On the issues of rust on brake line: as I mentioned before, this happens to many cars not just X5.

Believe it or not, when parts are exposed, they rust less. When they are hidden, winter salt deposits on them but summer rain cannot get to the part!

Example:

1. 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey REAR AC lines are wrapped in protective rubber, guess what, the lines are corroded after a few winters.

2. The X5

If you spray garden hose to the area under the chassis (no matter what car) in the Spring, around April/May, you will never have rust on the brake lines. Just kneel down and aim the hose upward.

This leads to the next question: the big fat ass cover in the X5...I don't have this cover in my 2005 Volvo XC90 (also an SAV lol).

So, it is safe to assume that if you remove the big fat ass cover and store it (and its some 11 bolts) in the basement of your house, you are ahead because:

1. Fuel Filter DIY is much easier.

2. You can clean the chassis every Spring.

What are people's thoughts are getting rid of this big fat ass cover?

PS: The alternative is to aim water up those 2 holes I mentioned before...

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1998 E39 528i 5sp MT
2006 E53 X5 3.0 6sp MT