Andy Collings

Hi, I have a weird thing happening with my X5 E70 4.8. Twice now I have had warning messages come up for Transmission fault and 4x4 system fault and the idrive screen says proceed with caution but do not switch off engine as it will not restart. The first time it happened I had been driving about 100 miles and the second time about 10. First time I carried on my journey to home but car had limited power and transmission wasn't quite right at pulling away. Googled the problem and forums said ignore the car and switch off engine and restart it. Did this and all was ok for 3 months. Second time same message and warnings, turned off engine and it wouldn't start, had to have a jump. Also clock, date goes off and service sign comes up. Once restarted all ok again. Anyone got any idea what is causing it ? First time was 1 week after brand new battery fit, second time 2 weeks after battery negative lead replaced. Related ? Alternator seems fine! Any input or idea's be welcome. My email address is apcollings@hotmail.co.uk please reply on post and to this, thanks. Andy

Thanks! I had a quick look and sure mine are only manual fold! This will mean I have to buy folding mirrors at some stage! They are roughly £200 a pair on buying site! Can off set the cost by selling the manual ones! No Black sapphire pairs on at moment! Will keep an eye out! Andy

Thank you very much ! Andy

Fitted the replacement mirror control panel but no joy. Will have a look into it and see whether the mirrors are in fact capable of auto folding, the drivers one from the outside looks like it may have been interfered with previously. Hopefully might just need some jiggling. Done some reading on forums and may not happen without changing the mirrors but I do have the memory function on the seats which helps. Let you know how it goes. Thanks for info. Andy

Hi Dave, exhaust done sounds much better! Got a rasp to it which I think sounds good. Longlife guy said to get rid of rasp to change the rear muffler for 2 smaller longlife ones. I think leave as is for now. Cost etc. Andy

Hi Dave, car booked in with Longlife for Wednesday for the twin resonator delete and fitment of straight pipes. Didn't realise but there is already an H pipe at rear of resonators too, that will be staying. As for the before and after sound check, I typed in on the search bar : BMW X5 E70 4.8 Resonator delete and it came up with a fantastic youtube video of it done to the very car. It gives the noise of stock system and resonator delete, car is in a garage for the stood still noise and sounds really good.Then it shows the 2 acceleration video's, awesome noise, looking forward to Weds. I replaced my Parking brake switch yesterday and it didn't have the auto hold function from standard, the new one had it on, fitted it and now I have the autohold function, good old forums eh! Just ordered off ebay a replacement window control panel, mine hasn't got the auto retract wing mirror function on but this one has. May get lucky and this will work too, did some research on the forums for this too. Will post how things go on Weds and thanks for your replies again, not had any others. Best regards Andy

Hi Dave, great to hear you still love your cars at a good age. I'm 58 and feel the same, you've inspired me to keep going for the noise ( even though I won't go too noisy ). Think to start I will delete just the front boxes, some forums have members that have done this to the larger engine size diesels with good results. Get it done within the next few weeks and will post back results. Thanks again, not had any other feed back on this post yet. Andy

Hi Dave! Thanks for the quick reply and info! Once I get some more feedback I will make a decision! You are right though for the money it’s worth a try! Sounds like a wet lettuce at the moment unless a lot of revs added, my old E46 330i sounded much better. Long life guy did seem to know his stuff! Thanks Andy

Hi, this is my first query using this site, so any suggestions, info would be greatly appreciated. I have an X5 E70 4.8 M Sport, looking at modifying the exhaust for a better sound. Don't want it too loud or have a drone. I have read about muffler deletes and fitting resonators, also about replacing the muffler with a variety of options. Went to a Longlife centre today and the suggestion given was to remove the two front boxes and have straight pipes to replace them. This would give improved sound at a cost of around £200. Any feed back on this idea? or any other relatively cheap options? Thanks. Andy