BenFenner's 2004 Silver SUV

[BenFenner]

The rusty wheel bolts are likely a result of the 150k miles on the car, and spending most (all?) of its previous life outside in Pennsylvania.

That said, the car now lives in an area that sees almost no rust, and the new bolts still developed some quick corrosion.

Originally Posted by X5chemist

Take my money! I want new black bolts!

I don't need to take your money, BMW will do that?



(I forgot to mention how I routed the washer fluid lines in my previous post, so I've edited it to add that tip/hint.)

[X5chemist]

BMW would definitely take my money. New bolts and using a rachet instead of an impact would save bolt color. I'll paint mine black. What's the torque spec?

[BenFenner]

Torque spec I believe is 103 ft·lbs dry.

I torque mine wet, so use 60-75 ft·lbs instead.
See these two video sections for more info on wet torquing (with anti-seize in my case):
https://youtu.be/-hSmtLVESSM?si=U9Xz6B_xdNcbI3d4&t=997
https://youtu.be/V1Y3aB94lwU?si=-8ZnfdQYyOfd9G-t&t=1352

[BenFenner]

Install audio aux input | Album

I'm an oddball and really like my auxiliary audio inputs, and if you recall I mentioned wanting one in my initial post. After that I quickly found good info on the OEM solution and added it to my wish list.
I've been sitting on this particular part/modification for a long time (kit ordered in late January but not installed until mid-June), but today is that day.

The installation is relatively straight forward, but I show using a T-9 torx driver to remove the factory head unit when the proper tool is a T-10 (which I show purchased later in the album, but the T-9 gets the job done). Also, I think a little bit of electrical plug de-pinning is involved but it's no big deal. The instructions that came with the kit show where to install the 3.5mm auxiliary audio port in the glove box, which requires a little bit of drilling. I spent a long time thinking this over, and where a better spot might be that would be similarly hidden, but maybe require no drilling and just overall be a better solution. I'm used to figuring out this sort of thing and improving on what I may be told, but in the end I decided BMW's suggestion actually was the best option so I went ahead and followed the directions in this regard.
Finally, it is very helpful after removing the head unit to to fish a wire or similar up from below the glove box and passenger foot-well area to behind the center console to then tape the aux wire to, and pull it down through the back of the dash to where it needs to go. Just channel your inner electrician here.

I'm not sure if the cars with navigation require a different kit, but mine specifically was for cars "W/O navigation" so take that into account if you're following along. I believe the kit re-purposes the non-existent CD changer input, but I could be wrong there.


Parts:
$47.70 | OEM 3.5mm auxiliary audio input kit (for cars without navigation) | 82110149390


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