JDNY516 35d Journal

[JDAURIA]

08.19.20 - Not really much to update, 35d has been flawless so far. Definitely put in over 1,000 miles so far of towing alone. Racking up the miles quickly, I am over 101,000 now.
Recently did Oil Service #2 already, replaced cabin filters (wow were they dirty) and replaced front brake pads with Akebono for less dusting.
I did purchase the OEM trailer brake controller kit from ECS. It was on sale for $185 and we do plan on towing more frequently heavier loads. Will have this installed in about 3 weeks or so..


OEM+ Plans:
[X] OEM Trailer Brake Controller Kit
[ ] Software Tune (Engine and Transmission)
[ ] LUX H8 AE
[ ] OEM Spare Tire Kit

Maintenance Plans:
[X] Cabin Filter replacement @ 101k
[X] Oil Service @ 100k
[X] Replace Front Brake Pads (OEM ones, dust wayyy too much) @ 101k
[ ] OEM Rear Sway Bar Bushing Replacement
[ ] OEM Engine Mounts + new hardware
[ ] New set of tires: Michelin Pilot All Season 4 (275/315)
[ ] Replace Steering Wheel Trim Switch

[JDAURIA]

09.10.20 - New Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 tires installed.
WOW what a difference from the 2012 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx RF tires. Smoother, quieter, very excited to see how these tires perform over a few thousand miles. While the vehicle was up in the air, I did a visual inspection of noticed a few items that should be addressed over the next few months. Noticed the upper bump stops on the front suspension were pretty shot, so those will have to be replaced. In addition, while I am in there I will have the upper mounts replaced as well. As the vehicle ticked over 102k miles already, I decided to check the Harmonic Balancer condition and overall it actually was okay, there is a small hair line crack developing so I will probably replace that preventatively as well. I am moving to Colorado at the end of the year so I want to make sure the vehicle is in top shape for the long drive west. Also, picked up an OEM roof rack/rails for the X5 for $100 brand new in the box from local enthusiast who upgraded to F15.


OEM+ Plans:
[X] OEM Trailer Brake Controller Kit
[X] OEM Roof Rack
[ ] Software Tune (Engine and Transmission)
[ ] LUX H8 AE
[ ] OEM Spare Tire Kit
[ ] OEM Air Compressor/FixaFlat
[ ] AVIN 10.25 Infotainment Upgrade

Maintenance Plans:
[X] New set of tires: Michelin Pilot All Season 4 (275/315)
[ ] OEM Rear Sway Bar Bushing Replacement
[ ] OEM Engine Mounts + new hardware
[ ] Replace Steering Wheel Trim Switch
[ ] Front Upper Shock Mounts and Bump Stops
[ ] Harmonic Balancer Replacement (Preventative)
[ ] Vacuum Line/Hose Replacement (Preventative)
[ ] Oil Service @ 105k

[JDAURIA]

09.16.20 - Small Update:

Alignment Performed

Since moving to Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 the tires are AMAZING! I know it might not be saying much moving from run flats, but WOW what a difference. In addition, since I am running on non-run flats now I wanted to have some precautionary stuff on hand if necessary. Picked up an OEM E39 M5 Air Compressor/Fix-a-flat unit off an enthusiast. I also am seeking the OEM Spare Tire Kit as well.

OEM+ Plans:
[X] OEM Trailer Brake Controller Kit
[X] OEM Roof Rack
[ ] Software Tune (Engine and Transmission)
[ ] LUX H8 AE
[ ] OEM Spare Tire Kit
[X] OEM Air Compressor/FixaFlat
[ ] AVIN 10.25 Infotainment Upgrade

Maintenance Plans:
[X] New set of tires: Michelin Pilot All Season 4 (275/315)
[X] Alignment
[ ] OEM Rear Sway Bar Bushing Replacement
[ ] OEM Engine Mounts + new hardware
[ ] Replace Steering Wheel Trim Switch
[ ] Front Upper Shock Mounts and Bump Stops
[ ] Harmonic Balancer Replacement (Preventative)
[ ] Vacuum Line/Hose Replacement (Preventative)
[ ] Oil Service @ 105k

[ryansbmw]

Nice tires! I’m starting to wear down my DSW06 tires and will probably need a new set by winter. Definitely interested in getting these now that they are available in the right size.

[JDAURIA]

Originally Posted by ryansbmw

Nice tires! I’m starting to wear down my DSW06 tires and will probably need a new set by winter. Definitely interested in getting these now that they are available in the right size.

And they are similarly priced as well. The other Michelin NSpec tires were a few hundred more. But, last I checked these new ones are about the same price - maybe $100 difference. I've owned Conti DWS before on E53's in same tire spec, and these are better in my opinion.

[ryansbmw]

Originally Posted by JDNY516

And they are similarly priced as well. The other Michelin NSpec tires were a few hundred more. But, last I checked these new ones are about the same price - maybe $100 difference. I've owned Conti DWS before on E53's in same tire spec, and these are better in my opinion.

Yup, just about the same. The N-spec was the other tire I was looking at but doesn’t look like tire rack did any testing on them to compare. I’m sure they are great since they were designed for Porsche but it would be nice to see what an extra $4-500 gets you

[JDAURIA]

09.26.20: OEM Spare Tire Kit installed. This was the last piece of the puzzle before my long trip west. I wanted piece of mind during the drive out to Denver, CO. Thanks to Stumpjumper
Preventative Maintenance underway - purchased parts for engine mount replacement (mounts, new hardware torx bolt and nut), sway bar bushings, front strut refresh (associated hardware), and harmonic balancer. Need to wait a few days before parts arrive before getting started.

OEM+ Plans:
[X] OEM Trailer Brake Controller Kit
[X] OEM Roof Rack
[ ] Software Tune (Engine and Transmission)
[ ] LUX H8 AE
[X] OEM Spare Tire Kit
[X] OEM Air Compressor/FixaFlat
[ ] AVIN 10.25 Infotainment Upgrade

Maintenance Plans:
[X] New set of tires: Michelin Pilot All Season 4 (275/315)
[X] Alignment
[ ] OEM Rear Sway Bar Bushing Replacement
[ ] OEM Engine Mounts + new hardware
[ ] Replace Steering Wheel Trim Switch
[ ] Front Upper Shock Mounts and Bump Stops
[ ] Harmonic Balancer Replacement (Preventative)
[ ] Vacuum Line/Hose Replacement (Preventative)
[ ] Oil Service @ 105k

[JDAURIA]

10.25.20: Big update, lots of maintenance completed.
Was able to get some lift time at my buddies shop this afternoon. Started off with the harmonic balancer replacement along with associated belts. Did this as preventative maintenance, the original HB was actually in decent shape but with a small hair line crack developing. Deciding to just replace it since I have long drive out to Denver in a couple days. The belts were a PITA to put on! Next up was the rear sway bar bushings. The originals were really worn, new refresh rubber bushings were necessary. Easy replacement just (4) 13mm bolts. Next I tackled a quick oil service and oil temp sensor replacement. I was receiving sporadic level readings so decided to just replace the sensor all together. Easy replacement, just remove electrical harness and (3) 8mm nuts. Lastly, the front strut refresh: replaced all the bump stops, washers, top rubber mounts, struts, etc. Didn't have enough time to do engine mounts so will have to do that after we move.

OEM+ Plans:
[ ] Software Tune (Engine and Transmission)
[ ] LUX H8 AE
[ ] AVIN 10.25 Infotainment Upgrade

Maintenance Plans:
[X] OEM Rear Sway Bar Bushing Replacement
[ ] OEM Engine Mounts + new hardware
[ ] Replace Steering Wheel Trim Switch
[X] Front Upper Shock Mounts and Bump Stops
[X] Harmonic Balancer Replacement (Preventative)
[ ] Vacuum Line/Hose Replacement (Preventative)
[X] Oil Service @ 105k

[JDAURIA]

10.30.20 - 1,750 miles and 26.5 hours to Denver CO = Flawless

Towing a 5x8 UHaul the entire way, dry the UHaul doesn't weigh much at all (~900lbs) with a max load of 1,800 lbs. MPG wasn't great (~17.5mpg) but that's due to WV mountains and basically slightly uphill the entire way to Colorado with cruise control set at 80mph. I believe right around 5 total fill ups the entire trip with 2 overnight stops (Lexington KY, and Hays, KS).

Virtually zero issues the entire way, I had a cracked front right fog light prior to the trip and we drove through the remanence of tropical storm zeta through Kentucky area so water must've got into the fog light area and now does not work. Should be a fairly easy fix.

Needs a thorough bath now and some winter tires!

[JDAURIA]

11.06.20 - Tire Update:
Was able to snag a set of 275/315 Pirelli Snow & Ice winter tires for $550! I thought about a dedicated winter tire/wheel setup (18s/19s) but for this price I couldn't pass it up. Maybe in the future i'll go a dedicated route but for this season I should be good with these. Also purchased new front brake pads, the Akebono low dust ones squeak way too much. Ill just have to deal with front wheel dusting. In addition, I had a cracked front passenger fog light, so i'll replace both at same time.

OEM+ Plans:
[ ] Software Tune (Engine and Transmission)
[ ] LUX H8 AE
[ ] AVIN 10.25 Infotainment Upgrade
[X] Pirelli Snow & Ice Tires for winter mode

Maintenance Plans:
[X] OEM Rear Sway Bar Bushing Replacementh
[X] Front Upper Shock Mounts and Bump Stops
[X] Harmonic Balancer Replacement (Preventative)
[X] Oil Service @ 105k
[ ] Fog Light replacement (one is cracked but i'll just replace both
[ ] Front Brake pad replacement, the Akebonos squeak too much
[ ] Vacuum Line/Hose Replacement (Preventative)
[ ] OEM Engine Mounts + new hardware
[ ] Replace Steering Wheel Trim Switch

[JDAURIA]

12.07.20: UPDATE
Been in Denver now about 7 weeks. Experienced first real snow fall (about 5 inches) - ironically the day I was swapping to winter tires. These guys did it on the side of the road because they couldn't get their truck into the garage. Real champions.

Replaced fog lights, wow what a PITA! I am sure you could do it through the air ducts and by feel but I wasn't going to waste my time with that. I also didn't see how the passenger side could be achieved due to the DPF (?) being in the way. So, front bumper has to come off. Above 10+ bolts and pull slowly and gently to remove. After that it's real straightforward. Replaced both fog light assemblies at the same time (included bulbs).

Picked up a Thule Snowpak Extender for ski season, thing is awesome! Slides out about 13 inches so you don't have to stand on the side of the vehicle to load and unload equipment. It does whistle a lot around 40mph but makes less noise around 65-80 mph.

Finally got around to changing out the front brake pads as well. I originally went with Akebono for low dust, but they squeaked like crazy! I ended up going with brembo pads now and the squeak is gone.

Next up: Preventative vac lines and some engine hoses that I see are starting to harden. Along with the engine mounts.

OEM+ Plans:
[ ] Software Tune (Engine and Transmission)
[ ] LUX H8 AE
[ ] AVIN 10.25 Infotainment Upgrade
[X] Pirelli Snow & Ice Tires for winter mode
[X] Thule Snowpak Extender

Maintenance Plans:
[X] OEM Rear Sway Bar Bushing Replacementh
[X] Front Upper Shock Mounts and Bump Stops
[X] Harmonic Balancer Replacement (Preventative)
[X] Oil Service @ 105k
[X] Fog Light replacement (one is cracked but i'll just replace both
[X] Front Brake pad replacement, the Akebonos squeak too much
[ ] Vacuum Line/Hose Replacement (Preventative)
[ ] OEM Engine Mounts + new hardware
[ ] Replace Steering Wheel Trim Switch

[argento]

Looking good! Thanks for all the pix, I enjoy watching the progress...

I too had to remove the front bumper a few months ago, so if i can do it anyone can.

HEY, I just noticed you have an E46M3 in sterling/imola! I had an 03 in Sterling/Blk that I ordered back in the day...then in 09 I kept my low mileage 98E36M3 and sold the E46. I kinda regret it looking back. I should have at least kept the RG4's. The new owner took it to HPF and dropped a stroker motor with 7XX HP...good times.

[JDAURIA]

Originally Posted by argento

Looking good! Thanks for all the pix, I enjoy watching the progress...

I too had to remove the front bumper a few months ago, so if i can do it anyone can.

HEY, I just noticed you have an E46M3 in sterling/imola! I had an 03 in Sterling/Blk that I ordered back in the day...then in 09 I kept my low mileage 98E36M3 and sold the E46. I kinda regret it looking back. I should have at least kept the RG4's. The new owner took it to HPF and dropped a stroker motor with 7XX HP...good times.

Wow nice, yours was BMW Individual as well. I think 1 of 61 ever made

[320iVan]

Not good with the fog, especially when you travel (I changed it without removing the bumper, just by removing the lining on the left side. It was not very convenient, but it was suitable for replacement on the street.
A friend advised me to apply a protective film to protect against gravel and garbage from the road.

[JDAURIA]

Originally Posted by 320iVan

Not good with the fog, especially when you travel (I changed it without removing the bumper, just by removing the lining on the left side. It was not very convenient, but it was suitable for replacement on the street.
A friend advised me to apply a protective film to protect against gravel and garbage from the road.

Surprisingly it was a massive bug that hit the fog light and broke it Changed out both fog light assemblies because one new one would look out of place. I tried going through the left side air duct but the DPF (?) was in the way. I guess it's possible but would've taken me more time - especially if you drop one of those torx bolts

[JDAURIA]

01.01.2021: Happy New Year!

Purchased this beast in May 2020 with 93k and I rolled over 111k yesterday on our way back home from Santa Fe, NM to Denver, CO. 18,000 miles in 7 months, ZERO issues so far. I am hoping for another solid year of no issues. We've had some really warm weather here and I have started to noticed the rear tires (center) are pretty bald already :/ I guess that is what I get for buying used set as well as putting a ton of miles on the X. I may have to buy a new set of rears soon as they are near the wear bars already.

OEM+ Plans:
[ ] Software Tune (Engine and Transmission)
[ ] LUX H8 AE
[ ] AVIN 10.25 Infotainment Upgrade
[X] Pirelli Snow & Ice Tires for winter mode
[X] Thule Snowpak Extender

Maintenance Plans:
[X] OEM Rear Sway Bar Bushing Replacementh
[X] Front Upper Shock Mounts and Bump Stops
[X] Harmonic Balancer Replacement (Preventative)
[X] Oil Service @ 105k
[X] Fog Light replacement (one is cracked but i'll just replace both
[X] Front Brake pad replacement, the Akebonos squeak too much
[ ] Vacuum Line/Hose Replacement (Preventative)
[ ] OEM Engine Mounts + new hardware
[ ] Replace Steering Wheel Trim Switch

[JDAURIA]

01.19.21: Updates! 112,200 miles

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 275/315 tires installed last week as the used Pirellis didn't last as long as expected. Pirelli fronts still have some life in them (8/32) but the rears were balding badly in the middle (6/32 and 4/32). I was able to source brand new front Nokian 275/40/20 for $275 shipped! And had to fork out $880 for the rear 315/35/20... I already like them better than the Pirelli (RF vs. Non-RF).

Noticed Turbo Outlet hose was leaking so i'll have that replaced with ATM Turbo Outlet hose: https://www.atmspeedshop.com/collect...utlet-hose-kit

While I am in there i'll also replace the upper charge pipe: https://www.atmspeedshop.com/collect...oducts/asv-kit

Once those parts come in, i'll be doing engine mounts and vac hoses preventatively as well.

OEM+ Plans:
[ ] Software Tune (Engine and Transmission)
[ ] LUX H8 AE
[ ] AVIN 10.25 Infotainment Upgrade


Maintenance Plans:
[ ] ATM Turbo Outlet Hose
[ ] ATM ASV Elbow Hose
[ ] Vacuum Line/Hose Replacement (Preventative)
[ ] OEM Engine Mounts + new hardware
[ ] Oil Service @ 114,850
[ ] Replace Steering Wheel Trim Switch

[E91WAG3N]

Lookin' good! Love your build thread format with the to-do lists. Might have to steal that

[JDAURIA]

Originally Posted by E91WAG3N

Lookin' good! Love your build thread format with the to-do lists. Might have to steal that

Haha! Go for it, it is a nice reminder to myself what needs to be done. Especially if you have multiple vehicle.

I was searching really hard for an E91 MSport previous to buying this E70. I kept just missing out on a few and the prices are all over the place. Unfortunately, was never able to secure one. So landed on the E70 (again). I even looked for months after I purchased the E70 but I wasn't willing to shell out close to $20k for an E91.

[E91WAG3N]

Originally Posted by JDNY516

Haha! Go for it, it is a nice reminder to myself what needs to be done. Especially if you have multiple vehicle.

I was searching really hard for an E91 MSport previous to buying this E70. I kept just missing out on a few and the prices are all over the place. Unfortunately, was never able to secure one. So landed on the E70 (again). I even looked for months after I purchased the E70 but I wasn't willing to shell out close to $20k for an E91.

It's a great setup. My spreadsheet doesn't translate over to the forum format very well.

E91's are great but I wouldn't want to rock one with M bumpers in the snow. E70 is the right choice for your new neighborhood

[JDAURIA]

01.24.21 - Heavy Heart

Unfortunately, there is no good news here. The 35d took a really big knock last night. Wifey was driving back home and got t-boned one block away from our place. Unsure if it is totaled at the moment, the adjusters will be looking at it Monday or Tuesday. I hope it's fixable but it is not looking good. I put a lot of time and money into this vehicle. Literally replaced both charge pipes, all vacuum lines, CCV hose and swirl flap gasket that very morning....Not to mention the $1,100 Nokian winter tires I just put on 1-2 weeks ago. At a loss of words at the moment

[argento]

Oh man, so sorry to see this! Hopefully everyone is ok. Man, you put some great effort into this E70, it is a perfect example of quality care. Hoping for the best...