Apr 19 - lemon or lime ?

I figure that the "new" X5 has now had as many problems as the very old X5.

Here's what we have so far:

1) add trailer hitch -- optional extra, took a day, very expensive since it included programming with the extra draw from trailer lights -- this was our first trip in
2) add compact spare -- also an optional extra, also very pricey, includes jack etc. and tray; this was done at the same time as necessary service below
3) same time as the trailer hitch, had noticed that the doors didn't always unlock when triggered by the driver's side handle.  Diagnostics were done with the trip for # 1.This turned out to the a control module replacement, needed to be ordered from Germany.
4) went back in for control module replacement, also complaint that the A/C on the passenger side wasn't cold, A/C wasn't keeping up with the outside temp. Diagnostic found evaporator leaking, booked another two day visit.
5) two day visit to replace evaporator

We are now up to 5 days in the shop ... I've paid for the trailer hitch and the compact spare, other items are warranty.

On the way to Orlando last night a strange light was visible; didn't know what it indicated.  When I stopped at the cell phone lot and checked the manual, it indicated that an emissions problem was detected.  OK to drive, it says, but get thee to the shop soon.

This morning I got out my generic code reader (the old Peake reader works in the older BMW's but now can use the generic).  I found P0203a and P0205b plus two pending codes the same.  "Injector circuit open cylinder x".  Great.  Injector failures ?  Wiring / control module / shorting of some sort in the dampness & rain ?

Get thee back to the shop.

This car has now spent more days in the shop in the last 3k miles (since I've owned it) than the old X5 in its entire lifetime.  The warranty is up in about 2k miles and that will be burned up as I drive north.

If this continues, you'll see this car traded in on an F150.  I don't want to spend the time or money at the BMW shop.

...........

We had a busy day yesterday.  Olek was due into NSB.  Olek has been paddling his kayak from Portugal to NSB for almost 200 days.  He had a SPOT and we were watching him make his way north in the IntraCoastal Waterway.  He'd come into Port Canaveral.

We all went over to the Tiki to wait for him.  Expected arrival was 1:30 to 2:30.  David and I headed back home after we heard that he was still two miles south and took the little Whaler out to meet him.  There was a small flotilla around him of kayaks, motorboats, an escort boat and a police boat.  That flotilla grew as he approached NSB.  We went back to the club; David got out and Megan got in.  We met Olek, paddling ever so slowly and then cruised around Yacht Club Island back to the Tiki.  Since Olek had already gone by, Sandy, Kim and David had walked home and we headed that way too.

I've still got a problem with the starter.  The engaging gear doesn't spin up but can be pried up with a screwdriver.  Luckily the motor starts right away and after it's been running, it's an easy pull start.  I don't know if this is simply corrosion or failure.  I'm not doing anything about it though.

I setup a bike for David and he did a test ride.  We were originally going to go biking today, Easter Sunday, but it's quite windy and drizzly so we'll wait until tomorrow.  I did most of the assembly of the Lynskey, getting to use my Park Tool headset press.  The last time I did the Lynskey work I'd put together a press with PVC pipes, threaded rod and washers.  This worked better, naturally.  It was also more expensive, naturally.

We'd put ham on the barbie and that, along with green beans and scalloped potatoes comprised dinner.  I could always count on that dinner when I went to the cottage because my Mom knew I liked ham.  We now have lots and lots of leftover ham for sandwiches -- it was a ten pounder.

Today ... not sure.  The weather is quite a contrast from yesterday, when it was into the 80's, I believe.  We'll get over 70 today but not much.  It then warms up again as the week goes on.

Onward ...