Pimp my ride

[dark_stranger]

Now that my car is back on the road after I (totally mechanically inept) replaced a dead alternator, I feel I am more than capable of carrying out lots cosmetic updates to my car.  Therefore plan to use this thread to document all the work carried out.  I will post updates on the work carried out, parts used, etc to allow fellow members to duplicate the work carried out.  On the odd occassion, I may delete members & my posts, if the posts take this thread away from its intended purpose or add no benefit to the thread, so dont take it to personal if you're post is deleted.

Car Details:
BMX X5 3.0i (E53/2004 Plate)

Completed Work.
Replace all tyre valves with new chrome/pressure sensor valves - Cosmetic update - Total Cost = £110 (BMW)
Replace dead alternator - Mechanical update - Total Cost = £330 (DIY)
Replacement battery (Bosch S5) - Replaced due to insufficient sized battery - Total Cost = £76
Replace bonnet badge as worn and faded - Cosmetic update - Total Cost = £20
Front disc's and pads replaced as grinding metal - Total Cost = £110'ish (DIY)
Rear disc's, Pads and sensor replaced as warning light on - Total Cost = £90'ish (DIY)
Angel Eyes replaced with 25w LED's - Cosmetic update - Total Cost = £40 (DIY)

Planned Work.
Knocking from drivers front suspension.

More to follow.

[snipez999]

I believe I have some angel eye upgrade LEDs which I removed from the X6 now no longer needed due to LED Active lighting on the new car.  Let me find them and post some pics/PM you a price?

[Smeeagain]

if we are to be able to duplicate the work, the then part numbers, where sourced from BMW, would be handy too please. Perhaps not so relevant fro the tyre valves but pics of each step and before/after would also be good although it should really be posted in the How To section I guess.

Smee

[snipez999]

Yup they will/they are.  I tend to research things before putting them anywhere near my cars
Pics later as I have to leg it to the City game in a mo!

[snipez999]

I cut the oranges for half time.  I'm a Spurs fan but the twins are City fans, and as they are only 7 I had to succumb to the requests for season tickets....

Anyway - I have now found both sets of angel eye bulbs (one I had forgotten about, never fitted - the Lux ones).

Sorry, appears these are E70 fit not E53 but if you can research and find they fit then fine.

Xtec were 100 quid (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/XTEC-LED-ANGE ... 0720863616) and Lux were 245 USD (or around 160 quid).  Let me know if interested and make me an offer by PM (this goes for anyone else viewing this post too )

Xtec box 1
Xtec box 2
Xtec 4 led bulbs
Lux bulb
Lux bulb 2

[dark_stranger]

Front & Back Badge Replacement
My front BMW badge was rather worn and tatty & therefore decided to replace both the front and back badges, but not with the original BMW colour badges, but black carbon badges.  Searching on ebay,most sellers were selling the X5 front bagde as 82mm and the rear badge as 72mm/73mm, but the correct size for the rear is 78mm.

Front badge size: 82mm
Rear badge size: 78mm

Tools: Flat head screwdriver, old credit card, sticky pads/double sided tape
Time: 10mins

Front Badge:
The front badge is simply attached to the bonnett with 2 pins on the back of the badge, inserted into 2 holes on the bonnett. You simply have to prise the badge off. I found that placing the card between the badge/bonnett, prevented you from damaging the bonnett with the screwdriver.

Original front badge.


Front badge removed.


Replacement front badge.


Rear Badge:
The rear badge is also attached to the boot with 2 pins on the back of the badge, inserted into 2 holes on the bonnett, but also sticky tape (didnt come with replacment rear badge). You simply have to prise the badge off, with a little bit more force due to sticky stuf. As with the front, I found that placing the card between the badge/boot, prevented you from damaging the bonnett with the screwdriver.

Original rear badge.


Rear badge removed.


Replacement rear badge.


Thats it, quick, simply and maximum effect. 

Can you please post all comments on the above "How To" on the "How to" thread fround here: http://xdrivers.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=5634 and keep this thread clean as I want to keep this thread as a a record of the work I do on the car.

Thanks, Stu

** Mod Edit PVR ** - have cleaned up the thread.

[dark_stranger]

I got round to replacing the rear disc's, pads and sensor today as the check brakelinings message had been displaying for a while. Anyway, the pads where a little low.