Just finished installing left side axle shaft on my 2005 X5 3.0 over the weekend. Installation was pretty straightforward and drama-free (no rust on the car, luckily) but central Texas summer heat and an un- air conditioned garage kept my progress glacially slow.

While I was in there I took off all four wheels and cleaned them thoroughly. Put new Akebono ceramic pads on the front brakes. Rotors mic'ed well within spec so I should be good for a few more road trips. Topped off the front dif but didn't need but a few drops.

New tires happening this week in preparation for a trip on Saturday.

Best regards,
Chris