I don't recall ever purchasing a BMW special tool. I always assumed those were for BMW techs so they can get the job done within the allotted labor hours rather than have them go to a BMW forum where they would find a faster and better way to do the job.

My Dad was a tool designer for GM for over 25 years. The final assembly line had a pace to maintain. When it took too long to get something done they designed a special tool for the job. My bet is that most of the time they were auto designer errors. In those days they made major changes in the vehicles every year.

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X5 4.6 2002 Black Sap, Black interior. 2013 X5M Melbourne Red, Bamboo interior
Dallas