New (to me) BMW - X5 joins the family

[shadowpuck99]

Just picked up an e70 35d. I've owned BMWs for years - including a highly modded e36, a ZHP, and a 525 (e34), plus a MkiV Jetta TDi - but, this is my first BMW diesel. Also, my first X vehicle. I do almost all of my own work and have my own hobby shop in my backyard.





It's a 2012 with 150k. I know the previous owner, and I've helped do some of the work on the vehicle in the past - including installing the hitch.

I've been reading here and elsewhere - but, I do have a few questions.

At this age and mileage - is it expected (like many other bmw's) to perform a cooling system refresh? If so, what are the typical items replaced?

And, same question regarding suspension/bushings/etc - what would be the expected items to refresh there if needed?

[CarFan]

Welcome to the e70 forum. Congrats on your new purchase. She sure is a beauty.

[mk2drew]

Looks very well taken care of! I also just picked up a 2012 35d myself. Not quite as clean as yours though.

As far as I understand the m57 isn’t as hard on the cooling system as other BMW’s are, but the thermostat and water pump are common problem areas.

I would also say at that mileage it would be expected that the suspension could probably do with a refresh if it feels sloppy.

[shadowpuck99]

Thank you both. I’m excited I was able to get this one.

On the cooling system I’m mostly curious if folks usually find a need to replace hoses, and if so, just upper lower radiator hoses or more?

It looks like the m57 has some type of plastic hose under the manifold? On my e46 that was an item you had to replace as the vehicle aged. When I changed mine it all but crumbled in my hands. Is that pipe a common failure on the m57?

I’ve found few threads about this stuff so that usually means it’s not a common issue!

Suspension is easier to assess.

[StradaRedlands]

You look to have a thing for black Bimmers! I don't know anything about diesels, other than beware the DEF countdown and be prepared to deal with that, although at your mileage it may have already been covered.
Cooling systems on E70 are pretty good, much better than E34/E36 era cars. The upper radiator hose is the one most likely to be a problem. Replace it for sure, and might as well do as many as you can get hold of at the time. Radiators are all metal, so none of that bullshit plastic stuff. My expansion tank sprung a leak randomly at 75k miles, and seems like that's a weak point. Yours has probably already been replaced.
Good looking whip!

[shadowpuck99]

haha - i do prefer bimmers in black - fortunately, my neighbor is a detailing geek so that keeps him busy!

i've been doing more reading up on my x5.

what's the latest thoughts/recommendations on harmonic damper/balancer for these vehicles? i see there are a few options...

and, what's the story on swapping to the clutched pulley for the alternator?

and, next question - i know its common on b58s and other FI BMW engines to do charge pipe upgrades - is that a thing on the e70? i didn't run across any specific kits so i'm assuming probably not?

[wcs531]

If youre doing all your own work the facebook group "North American BMW Diesel Owners" is a great resource. They have a sticky post under the "Featured" tab that goes through the basics and a lot more in depth threads all over for specific issues.

This forum seems slightly dead unfortunately as I hate facebook. We really do need sticky threads with common issues for different engines and a sticky for common issues with the e70 in general.

[shadowpuck99]

hmm - yeah, i'm anti-facebook as well, it's actually blocked on my network/gear - only works on the wife's stuff....guess i'll have to look into that!