Top 10 Hacks for the BMW X3 E83

Top 10 hacks. After owning this car for 8 years, you learn a few things. Here are my top 10 hacks I've done on my 2008 BMW X3 E83.
What's interesting is the eLight is behind 4 of these hacks: Euro flash, light show, daytime running lights, and the updated lock/unlock program.
I received a few comments about where to get the mods:
10W Cree LED angel eyes: amzn.to/2H2Ki2d

[@kevintorres9012]

i literally just bought this exact same model 2 weeks ago and we both live in San Jose haha. Didnt know half these things, pretty cool my dude, you just earned yourself a subscription ;)

[@cthompson0531]

Kevin Torres welcome to the channel!

[@SavageEden]

Inspiring. Just got an 07. Got lots of work ahead. This gave me some great ideas

[@cthompson0531]

Good luck @savageeden, it's a great vehicle that's a lot of fun to drive

[@OfficialDJLaxative]

I bought a 2010 X3 today! Just need to replace the power steering pump bracket that mounts the pump onto the engine block. That, and the rear wheels and brakes are seized from sitting for over a year. I’m an amateur mechanic. I got this!!

[@SnoopyIsThatyou]

how do i get "eLight" i have searched but no where to be found.!!! need help

[@cthompson0531]

I think it was rebranded to "light comfort" on dachmodule.com/. That module seems to do everything the eLight did and it's also from Europe. Good luck, let us know because your question got some upvotes 👍

[@shanejzx1002]

The car on the thumbnail is clean asf? Where is now you sold it?

[@cthompson0531]

Bro, that thumbnail was from the Internet, it wasn't my E83. I knew I'd get more clicks using it 🤣

[@shanejzx1002]

@@cthompson0531 this vid was 5 years ago such a clean x3 might be a longshot but you remember where you found the pic ? Im doing research on x3s atm

[@exotixzphantom7261]

stupid question, what is the full model name of this specific x3? I see that it has M components on the steering wheel, foot well, and shifter.

[@cthompson0531]

@@exotixzphantom7261 3.0SI. The S gets you the M badging, keep shopping till you find it, good luck 👍

[@marcjohnson5148]

Yeah that’s why I opened this post. I was hoping to get a better look at that one.

[@AsydApieRnsdRadf]

the yello lights tho

[@cthompson0531]

Which yellow lights? Thank goodness new cars using LEDs more

[@johnrutter5418]

You don't actually SHOW Anything! You are Literally... Click Bait Original!! 😮

[@cthompson0531]

Sorry I disappointed you brotha

[@rafailantoniou9341]

The worst video i have seen in my life. Bro.. split it

[@cthompson0531]

Of course Rafail thank you 😊

[@AL-ew8im]

Total waste of time...

[@ericsmith5324]

This video is awesome; thanks for posting!

[@cthompson0531]

Your comment is awesome, thanks for visiting :)

[@buynow17]

also do the e light make the angel lights brighter

[@cthompson0531]

hey Juan, no the eLight just controls what lights run as daytime running lights - you can set the fog lights to be DTLs or the halo eyes. If you want brighter lights you need more watts, right now my LEDs are Cree 10 watt

[@sekaufman]

What is this lifetime Sirius mod? Is it oem Bmw Sirius module? Or something different?

[@cthompson0531]

Scott Kaufman it’s the Sirius XM tuner for the BMW Dice integration and it will set you back between 155-175. PM me if you want one and I’ll reach out to the guy and see if he has anymore.

[@refaat8084]

Hello how are you Chris i own a bmw x3 2007 and my sterling wheel is very hard is it normal ?

[@cthompson0531]

Refaat 808 you mean the power steering is really heavy? Try slurping out the dirty power steering fluid from the reservoir and fill it up to normal level with fresh fluid. Drive several miles. If it helps, do this another time or until it’s cleaner, fresh fluid can bring new life to a nearly dead power steering pump. Good luck

[@refaat8084]

Chris Thompson yes the power steering is very heavy I’ve change fluid 3 days ago and still haven’t noticed anything should I change it one more time? thank you

[@refaat8084]

And chris is the x3 2007 or 8 steering suppose to be a heavy or normal like any other car

[@cthompson0531]

Heavier than most cars, to feel more like a sports car

[@buynow17]

can u send link for halo light bulb you are using

[@cthompson0531]

Any of these will do the trick: amzn.to/2H2Ki2d

[@buynow17]

Chris Thompson whats the brightest - I noticed they have different wattage started for 5 wattage all the way to 80 so I'm guessing maybe the 80 watts is better

[@cthompson0531]

You are correct, but the wires and fuse for your angel eyes probably only support 40-watt max, you should check the owner's manual or forums for details. If you wire up LEDs that take more power than the system can provide, you'll end up with a burnt out fuse or worse, melted wire somewhere. I think mine are 12.5 watts on each side for a total of 25 watts

[@giuliasprint67]

Chris,You're missing out on the European oem rear fog light. All you need is a headlight switch from Europe that has the rear foglight button. Your car is already set up for it. Plug and play Also don't use the K&N filter. It will ruin the MAF sensor.

[@cthompson0531]

Hey thanks for the comment, I'm not familiar with the rear fog light upgrade, maybe you can link us so we can find it? Hope the other suggestions were helpful or interesting

[@giuliasprint67]

www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=958160

[@cthompson0531]

Looks interesting, but what does it do? Turns on reverse lights in certain scenarios? I wish they showed a picture of the rear fog lights active. As for the K&N filter, no issues so far. I also had a free flow intake on my 2001 Corvette and that never had any MAF issues either. Thanks for the comments!

[@cthompson0531]

I saw a demo for the rear fog lights and I think it's a cool hack. Maybe you'll see this on my X3 for my next hacks video, stay tuned :)

[@derin111]

Agreed! I don't know what any of that "eLight stuff is" but your number 10 hack is a really bad idea. I've been driving BMWs for 35 years now and have never seen ANY objective evidence that putting in a K&N filter improves performance. On the contrary, I've seen dyno tests where they loose performance and you run the risk of running your MAF because you have to impregnate them with their oil UPSTREAM of the airflow towards the delicate wires in the MAF thus risking coating them with a fine layer of oil. I have personal experience of that happening in cars and would never use one ever again!