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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

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