Karen’s 2019 BMW X3 M40i

Vehicle Details

  • Make – BMW
  • Model – X3
  • Model Year – 2019
  • Trim – M40i
  • BMW Options
    • Premium Package
    • Executive Package
    • Driving Assistance Package
    • Driving Assistance Plus Package
    • Harman Kardon surround sound system
    • 21″ M Double-spoke cerium grey wheels, style 718M w/ performance run-flat tires
  • Engine – 355hp 3.0 liter Twin Turbo I6 DI (B58M)
  • Transmission – 8-speed Steptronic Automatic
  • VIN – 5UXTS3C55K0Z08414 (VIN Decoder here)
  • Manufactured Date – January 2019
  • Stefano Purchase Date – January 16, 2026
  • Mileage on Purchase – 83,099 miles
  • License Plate – 9WWY621 (California) (SMOG Lookup here)
  • Color – Phytonic Blue Metallic with Cognac Vernasca Leather with contrast stitching interior

Additional specifications available over at Wikipedia here

Looking pretty good when new to us! Time to make her even better.

Service History

Date: February 8, 2026
Mileage: 83,280 miles
Performed by: Stefano and Angus

Services Performed: Performed the front suspension repairs needed from the post purchase inspection. This was a huge project that essentially required complete removal of both front suspensions. Work included:

  • Ordered lower front control arms and hardware from FCP Euro as a ‘kit’ complete with all the one-time use bolts.
  • Ordered the front spring bellows from FCP Euro.
  • Replaced:
    • Both left and right front forward lower control arms along with new bolts and nuts.
    • Both left and right front rearward lower control arms along with new bolts and nuts.
    • Both front strut bellows
    • Both front drive axle bolts that got removed as part of the process
  • Reinstalled front wheels and torqued wheel nuts to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs)
  • Road tested – all OK.

These two videos from FCP Euro were excellent and instrumental in Stefano being willing to tackle this challenge:

Note: 1 undertray mounting screw was stripped out by previous BMW techs. Need to order the white plastic receiver for it. Unfortunately its not one of the simple one, but one that appears to be inserted into the subframe or something.

Recommend next work be replacing all four tires and then a four wheel alignment.

Date: February 5, 2026
Mileage: 83,250 miles
Performed by: Rocky Mountain Autoworks

Services Performed: Had Llumar PPF film (12 year warranty version) applied to:

  • Front Fenders (full coverage)
  • Hood (full coverage and edge wrapped)
  • Headlights
  • Rear Bumper top surface outside cargo area

Note: They could not do the front mirror caps as the finish BMW has on them doesn’t appear to be normal paint, and they were worried the PPF will not stick properly.

Date: February 1, 2026
Mileage: 83,282 miles
Performed by: Stefano and Karina

Services Performed: Servicing items from the initial post purchase inspection. Services performed included:

  • Purchased a new OEM owners manual for a 2019 BMW X3 still in cellophane from eBay. Installed in glove box.
  • Purchased and installed a used OEM rear cargo area privacy cover from eBay.
  • Topped up washer fluid with about 1 liter of winter 0°F blue fluid.
  • Created an emergency box under the rear cargo floor that includes:
    • NOCO Boost Pack (bought new on Amazon). Boost pack, emergency light, USB charger and USB-C cable.
    • Red shop towel
    • Blue paper shop towels
    • Bottle of water
    • 1 liter of Castrol Edge 0W-20 engine oil
    • The two BMW cargo area rail hold downs I removed.
  • Mega exterior detail this weekend (20 hours) including:
    • Pressure washed the engine bay and engine cover
    • Pressure washed the car including snow foam and thorough hand wash
    • Pressure washed the inside door areas outside the primary seal
    • Dried car with microfiber towels
    • Clay-barred entire car including exterior glass along with Chemical Guys Clay-luber
    • Used Chemical Guys 34 compound on orange hex cutting pad along with Meguairs Dual Action polisher
      • Did the sun roof glass and rear window with this too to buff off water spots, etc. Worked great!
    • Used Chemical Guys 36 compound on white hex polishing pad along with Meguairs Dual Action polisher.
      • Polished the piano black bits with this to make them look brand new again.
      • Used a hand polishing pad to carefully do the platinum finish on the mirror caps and kidney grilles
      • Used the 36 compound on the headlights to bring them to full luster. They weren’t bad to start with.
    • Used compressed air to clean out the joints/gaps around doors, lights, badges, etc.
    • Wiped down entire car with Isopropyl alcohol solution to remove reminants of polish
    • Ceramic coated most of the exterior painted surfaces and piano black trims. Used Avalon King Max ceramic coating.
      • Excluded the areas that will be PPF wrapped including the entire front clip, mirror caps and top of rear bumper

She now looks amazing and is ready for PPF and suspension work!

Recommended items to go:

  • PPF wrap the entire front clip, headlights, mirror caps and top of rear bumper outside cargo area.
  • Replace the push to start button
  • Setup the garage door opener
  • Replaced the worn front suspension components. (parts already ordered from FCP Euro)
  • Replace all four tires with new OEM tires
  • Four wheel alignment
  • SatNav map database update
  • iDrive software update
  • Add Android Auto somehow
  • Move over Thinkcar U1000 Front and Rear Dashcams from Karen’s GTI
  • Move over Karen’s specialty California License plate and install with Stefano’s garage frame and secuirty bolts.
  • Source a set of more modest 19″ BMW X3 rims and fit with M&S all season tires for skiing

Date: January 24 2026
Mileage: 83,181 miles
Performed by: Stefano and Karina

Services Performed: Servicing items from the initial post purchase inspection. Services performed included:

  • Removed factory warning stickers from drivers front door glass
  • Flushed the Brake Fluid using ~1.5 liters of Motul RBF600.
    • Reset the Brake Fluid Flush Service Due indicator using the special mileage reset button trick. Dash warning message now gone.
  • Deep cleaned the front and rear brake calipers. They were caked so bad you couldn’t see the beautiful blue color.
    • Scrubbed with 409 and rinsed. Looking perfect again.
  • Deep cleaned the wheel rims.
    • Removed, then manually scrubbed and pressure washed using Meguairs Wheel Cleaner. Looking great.
  • Set tire pressues to OEM recommended
    • Front – 33 psi
    • Rear – 38 psi
    • Spare – alas no spare tire and hence the run flat tires.
  • Replaced the hood gas struts with new Lift-o-mat struts ordered from Amazon.com. Yay! No more getting hit in the head.
  • Replaced missing Left Rear lifting block with BMW OEM one ordered from Amazon.
  • Cleaned out all the accumulated leaves in the two engine bay cubbies near the fresh air intake and brake master cylinder
  • Key Fobs
    • Replaced both Key Fob batteries with new Energizer CR2032 batteries.
  • Media/iDrive System
    • Deleted all stored Phones
    • Reprogrammed Key Fob 1 to ‘Karen’ Profile
      • Setup Karen profile to her preferred settings
    • Reprogrammed Key Fob 2 to ‘Steve’ Profile
      • Setup Steve profile preferred settings
    • Set the built in Navigation system to our home address
    • Signed up for a My BMW login and installed mobile app
    • Enabled BMW Connected Drive telemetry
    • Enabled Vehicle Tracking feature and linked to MyBMW app
  • Garage Door Opener Buttons in rear view mirror
    • Reset all stored codes
    • Programmed button 1 to our home big door (still a work in progress, process isn’t working)
  • Mega full interior detail (took 13 hours over 2 days!)
    • Carpet cleaning – a major chore due to the DPO dogs
      • Initial vacuuming
      • Vornado and further vacuuming
      • Used packing tape as large scale lint brush to lift remaining fur/hair
      • Bissell upholstery cleaning machine with Oxy cleaning solution
      • Carpets came back to brand new
    • AMMO NYC Lather cleaner and brush all interior hard surfaces including dash, center console, footwell, door cards, seat backs and edge trims, B and C pillars, cargo area, literally everything that wasn’t carpet, leather or glass.
      • Used vornado to blow out tight gaps and vents
    • 409 and toothbrush scrub the filthy pedal assemblies
    • Chemical Guys Leather cleaner on all leather surfaces including front and rear seats and door cards.
      • Made an AMAZING difference! See the before and afters.
    • Chemical Guys Leather conditioner on all leather surfaces including front and rear seats and door cards.
    • Cleaned interior glass with glass cleaner and virgin microfiber towels
    • Cleaned dash digital displays with damp virgin microfiber towel
    • Wiped out all door jambs and sills with microfiber towels
  • Floor mats
    • Pressure washed, vornado vacuumed and carpet cleaned OLD floor mats and then stored away
    • Ordered and installed a new WeatherTech.com set of black HP mats
      • Rear cargo liner for the full sized cargo floor position
      • Front and rear row mats
  • Installed new Fastrak Flex device to front windshield
  • Installed new California license plates 9WWY621
    • Removed the old blingy license plate frames and replaced with a Stefano’s plate.
    • Removed the front license plate holder entirely (will run only rear plate)
    • Installed rear plate with new Stefano’s Garage license plate frame and new anti-theft M5 security screws.

Date: January 21, 2026
Mileage: 83,167 miles
Performed by: AAA

Services Performed: Registered the vehicle, ordered new license plates, and added to insurance policy.

Date: January 21, 2026
Mileage: 83,163 miles
Performed by: Natomas SMOG shop

Services Performed: Performed California SMOG check to allow us to register the vehicle. Passed.

Date: January 20, 2026
Mileage: 83,120 miles
Performed by: Safelite Auto Glass in West Sacramento

Services Performed: Front windshield was replaced and camera systems were recalibrated. Good as new.

Date: January 18, 2026
Mileage: 83,099 miles
Performed by: Stefano

Services Performed: Initial Post Purchase inspection. If you see the Carfax this is really a two owner (leased then purchased) California car that lived its entire life in NorCal, three years in Freemont and three years in Sacramento (Stefano town). Here’s what is notable in the first look PPI:

  • Carfax Report if you are interested
  • Checked last SMOG check online – Passed on December 13, 2021 just before BMW of Fremont listed the car for sale. Will require a new SMOG for Stefano to register
  • No open safety recalls for the vehicle – checked online here
  • Downloaded the official owners manual(s) as PDF direct from BMW’s website.
  • Two OEM keys provided, one not working. Recommend Key Fob battery replacements.
  • Inspected Engine
    • Hood Gas Struts are shot. Had to prop open with wood. Recommend replacing ASAP.
    • Reviewed prior service history. Elk Grove BMW says that both engine mounts need replacing. Unable to confirm myself (yet). Likely VERY expensive and might be more than Stefano can manage.
    • Visible signs of previous coolant leak left rear of engine (over the oil cooler and rear drive shaft). Reviewing previous service history explains this – there was a water leak and DPO had it all fixed.
    • Undertray Splash shield was covered in grit and oil mist. Recommend pressure washing.
  • Inspected Brakes
    • Front Brakes
      • Rotors 35.0mm (Good)
      • Pads 8mm (Good – ~75% life left)
    • Rear Brakes
      • Rotors 23.8mm (Good)
      • Pads 8mm (Good – ~75% life left)
    • Warning on Dash for Brake Fluid Flush overdue since Nov 2025. Recommend brake fluid flush.
  • Inspected Suspension
    • Left Rear Lifting Block is missing. Recommend Replacement. Note: Previous service history shows this same lifting block being replaced before. Carefully check mounting point.
    • Front Left and Right forward lower control arm inner bushings are torn. Bushing is mushy and allowing movement of front wheels. Right front tire worn unevenly due to this. Recommend replacement and then alignment.
    • Front Left and Right strut bellow are torn and falling apart. Struts not weeping and ride is good, so recommend just replacing the rubber bellows.
  • Inspected Wheels and Tires
    • All four rims have minor road rash. DPO used them as curb feelers.
    • Mismatched front tires. Front left is nearly new, DPO shared recently had a nail and replaced just the one tire with cheapest alternative. Front right is a Bridgestone. Recommend replacement of both front tires.
      • Front Left – 9/32″ ‘Delinite’ brand 245/40ZR21 100Y M+S with 0125 date code
      • Front Right – 4.5 inner – 5.5 outer /32″ Bridgestone Alenza 245/40ZR21 100Y (run flat) with 5122 date code. Worn unevenly.
    • Rear Tires – Bridgestone Alenza 275/35 R21 103Y RFT (run flat) with date codes 0424. Both tires are cupped notably and nearly worn out. Reviewing previous service history Elk Grove Neillo noted cupping on a previous set prior to replacement. Wondering if its typical wear issue with the particular run flat tires at this size. Recommend replacement possibly with a different brand.
      • Rear Left – 6-4.5-4.5-7/32″ cupped
      • Rear Right – 5.5-4.5-4.5-5.5/32″ cupped
        • Notable gouge in sidewall.
    • Recommend replacing all four tires and getting a four wheel alignment after the front suspension bushings are replaced.
  • Inspected Wiper Blades. All OK.
  • Inspected Exhaust. All OK.
  • Inspected Body
    • Windshield is cracked all the way across. Recommend replacement.
    • Very minor paint imperfections and in great shape for a 6 year old car with 83k miles.
    • Right Rear bumper cover corner has a 12″ vertical scratch that can be felt. Recommend buffing to see how much can disappear
    • Right Rear quarter has some minor scuffing and scratches.
    • Rear tailgate top of bumper cover has typical scuffs from loading/unloading cargo area.
    • Left Rear tail light assembly has a small horizontal crack near the bottom you can only see with brake lights on.
    • Left Rear door jamb area/wheel arch has an actual small dent and scratch in it. Like they slammed the LR door with something in the gap. Will not be fixable.
    • The mirror caps are a platinum color and look a bit flat and unimpressive.
    • Diamond bling license plate frames. Recommend removal.
    • Recommend full Stefano’s exterior detail including ceramic coating.
    • In the engine bay there are cavities of space near the brake master cylinder and fresh air intake. FULL of leaves (inches deep). Recommend digging all this out.
    • Recommend pressure washing engine bay
  • Inspected Interior
    • Previous owner had a Husky dog. Dog hair everywhere. Recommend full interior detail.
    • Leather shows signs of dirt on surface.
    • The engine Start/Stop push button lettering is worn, letter ‘A’ center is worn off. Recommend replacing.
    • The shifter handle Park button ‘P’ symbol is worn. Not sure what it would take to replace.
    • Floor mats appear to be a pretty generic (not BMW). Recommend replacing with Weathertech mats.
    • Owners manual missing (glove box empty). Recommend replacement.
    • Rear cargo area privacy cover missing. Recommend replacement.
    • Typical ‘stickers’ on drivers door window. Recommend removal to improve visability.
    • Recommend reset of the media center system to delete previous owners, phones, non-default factory settings.
    • Looks like it only supports Apple Carplay (boo). Recommend latest software update be applied by USB. If that doesn’t add it, then recommend finding a retro fit kit. Current media software is MB-007.039.008.
    • Recommend setting up BMW Website and App login to enable the connected drive telemetry.
    • Recommend adding a Fastrak Flex Transponder for tolls

Date: October 13, 2025
Mileage: 79,941 miles
Performed by: Neillo BMW of Elk Grove

Services Performed: DPO noted the ‘Low Coolant’ message was coming on frequently. Inspection and pressure test found that the cooling system was leaking at the Upper Radiator Hose.

  • Replaced upper radiator hose (BMW p/n 17-12-7-535-560)
  • Added approx 1 gallon of coolant (BMW p/n 83-19-2-468-442)
  • Pressure tested and all OK
  • Wow, they charged the DPO $641 for this.

Date: September 27, 2025
Mileage: 79,297 miles
Performed by: EZ Tires & Auto Repair

Services Performed: DPO had a flat front left tire. Small local tire shop sold her a single non-matching no-name brand tire. No reason why they couldn’t just repair the run flat.

Date: October 13, 2025
Mileage: 79,941 miles
Performed by: Neillo BMW of Elk Grove

Services Performed: DPO noted the vehicle was leaking coolant. Inspection and pressure test found that the cooling system was leaking at the Oil Filter housing and water pump. Replaced it all.

Date: June 30, 2025
Mileage: 75,246 miles
Performed by: Neillo BMW of Elk Grove

Services Performed: DPO noted the check engine light was going on and off. Inspection revealed that the upper and lower active air flaps were failing. Serviced under 15 year/150,000 mile warranty for Service Bulletin 01.12.19. Also provided oil and filter service while at shop.

  • Replaced the Active Air Flap Control (BMW p/n 51-74-7-493-167)
  • Oil Service without supplementary service (done under pre-purchased oil maintenance plan)
  • Computer was saying it was time to replace the Engine Air Filter and Cabin Filter
    • Engine Air Filter (BMW p/n 13-71-8-691-835) OMG they charged $128 to change this!
    • Cabin Filter w/activated carbon (BMW p/n 64-11-9-382-886) OMG they charged $177 for this!

Date: December 31, 2024
Mileage: 68,817 miles
Performed by: Neillo BMW of Elk Grove

Services Performed: Rear brakes warning light on, rear tires and a recall for the rear cargo area lashing rails.

  • Rear Brakes found to be 4mm and sensor touching rotor. Rear brake job including:
  • Rear cargo rail recall performed at no charge
  • Rear tires at 3mm. Replaced both rear tires with Bridgestone Alenza 275/35 R21 RFT (charged $504 each!)
  • Performed four wheel alignment
    • Looking at the alignment report, the RF camber was in alignment before the work, and then out of alignment after, yet they delivered her the car. Geez.
  • All this for a mere $2,048!

Date: October 4, 2025
Mileage: 66,236 miles
Performed by: Neillo BMW of Elk Grove

Services Performed: Oil Service Due.

  • Oil Service without supplementary service (done under pre-purchased oil maintenance plan)
  • Noted the rear cargo rail recall was required, but they didn’t have parts yet.

Date: January 9, 2024
Mileage: 55,942 miles
Performed by: Neillo BMW of Elk Grove

Services Performed: DPO took into dealer stating drivetrain malfunction warning message going on/off. Dealer scanned the car, found P16001 code for failed crankshaft sensor, signal missing. Also performed oil service, replaced spark plugs and front wiper blades.

  • Oil Service without supplementary service (done under pre-purchased oil maintenance plan)
  • Replaced crankshaft position sensor under warranty (BMW p/n 13-62-7-806-782)
  • Replaced spark plugs (BMW p/n 12-12-0-040-551)
  • Replaced front wiper blades (set BMW p/n 61-61-7-469-820)
  • All this for a mere $412.

Date: November 7, 2023
Mileage: 54,402 miles
Performed by: Neillo BMW of Elk Grove

Services Performed: Front brakes warning light on. Battery was replaced too.

  • Front Brakes found to be 2mm and sensor touching rotor. Rotors at 33.8mm. Front brake job including:
  • Brake fluid flush as requested by the computer. Three bottles of DOT4 (BMW p/n 81-22-0-142-156)
  • Battery replacement
    • Replaced battery (BMW p/n 61-21-5-A40-E33)
    • Coded battery to car (ridiculous!)
  • All this for a mere $1,882!

Date: May 18, 2023
Mileage: 47,805 miles
Performed by: America’s Tire

Services Performed: Four new tires installed and balanced.

  • Fronts – Bridgestone Alenza 245/40 R21 RFT
  • Fronts – Bridgestone Alenza 275/35 R21 RFT
  • They charged the DPO $2,198

Date: March 17, 2023
Mileage: 45,894 miles
Performed by: Sterling BMW in Newport Beach

Services Performed: DPO took into dealer stating drivetrain malfunction warning message going on/off. Dealer scanned the car, found P16001 code for failed crankshaft sensor, signal missing. Cleared code, ran test, no fault found, so ignored it. Note this comes up again in January 2024 when it gets replaced. Also performed a basic oil service.

Date: March 15, 2023
Mileage: Approx 45,880 miles

DPO reported being involved in ‘Hit and Run’. Reported to California CHP. Accident happened on I5 northbound in Mission Viejo of Orange county. Another driver merging onto freeway bumped into the right rear corner. Scraped right rear fender and paint in two places. They didn’t get the plate or any details of the other driver. CHP recorded the case, but didn’t even give it a case number.

Based on the damage still present at time of purchase in 2026 this was not repaired.

Date: July 27, 2022
Mileage: 37,376 miles
Performed by: Neillo BMW of Elk Grove

Services Performed: DPO took into dealer stating drivetrain malfunction warning message going on/off. Dealer scanned the car, found P16001 code for failed crankshaft sensor, signal missing. Cleared code, ran test, no fault found, so ignored it. Note this comes up again in January 2024 when it gets replaced. Also performed a basic oil service.

  • Oil Service
  • Computer was saying it was time to replace the Engine Air Filter and Cabin Filter
    • Engine Air Filter (BMW p/n 13-71-8-691-835) OMG – they charged $163 for this!
    • Cabin Filter w/activated carbon (BMW p/n 64-11-9-382-886) OMG again, they charged $196 for this.

Date: April 20, 2022
Mileage: 33,701
Performed by: Neillo Collision Center Sacramento

Services Performed: DPO says her mother in law backed into the BMW in the driveway, damaging the front bumper. Since the car was still ‘New to them’ they opted to get it entirely repaired under USAA insurance. Neillo charged them $2,688 to repair the front bumper.

  • Replaced:
    • Front grill
    • Front lower trim panel
    • Right reflector
    • Left reflector
  • Aimed the front fog lights (sure they did)
  • Repainted the front bumper and feathered into both front fenders.
  • Recalibrated the front camera
  • Scanned the computer for any codes before and after

Date: December 21, 2021
Mileage: 29,963
Performed by: BMW of Freemont

Services Performed: DPO (Owner #2) purchased the vehicle as a BMW Certified Pre-owned for $46,998. Would have been a lease return since was just 3yrs old and just under 30K miles (warranty cap). It had a 1 year BMW Certified Pre-owned warranty. DPO financed it through BMW Banks N/A. They traded in their older BMW X3 as part of the purchase.

Date: December 12, 2021
Mileage: 29,942
Performed by: BMW of Freemont

Services Performed: Vehicle offered for Sale. Preparation as BMW Certified Pre-owned included:

  • Passed emissions inspection.
  • Maintenance Inspection
  • Brakes checked
  • Battery/Charging system checked
  • Oil and Filter changed
  • Tires checked and pressures set.
  • Tires replaced
  • Wheels repaired
  • Interior cleaned

Date: November 18, 2021
Mileage: 27,983
Performed by: BMW of Freemont

Services Performed: Based on CarFax report – Vehicle in for scheduled service. Included:

  • Maintenance Inspection
  • Brakes checked
  • Battery/Charging system checked
  • Oil and Filter changed
  • Brake fluid flushed
  • Tires checked and pressures set.
  • Interior cleaned

Date: May 27, 2021
Mileage: ??
Performed by:

Services Performed: Based on CarFax report – Vehicle was in a minor collision with rear damage. No record of repair, but based on my inspection of left lower rear bumper cover it has had a lower quality repaint.

Date: February 12, 2021
Mileage: 18,519
Performed by: BMW of Freemont

Services Performed: Based on CarFax report – Vehicle in for scheduled service. Included:

  • Maintenance Inspection
  • Brakes checked
  • Battery/Charging system checked
  • Oil and Filter changed
  • Cabin filter changed
  • Tires checked and pressures set.
  • Interior cleaned

Date: May 30, 2020
Mileage: 11,802
Performed by: BMW of Freemont

Services Performed: Based on CarFax report – Vehicle tire condition and pressures checked. My guess is sat for month post Covid and had lower tire pressure warning.

Date: March 5, 2020 (just before Covid)
Mileage: ??
Performed by:

Services Performed: Based on CarFax report – Vehicle was in a minor collision with rear damage. No record of repair, but based on my inspection of left lower rear bumper cover it has had a lower quality repaint.

Date: January 20, 2020 (just before Covid)
Mileage: 9,557
Performed by: BMW of Freemont

Services Performed: Based on CarFax report – Vehicle in for scheduled service. Included:

  • Maintenance Inspection
  • Brakes checked
  • Battery/Charging system checked
  • Oil and Filter changed
  • Tires checked and pressures set.

Date: January 28, 2019
Mileage: 6
Performed by: BMW of Freemont

Services Performed: Based on CarFax report – Vehicle sold as new to owner #1. Leased or financed.