The Gang Buys a E70 xDrive35d

Jdesign

YoungCR said:

Don't you have an air compressor at the shop? Upgrading to a full pneumatic when I have shop air again is my plan.

Yeah that makes way more sense. I didn't even think of that

YoungCR

151625 mi already. I'm not happy about it but it is what it is. Need some other road trip vehicles back in rotation...

Finally got a scan tool, intermittent check engine light is back on for emissions, found a few other things I luckily bought parts for already.

00452A DTC Description Digital Diesel Electronics (DDE), information - particulate filter system. Time to do the permanent fix.

0054C6 VTG (Transfer Box), Oil wear. Drive line fluids still need to be changed and apparently there's a sensor for the transfer case fluid.

004BDC DTC Description Digital Diesel Electronics (DDE), fuel presupply pressure control Fault Description Monitoring of fuel pre-supply pressure control: Power consumption of electric fuel pump too large for current pre-supply pressure. Fuel filter needs to be changed and perform liquid moly fuel system clean.

Cleared all the codes as some were quite old but also had faults in the following modules, will compare tomorrow with details after about a 2.5hr round trip.

12TRSVC (All Round View Camera) Fault | 1

14CA (Comfort Access System) Fault | 1

15CBX-MEDIA (ComBox Multimedia) Fault | 2

17SINE (Siren And Tilt Sensor) Fault | 1

20TCB (Combox Emergency Call) Fault | 1

29FRM2 (Footwell Module 2) Fault | 1

YoungCR

non update update, all those module codes stayed clear.

YoungCR

Used the pocket book wrench today to tick off those immediate concerns. Was happy with the service today from VL Performance here in Appleton.

12/30/2022 151,852mi

VL Performance Performed:
- Liquid Moly Leichtlauf high tech 5w-40 x6l & STP Oil Filter P983
- Transfer Case flush with fluid and drain plugs provided from FCP kit
- Replaced fuel filter with provided Mahle filter
VL Performance Recommends:
- Air Filter
- Brake Fluid Flush
- Transmission Pan Gasket

YoungCR

Bought a Otofix BT1-Lite, same as a Autel MaxiBAS BT506 for 1/2 the price, to help with some charging system issues on other vehicles but I tested everything in the driveway for fun. Failed the first test but I didn't know the rating on the battery and the terminals in the engine bay could use a cleaning. Pulled the trunk cover to find a OEM battery and tested again from there directly. I don't have any records of it being replaced. Its state of charge is still 100% if it is a 570 cca like I think it should be so thats cool but certainly will keep a close eye on its heath. Starter & Alternator passed

20230210X5BatteryTest.pdf

YoungCR

Crawled under the X5 for the first time to get the the main parts list off the transmission. Also installed the K&N VF3019 cabin air filters.

Below is a cross reference for the Tune My Euro E70 100k restoration/maintenance list to FCP OE or OEM parts for better prices/warranty. Certainly needed at 150k now and many are while you're in there with the intake manifold off and added power from the tune.

timmer

PXL_20230313_213620433_TS.mp4

Fun stuff!!! I also accumulated some parts this winter for a maintenance rally this spring! Lol.

Most notably is the glow plug module that failed on me about a month ago... Makes for a smoky/sweet sounding cold start!

The Malone 2.5 is a safe and fun tune, I've been running for 4 years now without a hiccup.

Consider a trans tune from https://sutphintuning.com/ also! It made a huge difference and Rod will customize it for your needs. He also has all the parts for the 6hp. He's is a genius with these transmissions, he's even fitted an 8 speed in his E90.

YoungCR

timmer said:

Fun stuff!!! I also accumulated some parts this winter for a maintenance rally this spring! Lol.

Most notably is the glow plug module that failed on me about a month ago... Makes for a smoky/sweet sounding cold start!

The Malone 2.5 is a safe and fun tune, I've been running for 4 years now without a hiccup.

Consider a trans tune from https://sutphintuning.com/ also! It made a huge difference and Rod will customize it for your needs. He also has all the parts for the 6hp. He's is a genius with these transmissions, he's even fitted an 8 speed in his E90.

Having records of glow plug issues but no records of replacement I figured might as well get her done while the intake is off. I'm more or less just going with what you've done given how much you've enjoyed it without issues. I contemplated other down pipe and exhausts but seems like the consensus on the Facebook group its the Buzzken fits the best as well. I'll be doing the install myself so just want things to be straight forward given all these parts going on. Trans tune is on the future list, suspension refresh comes first. I ordered new struts as well as they've failed and will tackle the rest of the suspension next fall after the tires are shot and ready for replacement.

timmer

I just did lower front control arms and thrust arms and it made a huge difference. I didn't realize how bad they were, they still felt tight.

I also changed out the upper/lower strut bushings as they were gone. No more clunks!

Just a heads up, I went with Lemforder control arms and I got a bad one that had a leaky bushing... Apparently there was a bad batch made last year. FCP Euro was awesome and made it right, and shipped a new one next day air.

GunMetalGrey

I did the delete on mine recently and am very pleased with how it turned out.
I would like to note that I would rather do rod bearings on the M3 again before doing another X5d delete... It was a lot of patience and odd body positioning.

I went with the VSRF down / midpipe and the fit-up was pretty decent. I saw you had the buzzken one in there which is over twice the cost.

YoungCR

GunMetalGrey said:

I did the delete on mine recently and am very pleased with how it turned out.
I would like to note that I would rather do rod bearings on the M3 again before doing another X5d delete... It was a lot of patience and odd body positioning.

I went with the VSRF down / midpipe and the fit-up was pretty decent. I saw you had the buzzken one in there which is over twice the cost.

Did you get the cat? What else did you need for install? I'd assume I'd just need these EGR block off's additionally. Forgot the VRSF has a resonator as well which I'd like, are you happy with the sound?

https://www.tunemyeuro.com/bmw-x5-e70-low-pressure-egr-block-off-plate/

https://www.tunemyeuro.com/bmw-e70-x5-lp-egr-coolant-block-off-kit/

GunMetalGrey

YoungCR said:

Did you get the cat? What else did you need for install? I'd assume I'd just need these EGR block off's additionally. Forgot the VRSF has a resonator as well which I'd like, are you happy with the sound?

https://www.tunemyeuro.com/bmw-x5-e70-low-pressure-egr-block-off-plate/

https://www.tunemyeuro.com/bmw-e70-x5-lp-egr-coolant-block-off-kit/

I did not get the cat, but doing it again I may. It's not bad but I like cruising with the windows open and spend time crawling around so I feel the smell may become a tad much. I may end up trying to get a catted one.
Sound is pleasant, lots of turbo noise and a tiny bit of engine with the windows open. With windows closed I can't tell a difference from stock which is nice.

I did the EGR racepipe at the same time (Bimmertune) and that came with the coolant blockoffs for that, and picked up the plate you linked above from a different source.

The turbo noises and power gains are very fun.

YoungCR

GunMetalGrey said:

Sound is pleasant, lots of turbo noise and a tiny bit of engine with the windows open. With windows closed I can't tell a difference from stock which is nice.

I did the EGR racepipe at the same time (Bimmertune) and that came with the coolant blockoffs for that, and picked up the plate you linked above from a different source.

Perfect, looking to be incognito unless putting the hammer down. I reviewed all the exhaust options again and the Buzzken and VRSF are the only two systems that have Cats mounted on the down pipe. Consensus being that the cat will always be hot in that location where the DPF used to be. I've breathed enough nasty zero emissions diesel fumes in my life already and would like to be able to load groceries with the car running haha.

Seems like all the complaints on the VRSF fitment were from earlier versions so given that its more or less the same system plus a resonator made with 304ss over 419ss its better for $1k less. ECS/Turner has it on sale right now too so shopping list updated accordingly. Forgot to list the EGR race pipe as well.

GunMetalGrey

YoungCR said:

Perfect, looking to be incognito unless putting the hammer down.

Hmm, not sure if I'd go that far. I turned a few heads last night rolling into a trailhead and had a guy roll over to say how sweet it sounded.

YoungCR

157045 Miles Checked a few things off the punch list. Changed the oil with the handy screw in oil funnel kit when it was on sale. Also installed a mishimoto magnetic drain plug. https://www.harborfreight.com/master-oil-funnel-filling-kit-56892.html

Attempted to start the front shocks, ball joint bolt had different plans. Very seized and had to cut/punch out. Replaced with a 10.9 bolt and haven't gone back to that project yet.

Discovered during the rear shocks replacement that the drivers rear spring had broke and wrapped itself around under the mount. Didn't notice any noise or handling issues so this was quite the surprise but apparently a common issue by 150k.

OEM spring compressor is short but extremely expensive. Not enough room to use standard ones so just ended up using a small bottle jack and got plenty of room to pull them out. Make sure the brake line is removed from the shock mount location.

Replaced both sides with LESJÖFORS 4208476 from Rock Auto as they were $20 cheaper each than FCP and didn't care about warranty. Top is the unbroken stock, LESJÖFOR below. Little thicker than the OEM. Replaced rear upper and lower spring pads as well.

Finally pony up'd the $25 for the Motive bleeder bottles and was happy to toss away my gheto gatorade setup. The seal on my Motive 1100 power bleeder cap had swollen as well, FCP and Amazon don't offer the replacement. I ended up trimming a 3/8 x 2 1/4 with 1/8 center rubber washer from Menards down to 1 3/4 diameter tracing a hole saw bit. Brakes bleed with Pentosin DOT4-LV

Got all the other parts on hand, just need to purchase the tune yet and then I can dig into the major refresh items.

SteelBlue

How has the power bleeder been to use? Been considering grabbing one.

YoungCR

SteelBlue said:

How has the power bleeder been to use? Been considering grabbing one.

it’s handy, my only complaint is the cap. Not having a rotating hose means it gets twisted from one end as you screw onto the reservoir. That cap can be bought for $50 itself from motive too so you don’t save any getting this vs the base kit from FCP. This wasn’t available when I bought mine.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/european-power-bleeder-black-label-motive-products-mot0109

Boris3

SteelBlue said:

How has the power bleeder been to use? Been considering grabbing one.

I've been happy with mine (European "Black Label" with aluminum swivel cap), I just use it as a pressure bleeder rather than putting fluid in it. Agreed that it's handy to have especially if you don't have an available "helper". I picked mine up on sale a while back for much less than the FCP listing. Just checked and ECS has the same for $90.

YoungCR

Did the full transmission service a few weekends ago now and got about 2500 trouble free miles on it since. I haven't floored it yet but very happy with the improvement on the 2-3 shift. Overall the job looks more intimidating than it was but it certainly was a full weekend project. This is pretty well covered in these videos but I'll share my tips.

I did end up pulling the transfer case cross member. People buy or fabricate a shallow Torx wrench to get at the rear pan bolts blocked by the cross member that takes 10min to remove. I unbolted the exhaust as well to get additional clearance for the passenger side center bolt, no issues with that leaking afterwards and my flange nuts were in good shape.

6HP26/28 how to video. I followed this along with the TIS instructions. I would highly recommend marking the mechatronic sealing sleeve with a paint pen as I had a hell of a time getting that lined back up properly and that would've saved me the headache like the TIS suggests.

This is a E53 mechatronic rebuild but similar enough procedure with good assembly tips.

Mechatronic unit after removal and splitting. Split the plate this side up so the accumulator pistons and check valves don't fall out, those are reused along with the filter.

I let the transmission drain overnight too with the mechatronic unit out and I ended up needing the full 9.5l capacity, luckily NAPA does stock the Liquid Moly Top Tec 1800 so I was able to get what I needed to finish the job.

Just to reiterate, my E-Shift 6HP28X with with main parts list 1068-050-045 did indeed use the ZF 1068298047 mechatronic service kit as confirmed by California Transmission Supply and Automatic Choice. I even wrote to FCP Euro Support asking them about their product listing comparing to these sources and wrote back to me after a month stating that their BMW Catalog team confirmed this was not for my vehicle and to check with my local BMW Service Center. The dealers only sell the complete mechatronic unit so guessing thats why this "doesn't match my vin". Again not sure why FCP and ECS don't have as complete main parts list compatibility as those transmission sites do but I would reference those. I didn't have any luck getting into ZF's official catalog.

Also if you are going to do the Sonnax Zip-Kit, remember that the valve body separator plate needs to be replaced as well which in my case was the A065 plate also available through Sonnax. I just ended up doing all the end plugs, pressure regulator sleeves and Clutch A & E control boost valves since I had this out and given the mileage instead of diagnosing what it might just need. Only issue I did have was having to redo 1 or 2 o-rings during assembly as they got cut on the valve bores that were still tight tolerances. Just takes time and make sure everything is well lubricated. Again it's just a tedious job but glad I did it and saved a bunch of $$$.

SteelBlue

M539 Restorations also did this on his E70 and it made a big difference.

WIBIMMERS

The Gang Buys a E70 xDrive35d