Bimmer Owners' Club

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

Hi Ash I would suggest looking for full service history from a reputable repairer or dealer...if not, then you can't tell whether it's had software updates, premium parts/oils, etc. Otherwise, the higher mileage isn't a problem if it's the right sort of mileage e.g. motorway miles. Good luck with your search Cheers Trevor

That's excellent news...nice one!

Hi David I would imagine the best way is to have a look for the blanking plugs in the inlet manifold...you may need to remove it to check this is the case and if not, then order some from ebay (plenty on there for sale) and fit them as soon as possible. Let us know how you get on with it Cheers Trevor

Thanks Greydog

Hi David...welcome to the Forum! The car looks great as a project car and good condition to start with. Keep us updated of the ongoing mods please, would be interested to see it taking shape. Cheers Trevor

Hi Brad...welcome to the forum Maybe worth resetting the battery power supply for the lighting system to re-index the headlights...just a thought. If not, possibly poor connection or wiring to the headlight Let us know what you find Cheers Trevor

Here is a link to a site which explains in detail about the swirl flaps/acoustic valves http://bmwspecialistreading.co.uk/what-are-swirl-flaps/

Hi David...welcome to the Forum I have had a quick look and there doesn't appear to be the usual replacement cases and button covers for rebuilding your old one. There are a few listed in the link (below) but you would need to swap the internals and the key blade to use it without having to programme it and get the blade cut if just using the one key. http://www.bimmerownersclub.com/parts-results/X3/Ignition-/61687 Let us know how you get on with it. Also, common fault on the X3 engine is for the inlet manifold valves to drop into the engine so the mod is to remove them and fit blanking plugs...may already have been done. Cheers Trevor

sounds like the best bet all round

Hi Craig...welcome to the Forum got any piccies of it you'd like to post up? Looking forward to reading your posts in the future. Cheers Trevor

Hi Cameron...welcome to the Forum I'm not sure how it will affect the finish of any trim parts but a very strong solution of Traffic Film Remover may shift it. Let us know how you get on with it Cheers Trevor

Hi Shaun...welcome to the Forum Sounds like it has jumped out of time again....which would definitely suggest tensioner. May be worth looking at oil quality as well to as that can affect the hydraulic tensioners' ability to do its job. Let us know how you get on with it Cheers Trevor

Hi Stephen....welcome to the Forum! I'm not 100% sure but I think the problem may be with the phone not being set up to play the music although you can make calls which means the device is being recognised...got the same problem on my Honda as well. May be worth fiddling with the phone first? Let us know how you get on with it Cheers Trevor

OMG whatever possessed the KA driver to pull out in front of you, unbelievable! Glad you and your occupants managed to escape injury though

Hi James, I would take the car back to where the pads were changed and get them to check the system to make sure nothing is wrong. Alternatively, they may just need to reset the system to know it had new brake system components...but I would still take it back for them to sort out..at no extra charge! Let us know how you get on with it Cheers, Trevor

It's probably worth keeping an eye on things like tyre pressures, load in the boot, fuel level (full tank/low tank level), etc to see if anything improves. Keep us informed if you do find anything makes a difference and gets you nearer the claimed figures...you can only live in hope!