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296K views 144 replies 68 participants last post by  M-technik-3 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
BMW X3 FAQs And DIY compilation

I've been thinking of this for some time now and since we don't have a "one-stop thread" for DIY and general interesting facts and questions, I went ahead and started this little compilation of member's posts, please feel free to post your own or PM the link and I'll add it to the first post. Attached documents welcome!

Let's start with these:

FAQ's AND USEFUL LINKS

2005 X3 BROCHURE (PDF download, 2.1 MB) NEW!

Great article on maintenance

Sunroof reset procedure

Service Light Reset

SIB for Window Guide noise

Customer Assistance Program (aka GOODWILL)

OBD II codes

BMW codes

BMW especialized Indy shops

BMW wheels by style

DO-IT-YOURSELF THREADS AND LINKS

2004-2006 OIL CHANGE DIY

2004-2006 X3 Trailer Hitch install

Sound System Improvement Stage One

DIY for muffler rattle

Front Brakes job

Retrofit inside rearview mirror

OEM Navigation Retrofit

Disable X3 seat belt chime

Window Regulator Repair

Rear window drive dog repair and replacement by kenza (DOC download, 6.46 MB) See attached documents below for a PDF version, thanks Supercourse.

Front Door Panel Removal w/pics by VodkaG (PDF download, 2.6 MB)

Rear Door Panel Removal

Cupholder removal/replacement by minicrazy592

X3 ULF bluetooth retrofit (part 1)
X3 ULF bluetooth retrofit (part 2)

DICE installation instructions NEW!

PARTS

RealOEM

CROWN BMW

TISCHER BMW

BIMMERWORLD

FACTORY ACCESSORIES

OWNER'S MANUALS NEW!

2005 X3 MANUAL (PDF download 4.8 MB)

MISCELANEOUS DOCUMENTS

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#2 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have asked Kris (moderator) to make one for us and had no response. (Edit by KrisL: Sorry about the lack of response, now sticky'd :))

Maybe if a couple more would join in he will accomodate.:thumbup:

EE
 
#3 ·
Thanks

Very handy to have, it needs to be sticky and stay at the top
 
#4 ·
Thanks. Let's see if it actually makes it to the top. If not, we'll just going to have to keep bumping it!:D
 
#6 ·
I tried to look for it but couldn't find it! Added!
 
#9 ·
Sounds good, do you have a copy of the SIB by any chance?

Note, these service recommendations are well in excess of what's included in the "free" BMW maintenance plan, with a goal of keeping the vehicle drivable for 100K+ miles. Some may view these recommendations as excessive.
Thanks!
 
#8 ·
The first item http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=450779&highlight=diy has numerous related pages which I think could be useful to list separately -- they're not easily found on the page you linked.

Note, these service recommendations are well in excess of what's included in the "free" BMW maintenance plan, with a goal of keeping the vehicle drivable for 100K+ miles. Some may view these recommendations as excessive.

Suggested service intervals: http://www.bavarianmachine.com/maintenance_post96.html

Break-in checklist: http://www.bavarianmachine.com/docs/service/BREAKINSVC.pdf

Minor service checklist: http://www.bavarianmachine.com/docs/service/MINORSERVICE.pdf

Inspection I checklist: http://www.bavarianmachine.com/docs/service/INSPI.pdf

Inspection II checklist: http://www.bavarianmachine.com/docs/service/INSPII.pdf

Trip checklist: http://www.bavarianmachine.com/docs/service/TRIPCK.pdf
 
#24 ·
Thanks for the interest to make this a sticky, I think it would be good to have as a reference. I will PM krisL (I think is our moderator) to see if he agrees.

By the way, the drive dog on my rear left window snapped this weekend while I was out of town, I secured the glass with painters tape to keep it close. I came directly to this thread to look for the DIY's. Will be doing it next weekend.
 
#27 ·
Great that this thread is now a Sticky. What is the "drive dog"?
Yes, thanks to KrisL for doing so!

The drive dog it's a plastic bracket (part of the window regulator) where the driving wire snaps in to make the window go up and down. This is the most common reported failure and there's no need to replace the whole regulator assembly (which is expen$ive). Drive dogs are around $50.00 and it's apparently a fairly easy DIY.
There's a link on the first post. :thumbup:
 
#28 ·
Added a 2004-2006 oil change DIY to the first post!
 
#29 ·
Approved Oil from BMW is attached, figured that it should be in the FAQ or other info section, thoughts?
 

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#31 ·
Sunroof reset procedure

Just thought I would add my 0.02.

If your sunroof gets stuck or moves only a couple of inches with every full push of button (when it should normally move all the way) you would want to reset it before calling dealer. To reset, turn the key to position 2, don't start the car, press the sunroof button "up" (where you press it to open in tilt position) and hold it there, after about ten seconds the sun roof will cycle through entire open and close cycle, do not leave the button till it completes the cycle. The sunroof is now reset.
 
#32 ·
Just thought I would add my 0.02.

If your sunroof gets stuck or moves only a couple of inches with every full push of button (when it should normally move all the way) you would want to reset it before calling dealer. To reset, turn the key to position 2, don't start the car, press the sunroof button "up" (where you press it to open in tilt position) and hold it there, after about ten seconds the sun roof will cycle through entire open and close cycle, do not leave the button till it completes the cycle. The sunroof is now reset.
Thanks! added to the first post.
 
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