Originally Posted by StephenVA

Guys

The X5 had two different plates under neath our vehicles. The aluminum one used until sometime in 2003 and a steel one used after that point until production ended on the E53. All the 4.8is have a steel one. As far as I can tell all the 4.6is had a aluminum one. The 3.0 models had both but when they changed to steel, I have no personal knowledge.

Bolts: The factory used one time fasteners (nuts and bolts), that are torque to yield. Torque to XXX and then 90 degrees more. These nuts will then change their shape and "lock down" with greater force. Yes, they are expensive. 1 year ago they were $25 for a set. Now Higher. Can you use grade 8 bolts with lock washers and get a solid connection for the bars and structural rigidity? With only a few years of auto engineering education/experience, I would say "yep". But I would also post the "no testing done to confirm acceptability" clause.

Bottom Line: Do not use the old nuts. At least replace them with known good grade 8 and lock washers. Just for safety.

Most of us on the forum, are high maintenance DIY who go above and beyond what the normal owners do to 10 year old cars. A lot of us are not the first owners and have spent $$ to get them "just right" once again. The reason? We want everything to work correctly and not leave us stranded somewhere. I like to believe we are care takers of the things we own, not just "users". Hell, I even weekly wash and detail, Qtrly clay and wax my Minivan!