The X5 is coming together post turbo upgrade and retune. I have been examining, testing, and maintaining when I can to resolve a few lingering issues. My fiance has been driving the X5 on some recent road trips so it wasn't always at my disposal so progress has been slow but we are moving in the right direction. X5 currently sits at 108k.
R90 received a new metering valve and fuel system got a new filter
System tested for boost leaks
Vacuum system checked and new pressure converters for turbos
The last (and most annoying) issue is an exhaust leak which becomes audible when the engine is warm and mainly happens between 2,000-3,000rpm. More on this later.
Replaced a faulty soft-close actuator, easy process.
Playing around with different exhaust setups in preparation for having a custom axle-back built. That is a pleased face!
Silicone license plate frame
New Bosch wiper blades to pair with the new windsiheld!
OBD splitter so I can have my P3 vent gauge and Pro Tools (or whatever else) connected at the same time.
Nice parking spot
Wash time before my fiance drove it around on dirt roads wine tasting lol
Resolving fueling issue by installing a new metering valve, I also swapped the fuel filter for good measure.
Double checking boost pipes
I switched from the constant tension clamps to HPS worm drive. Back in 2014 or so I was getting my E61 dynoed at FFTEC up in the Bay Area and they swore by HPS worm drive clamps as they used then on all their big turbo Evos. I have been following suit on both my E61 and now E70 all run HPS clamps, no issues so far and I love their small size, space is limited on around the silicone connections on the E70 so they're a great fit.
I took the opportunity to replace the belt tensioner too. Very easy process
Next to test vacuum system and components
Cleaned MAF
Just to be triple sure there wasn't any exhaust leaking form the manifold pressure sensor banjo-connection that I had to recut threads into, I added a tiny bit of exhaust gasket sealer.
AM coffee and pressure converters! These are what control the turbo crossover valve, turbo bypass valve, and the LP turbo waste gate. On the forums I read there can be no codes, they can test ok, but still not be 100% so it seemed like a good idea to replace all 3.
With the vacuum "block" removed I triple checked the manifold for signs of leaks, there is absolutely zero signs of leakage around the manifold. I installed 2 new mani-turbo gaskets when installing the turbos and I even replaced the gaskets once just to be sure. Looking from above and below I can also see no signs of gasses escaping from the gaskets.
The only place I am noticing an exhaust leak is on the crossover arm on the LP turbo. In this collage the arm was cleaned and the carbon you see on it is from a 40 mile drive. I understand there may be a tiny amount of gasses escape from here but to have that much expelled during a short drive seems excessive. Since the exhaust leak noise stops at ~3k this also makes sense that the valve would be included in that.
Moving forward my plan is to stick a Go Pro in the engine bay and hopefully get some footage of the audible exhaust leak corresponding with the movement of the arm, hopefully we can see some visible gasses too. I am smelling gasses in the cabin through the cars ventilation system when it's not on recirculation.
Finally snagged this blank piece from an X5 at the salvage yard.
