Yeah you have to wiggle that bad boy out pretty good. She can be a tight fit. Not sure why your idler is giving you grief, though you are up north so maybe that has something to do with it.

Good plan having someone zip it off with an impact but you might want to hit it with a shot of your favorite oil/penetrating fluid to aid it.

Just remember the orientation of the wire harness bracket and the big power line coming off the alternator. If you get those wrong putting the alternator back in is going to lead to all kinds of profanity. Ask me how I know.

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2005 X5 4.4i Build 04/05 Maintenance/Build Log
Nav, Pano, Sport (Purchased 06/14 w/ 109,000 miles) (Sold 8/15 w/121,000 miles)

2006 X5 4.8is Build 11/05 Maintenance/Build Log
Nav, DSP, Pano, Running Boards, OEM Tow Hitch, Cold Weather Pckg (Purchased 08/15 w/ 90,500 miles)

2010 X5 35d Build 02/10
Nav, HiFi, 6 DVD, Sports Pckg, Cold Weather Pckg, HUD, CAS, Running Boards, Leather Dash, PDC, Pano (Purchased 03/17 w/ 136,120 miles)