So, I went walking today... As I was getting ready to park, "Check Oil Level." OK, I'll do that when I get back to the car.

Finish walk, pull the cap off, juggle it, watch as it bounces down the sewer. In 57 years, I have never lost a part this way.

OK, 5 miles to home, 25 miles to dealer.

So, I filled the crank with oil. (I carry about 3 quarts all the time).

I start for home. About half way there, the warning light comes on again, so I pulled over and gave it another quart. By this time the entire engine bay is covered in oil - but this is the least of my problems.

Got it home and checked the stick and it indicates I am about a quart and a half down (how much I had to replace).

2 new oil caps have been ordered. Had I been on the road, I would have had to tow it to a shop and wait for a cap to come in. They are not available at local auto parts stores.

The cap that I place on the car will have double sided tape stuck to the outside with a cord strapping it to the hood or some other part.

In the old days I could have stuffed a towel in the hole and then taped it in place. But the valve chain sits directly below the cap and a towel would have been sucked/dragged in.

If you don't have one, I suggest buying a spare for your travel kit.

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2006 X5 Sport 4.4i