BMW Germany have now issued a new compliance fix that must be followed when the handbrake cables are reconnected to mechanical side of handbrake. Apparently there's an issue with the current X5 where handbrake cable can rub on body of vehicle .. not good.

In my case this has meant my X5 has been off the road for 2 weeks so far, and all parts are not yet here (I live in Australia). This could take another 2 weeks to sort out.

Suffice to say I'm pissed ..... with a dash of buyer remorse (and to put into perspective - we pay around $120k Aus for new 35d, and the Aus to US dollar is about the same these days!!!