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Thread: X3 Maintenance Intervals and Information

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    02 M3 Cabrio, 06 k1200s

    X3 Maintenance Intervals and Information

    Hello All,

    I have just purchased an X3 for my wife.
    It is 2004, 3.0 and red/black and Auto with 80000 miles.
    I see a lot of talk about X5's in this section, but not so much in X3's.

    As always after you buy a car, you want to refresh all fluids and other worn parts.
    Here is my question, what are the intervals of changing fluids and other parts.
    Any other info, such as part numbers, fluid types, are always appreciated.


    Maintenance Schedule and Information:

    Rear & Front Differential Fluid - BMW X0 or RedLine 75w-90 - about 1L each needed
    Transfer case Fluid - TF0870, SAE 75W - BMW# 83220397244 - 1L needed
    Transmission Fluid (Green label) - Dextron 6 - BMW# 83220397114, update with BMW# 83220397114 (4L jugs) - about 6 quarts needed
    (Green label is GM transmission, BMW says lifetime, however GM says 60k miles in their cars, so you decide)
    Transmission Filter - BMW# 24117557070 - kit comes with gasket and new pan bolts
    Brake Fluid - DOT4 Synthetic
    Coolant is BMW blue
    Power steering Fluid - BMW# 83290429576 - 1L needed
    Microfilter - BMW# 64319071935
    Engine Air Filter - BMW# 13721744869
    Serpantine belt - BMW# 11281706545
    AC Belt - BMW# 11287512762

    I will update this first post with all the info i collect from you guys for the next person with an X3!
    I am still looking for BMW checklist S92-260

    I think this is a pretty good summary here:

    Every 60,000 miles:
    Trans case fluid
    Differential fluid, front and rear
    Coolant fluid
    Tranny fluid
    Serpantine Belt
    AC service??

    Every 30,000 miles:
    Brake fluid
    Replace Air Filter
    Replace cabin filter

    Every 80,000 miles:
    Rotors and Pads

    Every 7,500 miles:
    Oil and filter
    Clean air filter

    Here is about OEM recommended intervals:
    Quote Originally Posted by 90turbo1 View Post
    brake fluid change every 2 years.
    coolant change every 4 years.
    engine oil, 5w30 castrol syn (bmw branded only, do a search for this) change every 15k according to bmw, I would change every 7.5k if it were mine at the max.
    here is a break down of the maint light.
    0k initial break-in
    15k oil service (change oil, filter, micro filter, check car)
    30k inspection I service (same thing except more checks)
    45K oil service (same as 15k)
    60k inspection II (same as inspection I but add engine air filter, lube all hinges and inspect parking brake shoes in rear.
    75k oil service
    spark plugs at 100k
    fuel filter is built into the tank and is major expensive to change (correct me if I am wrong on this for 04 model.
    Last edited by milovanov; 06-09-2013 at 10:00 PM.
    "Only after disaster can we be resurrected.", Tyler Durden, Fight Club.

    ------------------
    CURRENT
    2002 M3 conv - '07; 2006 k1200s - '09; 1998 M3 CB coupe - '10; 2004 X3 - '13

  2. #2
    Join Date
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    2007 X3, 2008 Civic 4dr
    A lot of the motor stuff will be the same as any E46 Non-M.

  3. #3
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    2004 325xi,2004 545i SMG
    Quote Originally Posted by milovanov View Post
    Hello All,

    I have just purchased an X3 for my wife.
    It is 2004, 3.0 and red/black and Auto with 80000 miles.
    I see a lot of talk about X5's in this section, but not so much in X3's.

    As always after you buy a car, you want to refresh all fluids and other worn parts.
    Here is my question, what are the intervals of changing fluids and other parts.
    Any other info, such as part numbers, fluid types, are always appreciated.
    But main things are the following:

    1) Rear diff fluid type/frequency
    2) Front diff? fluid type/frequency
    3) Transfer case fluid type/frequency
    4) Transmission fluid type/frequency
    5) Brake fluid type/frequency
    6) Coolant is BMW blue, right? / frequency?
    7) Power steering fluid type/frequency?

    I will update this first post with all the info i collect from you guys for the next person with an X3!



    rear diff fluid is BMW X0 not sure on weight but I will check
    front diff is also bmw xo fluid
    transfer case is ATF hold about 1L
    transmission is going to be DEX 6 but.. make sure you check the sticker on transpan first, bmw states that its lifetime fluid but we change at 60k'ish or recommend to customer and filter gets changed at 100k'ish
    power steering is ATF dex 3 fluid
    brake fluid is dot 4, change every 2 years.
    coolant is coolant but I wouldnt mix blue BMW coolant with others, change every 4 years.
    engine oil, 5w30 castrol syn (bmw branded only, do a search for this) change every 15k according to bmw, I would change every 7.5k if it were mine at the max.

    here is a break down of the maint light.

    from zero miles

    15k oil service (change oil, filter, micro filter, check car)
    30k inspection I service (same thing except more checks)
    45K oil service (same as 15k)
    60k inspection II (same as inspection I but add engine air filter, lube all hinges and inspect parking brake shoes in rear.
    75k oil service

    spark plugs at 100k
    fuel filter is built into the tank and is major expensive to change (correct me if I am wrong on this for 04 model.

    well there you go
    Level 1 Certified BMW tech.

  4. #4
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    2007 X3, 2008 Civic 4dr
    Crazy to go 15k as recommended by BMW. 7.5k intervals on synthetic for all of my BMWs.

  5. #5
    Join Date
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    02 M3 Cabrio, 06 k1200s
    Yes, I would never go by manufacturer recommendation.
    But my question lays deeper, I am talking about intervals for suspension, and other parts.
    For example, I know it already needs thrust arms, is 80k good interval?
    What about shocks?
    Or am I being too an@l aboutt this?

    Sent from my DROID3 using Tapatalk 2
    "Only after disaster can we be resurrected.", Tyler Durden, Fight Club.

    ------------------
    CURRENT
    2002 M3 conv - '07; 2006 k1200s - '09; 1998 M3 CB coupe - '10; 2004 X3 - '13

  6. #6
    Join Date
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    Locust Grove, GA
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    X3 and 528I
    I have been pretty lucky as some of my BMW's are now over 250,000 miles. I do my oil every 10,000. Always synthetic and a German oil filter. I use my speedometer as a reminder; When it gets 130K, 140k, etc... On the power steering. I use a turkey baster(I believe its called) and remove all the PS fluid and refill every 30-40K and never any issue I use synthetic blend trans fluid. 90turbo1 is on the money on the info. Wish you luck!

  7. #7
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    as far as power-steering fluid, i think it is better to unbolt the bottom hose from the steering rack and drain that way, because then you drain most of the fluid from the pump and reservoir. then just make sure to get new crash o-rings.

    so can someone chime in on the bushings, ball joints, vanos rebuild, various gasket intervals?

    sorry for so may questions, i never owned M54. only S54, which has a LOT more maintenance requirements.
    is there a BMW scheduled maintenance list somewhere for X3? (i have one for k1200s and e46 M3)

    Here is my list so far:

    Front Thrust Arms
    Valve cover gasket set
    http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E83-X3-M54_3.0L/ES197388/ - transfer case fluid
    http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E83-X3-...rior/ES251602/ - jack pads
    http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E83-X3-...rol/ES2568301/ - microfilter
    http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E83-X3-...ngine/ES10304/ - engine filter
    http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E83-X3-...gine/ES263047/ - Oil, Filter, drain plug, O-rings
    http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E83-X3-.../Brakes/ES111/ - Super Blue Brake fluid
    http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E83-X3-...ngine/ES10334/ - Serpantine belt
    http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E83-X3-...ngine/ES10333/ - AC belt
    http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E83-X3-...rain/ES263484/ - differential fluid
    http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E83-X3-...ing/ES2550608/ - Power steering fluid
    http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E83-X3-...ion/ES2523867/ - Transmisison fluid, Filter, Gasket

    Some of the fluids are from RedLine, is that going to be OK, or do i absolutely have to use BMW ones? anyone do blackston reports on RedLine fluids?

    As far as ATE blue brake fluid is because it is easier to tell when it is fully changed. I altetnate the blue with gold fluids to make sure the brake fluid is completely new.
    Last edited by milovanov; 02-15-2013 at 04:38 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
    "Only after disaster can we be resurrected.", Tyler Durden, Fight Club.

    ------------------
    CURRENT
    2002 M3 conv - '07; 2006 k1200s - '09; 1998 M3 CB coupe - '10; 2004 X3 - '13

  8. #8
    Join Date
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    McComb, Mississippi
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    2007 BMW X3

    Service Light

    Thanks , I have read some good service information. I to have have purchased a '07 X3 for my son and I am new to owning a BMW, is there a way to reset the service light ?
    Also someone recommended Castrol but BMW certified oil, is this a different type or grade than what is normally sold ? Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated.

  9. #9
    Join Date
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    BMW X5, Lotus
    That 15,000 miles by BMW is for the original owner since it includes FREE MAINTENANCE (AKA lack of maintenance by BM Trouble U) with the cost of the car. Think of it 3 free oil changes (45,000 miles) versus 6 oil changes @7500 now you will know why it cost effective for BM Trouble to recommend 15,000 miles.

    Also if you drive in sever condition, and I don't mean severe weather, but stop and go traffic or trips that are less than an hour long (like taking the kids to school or going grocery shopping), you might want to bump that oil change to 5000 miles to remove any water condensation that might be in the engine. Remove the oil cap and if you have any "Yellow Sludge" go with 5000 miles or less on the oil change intervals.

    Quote Originally Posted by GeorgeNK View Post
    Thanks , I have read some good service information. I to have have purchased a '07 X3 for my son and I am new to owning a BMW, is there a way to reset the service light ?
    Also someone recommended Castrol but BMW certified oil, is this a different type or grade than what is normally sold ? Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated.
    There are many devices and softwares on the market that will reset the oil light and inspection light. Just do a Google search for BMW inspection light reset or BMW oil light reset.
    Last edited by upallnight; 02-19-2013 at 01:49 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
    Quote Originally Posted by GarrettSR5 View Post
    Hate to admit it but attack_eagle is right.
    Quote Originally Posted by SpiritofBavaria View Post
    ............. then upallnight has probably got it right
    Spirit

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
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    Fuquay Varina, NC, Wake
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    02 M3 Cabrio, 06 k1200s
    can't seem to find the official BMW checklist. S92-260

    All i get is the other one: Bmw of north america, llc 2004 models (except x3 and x5 - use checklist sd92-260)
    "Only after disaster can we be resurrected.", Tyler Durden, Fight Club.

    ------------------
    CURRENT
    2002 M3 conv - '07; 2006 k1200s - '09; 1998 M3 CB coupe - '10; 2004 X3 - '13

  11. #11
    Join Date
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    So got under the car and I see that part number on sticker for tranny fluid is:

    83220024359

    Pelican parts saying its replaced by:

    83-22-0-397-114 which is dextron 6.

    So is the ECS tuning package of d4 redline fluid ok? Should I get OEM fluid?

    Sent from my DROID3 using Tapatalk 2

    i have started editing the 1st post with part numbers and other info. anyone else with anything useful, chip in with your 2 cents!
    Last edited by milovanov; 03-06-2013 at 02:48 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
    "Only after disaster can we be resurrected.", Tyler Durden, Fight Club.

    ------------------
    CURRENT
    2002 M3 conv - '07; 2006 k1200s - '09; 1998 M3 CB coupe - '10; 2004 X3 - '13

  12. #12
    Join Date
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    '04 E46 330xi & '08 E83
    Thanks for all this info.
    Very useful!

  13. #13
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    '04 E46 330xi & '08 E83
    Would the above-mentionned part numbers/info also apply for a 2008 3.0si X3?

  14. #14
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    I honestly do not know. Do you have m54 engine? I am trying to get all the info here from everyone, but as you can tell, there are only few visitors on this thread, which makes it hard to get info.

    Sent from my DROID3 using Tapatalk 2
    "Only after disaster can we be resurrected.", Tyler Durden, Fight Club.

    ------------------
    CURRENT
    2002 M3 conv - '07; 2006 k1200s - '09; 1998 M3 CB coupe - '10; 2004 X3 - '13

  15. #15
    Join Date
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    02 M3 Cabrio, 06 k1200s
    @ 82000 miles, i have changed Trans case fluid because of the "slipping feel" at the turns.
    It was the exact issue, so the Trans case fluid should be changed every 60k miles at most before th issues arrise.

    @ 83000 miles, i have replaced diff fluids, front and rear. 1.1 liters in rear, 0.7 liter in front. No issues before and no noticable difference after. The old fluid was little stinky, but still amber. i will keep the fluid changed each 60k miles though. RedLine 75w-90 was used.

    @ 83000 miles i have replaced calipers, rotors, and pads. pads were on their way out. rotors could've been turned, but i didn't really feel like messing with the old ones. calipers came un-painted from the factory, so they weren't pretty, so i just got rebuilt ones and painted them up to prevent rust. Used Zimmerman rotors and Textar pads. Amazing combo! car stops on the dime now! Way better than stock!

    @ 86000 miles, i have changed tranny filter, fluid. Used OEM filter kit, and OEM Dextron fluid. At least 5 quarts went in. Tranny was jerking once in a while before, not anymore. Old fluid was stinky and looked like mud water. Shifts very smooth now. Lifetime fluid - whatever... Although i am still not clear on the proceedure to properly level the transmition. the bottom of the pan is level when car is level to ground. But the transmission itself is level when the rear was lifted about 1 foot. So, if anyone can chime in, please do. For now i filled it with rear raised.
    Last edited by milovanov; 06-09-2013 at 10:03 PM.
    "Only after disaster can we be resurrected.", Tyler Durden, Fight Club.

    ------------------
    CURRENT
    2002 M3 conv - '07; 2006 k1200s - '09; 1998 M3 CB coupe - '10; 2004 X3 - '13

  16. #16
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    Thanks for this info! Very useful.
    I've been debating whether I should change the tranny oil and filter. I'm just under 100K Miles and I feel the transmission <<kicks>> a bit. Not as smooth as it was.
    The only thinkg that concerns me is that I do not have an infrared thermometer, so I'm concerned regarding the proper filling of the oil.
    How much did the OEM parts cost? I found a kit on Bavauto that includes the filter, gasket, transmission pan bolts, and drain plug for 125$.

    As for the oil, I'm surprised you only put in 5 quarts. I read that I have to put 8 liters... I know I have a 2008 and you have a 2004, but the difference still surprises me alot.

  17. #17
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    Not much more than 5 quarts came out, so I think I am safe. My tranny is Green label. I got filter kit from www.thebmwpartstore.com Since your car is 2008, I would check you part numbers. Get under car and get part number from tranny, then search realoem.com and find your filter kit part #.

    Sent from my DROID3 using Tapatalk 2
    "Only after disaster can we be resurrected.", Tyler Durden, Fight Club.

    ------------------
    CURRENT
    2002 M3 conv - '07; 2006 k1200s - '09; 1998 M3 CB coupe - '10; 2004 X3 - '13

  18. #18
    Join Date
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    02 M3 Cabrio, 06 k1200s
    Rear driver side regulator stopped working. I took it apart...

    The little plastic clip broke, so I modified the window mount to get it fixed. Worked like s charm. Cost = $0.01 for the paperclip. See pics.




    Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
    "Only after disaster can we be resurrected.", Tyler Durden, Fight Club.

    ------------------
    CURRENT
    2002 M3 conv - '07; 2006 k1200s - '09; 1998 M3 CB coupe - '10; 2004 X3 - '13

  19. #19
    Join Date
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    Replaced fuel filter. That was a big job! Hardest part is to take off the ring because it makes the whole plate spin also. I didnt have the right tool, so I rigged up the common tools to use as the wrench. Still had to put in quite a force. If you dont see how my tool would work, I suggest you have an expert to do this for you. At almost 90k miles, you can definitely feel the difference with new fuel filter. Tool is shown in the tightening up position. When you do tighten, use silicon on the threads of the ring.





    Sent from mobile device
    Last edited by milovanov; 07-13-2013 at 07:27 PM.
    "Only after disaster can we be resurrected.", Tyler Durden, Fight Club.

    ------------------
    CURRENT
    2002 M3 conv - '07; 2006 k1200s - '09; 1998 M3 CB coupe - '10; 2004 X3 - '13

  20. #20
    Join Date
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    02 M3 Cabrio, 06 k1200s
    Replaced the door sensor which was intermittently faulting up...

    Dealer quoted $640 for labor and parts.
    They said the sensor will need to be "coded" and it takes 2 hours out of the 4.5 hours of labor.
    I purchased part from the dealer online for about $60. Install took about 20 minutes.
    No coding was necessary.
    DEALER = RIP OFF!


    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39TzTFzNgns
    Last edited by milovanov; 07-15-2013 at 12:34 PM.
    "Only after disaster can we be resurrected.", Tyler Durden, Fight Club.

    ------------------
    CURRENT
    2002 M3 conv - '07; 2006 k1200s - '09; 1998 M3 CB coupe - '10; 2004 X3 - '13

  21. #21
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
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    NW Pennsylvania
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    2005 BMX X3
    Hi, all... Just purchased a 2005 X3 to replace my Jeep... quite a step up. Will make a great fishing car!
    It appears to be in great shape w/ 91,000 miles on the odo. Now the fun begins w/ fluid & filter replacements before winter sets in.
    I enjoy doing all my own work on my '85 911 Porsche and my '70 VW Beetle.... guess I'll have to get used to this thing called a "radiator" ...
    I have the Bentley manuals for the Porsche and the VW... damn shame they haven't come up with one for the X3, but I guess I can glean info from the 'net.
    Milovanov: looks like you're into doing things yourself as well. The stealership isn't an option for me as the closest one is an hour and a half away. If I don't do it myself, I don't ride...
    Question: when you replaced the fuel filter, I see you contrived a tool which I presume removes the plate at the top of the tank which, I suppose, holds a fuel sender/ maybe pump and filter combination. Care to go into a wee bit more detail on the process for me? Wouldn't mind changing the filter out as long as I'm having fun...
    regards,
    jlex.

  22. #22
    Join Date
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    i sed google search and read a lot before i started doing the job.
    it is not an easy task, so read all up.

    http://blog.bavauto.com/1520/bmw-x3-...r-replacement/
    http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...er-Replacement
    http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=458827
    http://blog.bavauto.com/wp-content/u...regulator1.pdf


    the important factor is when you remove the metal ring that holds the cover (the one with electric connector and fuel line),
    make sure the cover itself does NOT spin, only the metal ring - otherwise you might damage the hoses connected to it.
    Bimmerfest forum has a drawing of the assemblies. Pump is in the tank and filter is in the tank, all connected with wires and hoses to the top cover.
    The filter also has a ground wire connected to it. whole job is done "blind" as you can't see because your arm will be on the way.
    make sure when you connect new fuel filter, it is connected solid in the mount, shouldn't wiggle.
    Last edited by milovanov; 07-19-2013 at 05:45 PM.
    "Only after disaster can we be resurrected.", Tyler Durden, Fight Club.

    ------------------
    CURRENT
    2002 M3 conv - '07; 2006 k1200s - '09; 1998 M3 CB coupe - '10; 2004 X3 - '13

  23. #23
    Join Date
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    NW Pennsylvania
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    2005 BMX X3
    Thanks for the links.
    I'll do fluid changes this weekend, then move on to the gas filter replacement later.
    regards,
    jlex.

  24. #24
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Fuquay Varina, NC, Wake
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    My Cars
    02 M3 Cabrio, 06 k1200s
    Here is how not to go to dealer to buy rear windshield wiper - just buy in autozone and bend new wiper little. 14 inch size.

    Last edited by milovanov; 08-21-2013 at 04:54 PM.
    "Only after disaster can we be resurrected.", Tyler Durden, Fight Club.

    ------------------
    CURRENT
    2002 M3 conv - '07; 2006 k1200s - '09; 1998 M3 CB coupe - '10; 2004 X3 - '13

  25. #25
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
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    Vancouver, BC, Canada
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    1
    My Cars
    2004 BMW X3 3.0i Auto
    Hi everyone, got a 2004 X3 w a low 82000 KMs, I suppose that's about 50,000 Miles or so - just bought it and really enjoying it. However some weird behavior this weekend - vehicle was parked completely off, key out etc., and all of a sudden all 4 windows + sunroof opened completely. I have closed all and hasn't happened since - but I'm concerned and don't want to find puddles of water overnight if it decides to do again.

    The other issue is my yellow engine light came on and I'm wondering if it just might need resetting - I just did the complete oil change with Mobil 1 0-40 full synthetic, and brake fluid flush (it was black), air and cabin air filters. The dashboard says next oil change in 13,000 kms - I need to reset that as it was just done. Could the yellow engine light just mean it's time (according to dealer) for an inspection? No record with dealer or vendor if Inspection II was ever done - is it really necessary to spend the $800+ just to have a 4 hour inspection? Don't want to get ripped off with "problems" they find and parts they mark up 400% haha.

    Thanks for your help,

    Daryl

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