Bimmer Owners' Club

Hi Richard, What is the classic car you are going to install it into?

'Zebedee' (i think that's how its spelled) as it's a Z3 Roadster and 'Z3' sounds like 'zebedee' (if you say it fast enough, and you're drunk)

I just sent you a message relating to this post. Cheers,  Trevor

www.facebook.com/bimmerownersclub

Ouch!  big money for what I would class as regular maintenance parts and given the amount of after-market parts available at a reasonable cost.

Hi Jerry

I would definitely start with checking the battery with a heavy duty discharge tester and if it's no good then replace it

Let us know how you get on with it.

Hi Henry...welcome to the Forum

Glad to have you onboard and look forward to reading your posts in the future.

Cheers  Trevor

Hi Mike

Thanks for the heads up...bit worrying especially as Winter is coming up and owners may want to replace tyres if they are getting low on tread

Cheers   Trevor

Hi Jerry...welcome to the Forum

How are you enjoying the X5?

Look forward to reading your posts on here

Cheers   Trevor

It's increasing all the time, could do with some new moderators though (if you're interested) to try to encourage more dialogue as a lot of members don't really chat much on here

If it were me, I wouldn't sell it with worn ball joints but you should definitely find cheaper to replace them as the parts are readily available and cheap.

Also the transmission leak, but is it a weep rather than a leak?

HI....and welcome to the Forum

That's handy both having X5's...that means you can always thieve parts from each other's if needed 

The mods sound great...have you got any photos to upload showing off the mods?

Good to have you on-board

Cheers   Trevor

Hi Richard...welcome to the Forum

Ouch!  That's expensive for those two jobs!

The balljoints, it would be cheaper to replace the lower arms completely with quality aftermarket arms and the transmission leak, I'm sure could be repaired cheaper.

I would seek out a reputable independent BMW specialist to quote you on the work and I'm sure it would be less that half that price quoted.

Let us know how you get on with it all

Cheers  Trevor

p.s. I have moved this post into the 5 series forum but left a link here as well

Hi.....welcome to the Forum

Sounds like heat build-up is affecting the internal resistance of the cluster panel (temperature directly affects resistance in an electrical circuit).

Not sure what the answer is but I'd be sure that it's a design fault....maybe ask a BMW dealer to see if they have encountered it before and/or sell revised replacement ones.

Let us know how you get on with it

Cheers   Trevor

Powerflex are okay if you want to use the car for the track but for everyday use , you'll feel every bump

lol....sounds like they fitted an ordinary Halogen bulb instead

I would be tempted to take it to Halfords as they may have a spare xenon bulb to try first before committing to the cost of a replacement one, at least you could eliminate that area first.

This link has some ballast units

http://www.bimmerownersclub.com/parts-results/7-Series/Other-External-Lighting-Parts/174065

Hi Tom...welcome to the Forum

Possibly the bulb?

If it is the ballast, ensure it is powered down for some time before disconnecting as there is a danger of electrocution.

Cheers   Trevor

That's not too bad overall, rod ends and bushes shouldn't be too expensive and as you say at least it will improve the driveability.

Had Harleys too...going back to one soon I hope.

Hi Wayne...welcome to the Forum

I don't blame you sorting the swirl flaps on the X5, its only usually a matter of time before they go!

Do you ride a Triumph as well as work on them?

Cheers   Trevor

Hi Jezza...welcome to the Forum

I would advise if there is any grinding noises coming from the brakes to take the car (very slowly!) to a garage...independent garage should be absolutely fine to use.

Let us know how you got on

Cheers   Trevor

Ouch!!!  How much ?  that's crazy money for importing...but I suppose they're pretty much the same as other EU countries on import duties but with fewer choices by the sound of it.

In that case, it doesn't seem too bad a deal and at least it's nice and dry so no corrosion issues 

Hi...welcome to the Forum

are you not able to buy one in the UK (or the rest of Europe) and take it back to Portugal, or are the taxes too high?

Only reason is that you would probably find a lot more available with lower mileages and a lot cheaper.

But otherwise, sounds like a good car but with higher mileage.

Let us know how you get on with it

Cheers   Trevor

There is a lot of info on the web for timing chain issues but I suppose if in doubt it's probably worth fitting revised timing chain tensioner and guides, if not already fitted.

Also, here is a link for the swirl flap issues affecting some diesel engines

http://bmwspecialistreading.co.uk/what-are-swirl-flaps