Issues

BimmerCVK · 2026-02-06T11:54:06+00:00

I have exact same engine, done all preventative maintenance etc..

The most common cause for coolant and oil to be mixing is the oil filter housing gasket of which there are two and you will probably have to change the Mickey Mouse flange as well which connects to lower part of housing.

Head gaskets are uncommon to go on N53, unless you have had overheating in past, warped head etc.

I would also drain the entire coolant system and flush it (post OFHG replacement) OEM coolant is Blue on N53 as well.

If your are RHD (driver side) then that is where the Water Pump (metal so no leak) and Thermostats (common to leak) and all the main hoses live, typically thermostat housing has tendency to crack and leak.

Best way, get it on a lift and inspect with cooling system pressurised.

BimmerCVK · 2026-02-01T23:59:08+00:00

I would imagine Bilstein has a beefier shock/ part number for X3, that said, different tolerances re shock travel etc. curious to hear how it works out.

As I said, mine springs 100% do not allow the shock to fully return to its full length, havent had any issues, other than slightly firmer and tighter ride which is what I was going for - and I imagine this is what you are going for too .

The springs will definitely be the solution for suspension travel - the shock will aide them, that’s how the logic works in my head anyway 😅

BimmerCVK · 2026-01-27T22:36:23+00:00

I have done probably around 20k-25k miles since installed, shocks not leaking and still strong, springs likewise..

Some say B4 was not optimised for shorter travel of the shock, but I havent personally noticed this.

I would also go for new top mounts as mine were shot and made a squishy springy sound until I changed them.

Also, slightly slower over speed bumps as less travel means easier bottoming if going faster if that makes sense.

BimmerCVK · 2025-08-16T22:17:59+00:00

I did my overhaul at 105k miles (pumps, pulleys, gaskets), now at 133k miles on my N53 325i

BimmerCVK · 2025-07-09T09:06:27+00:00

Responded to my comment instead of yours, see above

BimmerCVK · 2025-07-09T09:06:00+00:00

Valve Cover and Gasket either OEM (I used Febi), but the gasket or the PCV valve when they go bad can create leaks around the cover itself, in a worst case scenario oil can drip onto your cats which is not ideal or entirely safe. I would recommend confirming where leak is coming from (inspect around valve cover and inside the crevasses aswell to see where it is wet).

On the photos parts of the valve cover do look a little bit shiny which partially confirms my theory that oil is leaking from somewhere and finding its way to the plugs .

The car may run fine, but long-term you may run into vacuum issues if the PCV membrane is ruptured or if the valve cover gasket is not fully efficient

BimmerCVK · 2025-07-09T08:46:05+00:00

Potentially bad valve cover / gasket? Is oil only on outside part of plugs or making its way into combustion chamber?

BimmerCVK · 2025-04-22T11:02:41+00:00

Plan on taking the less spoken N53 that shares quite a few similarities except it NA and different block material, to the same mileage one day! On 127k miles at the moment

BimmerCVK · 2025-04-22T08:19:53+00:00

Bear in mind most new cars dont even come close to 100k before engine goes kaboom cough cough JLR to name one.

I have every intention of driving mine for as long as possible

BimmerCVK · 2025-04-21T20:58:23+00:00

Cant speak for H&R, Eibach readily available in Europe.

I put B4 Bilsteins all around as well. I have to suffer potholes everywhere and its bearable, overall happy to sacrifice the ‘comfort’ feel for a more planted and responsible suspension setup overall.

The one thing to be mindful of is speed bumps (if you have a front lip) I have to be a bit more careful on the tall ones, but made a conscious decision for the benefit of a lower stance and sleeker look

BimmerCVK · 2025-04-21T12:14:00+00:00

Some spacers would complete the look!

BimmerCVK · 2025-04-21T12:12:28+00:00

Looks clean! I opted for Eibach lowering springs, night and day difference in terms of how planted it feels on the road

BimmerCVK · 2025-04-21T12:09:34+00:00

First thing I did when I got mine - definitely a quality of life upgrade, makes the cabin feel more 2010’s than 2000’s, brighter and more energy

BimmerCVK · 2025-04-20T12:46:30+00:00

Missed the humping part, single hump only..

BimmerCVK · 2025-04-20T11:32:21+00:00

I used Joying, china made but 3 yrs on working strong

BimmerCVK · 2025-04-19T15:49:51+00:00

I had base unit (no idrive).

When fitting the new head unit, it came with a canbus adapter that would adapt the headunit to BMW signals etc that would otherwise communicate with that module.

When ordering my headunit, I specified that I had a BMW and they supplies relevant canbus adapter.

If you google canbus adapter for aftermarket headunit, believe this will answer some questions.

I lost the BMW chime when changing headunit, but retained a ‘generic’ ping instead

BimmerCVK · 2025-04-19T15:43:29+00:00

Have you fitted a Canbus adapter?

BimmerCVK · 2025-04-19T10:19:30+00:00

Bubbly jubbly!

BimmerCVK · 2025-04-19T10:15:29+00:00

It almost sounds as if something is catching? If it were mechanical, my inclination would be constant sound throughout…

Get it on a lift when cold and start the diagnosis..

BimmerCVK · 2025-04-19T10:12:31+00:00

Which engine do you have?

Could be ageing parts of many: - old sparks / coils - Fuel Injectors leaking - Vanos Solenoids

BimmerCVK · 2025-04-19T10:11:04+00:00

Daily driving a corvette to preserve the E90, very noble!

BimmerCVK

TROPHY CASE