XQIZITM’s E70 X5M Journal

[xqizitm]

Bought this 2010 X5M with 121k miles a couple weeks ago, pretty much all stock. Previous owner took good care of it and provided all service records.

Monte Carlo Blue exterior with beige/black/silver trim interior
DVD entertainment system (for kids) on road trips

Created folder where all pics will be uploaded.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...aj?usp=sharing

What I have done so far since taking ownership:
-Remove front windshield tint
-Black kidney grills
-Full exterior and interior detail including ceramic coating the exterior
-Replaced cabin filter passenger and driver covers and replaced middle engine partition. Replaced cabin filter at the same time
-Zip tied the exhaust tip valves to stay open all the time
-Added a heat sleeve to the plastic vacuum hose above the turbos
-Coolant flush including BG service from Dealer
-Personalized plates
-Front and rear dashcam

Coming soon:
-Hitch install for bicycles and towing race car (E46 M3)
-Drive belt system maintenance including tensioner
-turbo coolant feed lines (noticing a little build up around the clamps)
-bought spare vacuum hoses, the plastic ones near the turbo as backup.
-spark plugs

[XRatedM]

Congratulations! Monte Carlo Blue is such a gorgeous color!!

Where are you located in NoVA?

[xqizitm]

Originally Posted by XRatedM

Congratulations! Monte Carlo Blue is such a gorgeous color!!

Where are you located in NoVA?

Thanks! I’m around Quantico area. I daily drive a Honda so if you see someone in a grey Honda honk at you, I’m giving props! The X5 will just be a fun car and road trips.

[xqizitm]

Replaced spark plugs with Bosch double platinum plugs.

Also did the dual catch can install. I was hesitant on cutting the engine cover but overall it turned out pretty nice. Install was pretty straight forward.

[xqizitm]

Hitch install

Brand: Curt #13077 (bought from etrailer), class 3 hitch 2" receiver
Link: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer_Hitch/Curt/13077.html
Install time: 1 1/2 hours including a break to eat
Difficulty: 1-10 (10 being extremely difficult) - 1

Notes: I did not use the rivets that I drilled out. I used the push-in pins so if I needed to take the rear bumper off again, I can just pry the pin out and reuse. I will install the OEM trailer harness and 4 pin harness later. I'm still contemplating on cutting the bottom part of the bumper to fit the hitch. RIght now it has a slight bend.

Important to know: I first ordered the Drawtite hitch because it utilizes the OEM bumper bar once the hitch is installed but it does not fit the M X5 cars. It hits the exhaust tips.

[xqizitm]

Replaced coil packs with OEM. One failed while on the road and caused the engine to run on reduced power...

Exhaust slip on tips I had leftover from my F80 M3 that I sold a while back.


Finally ordered a new HSD wire for the rear camera since I was starting to get the symptoms of a faulty wire (i.e., flicker, screen blue). Basically took off panels and followed the wire to the connector on the driver side foot passenger. Routed the new wire the same way. Took about 2.5 hours and saved myself $1,000. Pictures below show which panels to take off to remove and replace the wire.

[xqizitm]

Installation instructions were pretty straight forward. I did tap into the rear turn signal in case I needed to use the hazards on the trailer if the car is disabled on the side of the road. Instructions says it's optional, but highly recommend it. You just never know.

Here's the link to the instructions for the hitch and harness install.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...tceHbEtTGn2V5C

I used a standard mount for the 7 pin plug and I like how it's hidden underneath. I had to mess with the angle to make sure you can plug into it, but it's completely out of view.

[mpresivX]

Good work!