk on the steering wheel
e) anything else gents?

Once again let me say hello and thank you for having me. Hopefully I can take heed of your advice and get some important jobs done straight away.
Cheers
Dave J

[X5-D-Sport]

re your item 5 / V...

I'm fairly sure the X5 E53 Diesel does not have swirl flaps fitted.

Definitely change the Crank case breather for a centrifugal one - this is a MUST-DO job.

The EGR valve is a good thing to get shot of also & get a by-pass / straight thru unit.

The Thermostat is also a good job worth doing.

Also maybe check the condition of the alternator/AC belt... and get a mirror to poke down behind the radiator & peep at the crank pulley - at that age, the rubber doughnut between inner & outer edges of the pulley may be getting cracked & ready to let go.

X5-Sport may be able to advise re the Water Pump ?

[Insight G40]

Agree, as far as I'm aware, no UK E53 3.0D ever had swirl flaps fitted.

[DJ_x5]

Thanks so far guys.

Are we 100% certain on the swirl flaps on the M57? With the covers off to do the breather it's not much more of a job to quickly get the manifold off and have a nosey.

Is the EGR valve a nuisance on these? I'd rather not bypass it but will if it is something you guys have experienced and recommend.

I figured I may as well do the water pump whilst changing the thermostat out given the mileage. Just wondering if there is a recommendation to upgrade to metal impeller or if the OE item is composite and reasonably robust?

I hadn't thought about the belts and pulleys thanks for the heads up. Anyone anything else?

Cheers
Dave J

[X5Sport]

Pass on the water pump.  Never had to touch mine.  Swirl flaps non existent on E53 as stated.  Only arrived on the E70 and newer.  E53 M57 was NEVER fitted with them regardless of year.

Thermostat needs doing as it should be centred in well under 10 mins.

Check gas level in the a/c.  Can lose 15% a year, more if unused.

[DJ_x5]

Hi thanks for the reply. I'll just go for the OE water pump then when I change the stat out in the coming days if there doesn't seem to be an issue.

Just thinking about the EGR valve - can I just disconnect the vacuum line to it to stop it operating? Nice quick reversible job once I've blocked the line with something? Doesn't look like there are many who have gone down this route though?

[DJ_x5]

Hmmm I've just seen this now:

http://www.bmwforums.info/general-guide ... flaps.html

and

http://www.bmwswirlflaps.co.uk/swirl_flaps.html

I think I will go ahead and simply remove my intake manifold to be sure. X5Sport you seem to be a bit of a subject matter expert on it quickly trawling through here using the search function. Given the small amount of time it will take me I'd just rather have the reassurance of seeing they're not there. 1 less thing to worry about I hope

[Horizon]

Hi and Welcome to the forum. BMW didn't fit swirl flaps to the E53 X5, only after 2007 to the E70. So that's saved you a job, and some expense. Check the crank are breather though, it's under the engine covers. A Vortex type is the best option. Search the forum for more info and a how to.

[andym3]

Hello and welcome,
Well there's nothing else for me to add or advise as been covered above! 
But on here we do like to see some pics of the X5! 

[DJ_x5]

Thanks for the advice gents. BMW prices through the roof as usual so I've gone to C3BMW as usual as they're all OE parts for much less than stealer. I'll be fitting the breather, new belts, pump and stat over Christmas and after giving her a thorough wash I'll get some pics up.

She's a Topaz Blue Sport with Grey Dakota leather and Dark Poplar Wood with an upgraded touch screen Nav unit, heated front seats and a sunroof but otherwise all standard 3.0d Sport.

Anyone any advice on the E53 water pump with regards to if it's metallic, composite or plastic?

Also has anyone else had their rear wiper and washer stop working? Lots on google searches but not necessarily many solutions. I've just bought a little battery terminal puller to remove the arm as it has typically seized on after so many years. Once that's off hopefully I can remove the interior trim from the boot and see about getting a new motor in there if the wiring is all fine.

[andym3]

Sometimes it's the little splines inside the hole of the wiper arm that have worn so when the motor moves the arm doesn't! If this is the case buy a e70 rear wiper arm, looks much better!

[Steamyrotter]

For that age it is most probably the brushes worn out..
Mine did that.

You can try to change them, it is very fiddly, and you will have to "remanufacture" some brushes to fit...

Or just go the whole hog and get a new / replacement wiper motor unit.

[toonarmy]

well ive gone for rear coils 199 on ebay and so far feel much firmer and stable also stripped and cleaned egr valve stopped smoking on heavy accelaration also rear control arms as you dont find there knackered till you take airbag load off gearbox oil and filter if you havent got proof its been done and uprade all interior lights to led gives it a much more modern feel

[DJ_x5]

Thanks for the replies gents. I'm thinking it might be something a bit more serious than just splines or the motor as my rear washer doesn't work when using the stalk either. The wiring in the bottlid has been mentioned before so i may have to remove the gromit and check the wiring for breaks

[andym3]

It maybe your wiper relay!