OFHG pics

[X5chemist]

The X5 had repairs and replacements done about 1 month ago. The gasket has saved 1 quart of oil every 500 miles. With the alternator out and battery disconnected, I used my electric pressure washer to clean up the engine bay. I still need to remove the lower skid plate. It probably has 1/4" of gunk on it. The block is stamped 7502900 01. The engine will run cooler with all the gunk removed. Tire foam cleaner, degreaser, and carb cleaners were used on specific areas. The engine bay turned out nicely clean. The lower portion will be cleaned while replacing the CV joints, seals, and diff oil.

Has anyone had a dirtier alternator replaced?
Though working, it was really toast. The vanos line and banjo seals were replaced too.

[andrewwynn]

My alternator was dirtier. Oil filter cap seal failed and dumped a quart of oil out the top of engine.

I refurbished the brushes and slip rings and got a few more years out of it. It was fun to bring to parts store to get their reaction before load testing.

When you remove the stiffening plate, put the back four bolts in that hold the sway bar if you plan to drive at all with the plate off.

You can re-install the bolts to spec about 3x before they self destruct.