Access to jack / getting wheels off

[elmo]

I have had my X5 a few months and now need to replace the rear pads; no problems there, I thought, as I have done the job many times before on my previous cars. However, two snags ; firstly, whilst I know I am a bit short (in stature only!), I had much trouble in reaching into the hatch to get at the jack. Surely others have found this a problem - in the end I had to stand on a box and contort myself.
The other problem - which I had encountered before on my Grand Cherokee (!) - is that the (alloy) wheels are really stuck to the (steel) hubs. I have tried pulling, to no avail and hammering the tyre from behind was of no use either. I haven't tried lying underneath and kicking the wheel/tyre yet as I thought someone might have a cleverer way to deal with it. Of course, I'll put copper grease on the faces when I put it back (if I ever manage to remove it). Obviously, it is easier if it is up on a garage ramp but I don't have one of those! Any ideas??

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by elmo

I have had my X5 a few months and now need to replace the rear pads; no problems there, I thought, as I have done the job many times before on my previous cars. However, two snags ; firstly, whilst I know I am a bit short (in stature only!), I had much trouble in reaching into the hatch to get at the jack. Surely others have found this a problem - in the end I had to stand on a box and contort myself.
The other problem - which I had encountered before on my Grand Cherokee (!) - is that the (alloy) wheels are really stuck to the (steel) hubs. I have tried pulling, to no avail and hammering the tyre from behind was of no use either. I haven't tried lying underneath and kicking the wheel/tyre yet as I thought someone might have a cleverer way to deal with it. Of course, I'll put copper grease on the faces when I put it back (if I ever manage to remove it). Obviously, it is easier if it is up on a garage ramp but I don't have one of those! Any ideas??

Hi there .. I have difficulty reaching stuff in the back too .. including getting the dang spare out!

Might not be wise getting underneath the X WHILE trying to shake the wheel off.

Try this thread for suggestions:
http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...uck-wheel.html

[X5 Meister]

And this:
http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...r-removal.html

[amacman]

ELMO, i remove floor hatch or it can be hooked to top of door frame on 2002 X5 , then sit on lower hatch to reach jack . TWINSPOPPA, my X5 has a strap system under spare and a plastic bar that fits on lower hatch when it`s closed , then by lowering hatch the wheel lifts up out of floor , then fit another plastic bar to hold hatch open . all relative info on spare wheel and tool kit is in drivers handbook supplied with car .

[elmo]

Thanks, Guys. I'll try the technique of putting the studs back in hand-tight and gently lower the wheel down. I agree, prob not a good idea to get underneath and kick in case it comes off the jack/stands. I'll report back - may wait until tomorrow now!

[Quicksilver]

Last time I had this problem was on the e60
when road side service tried to get it off.
It required a good size rubber hammer and some
gentle persuasion as the wheel was turned.

Tap tap tap on that wheel, from the inside outward.
Not too hard though. Just keep it up until it comes off.
It took a little while but it worked.

OBTW a 2X4 against the wheel will distribute
the force of that hammer and reduce any
chance of wheel damage.

[redvault]

I find it best to get the jack out by lowering the back seat and gain access from the rear passenger door.

[elmo]

Right - the trick with lowering the jack with hand-tight studs did not work. In the end, I resorted to the piece of wood and a "Manchester screwdriver" (a lump hammer) - pleased to say it worked.
BTW, good idea to access jack from inside the car - had not thought of that.
Thanks for all the tips - useful, as ever.

[elmo]

SITREP - got both rear wheels off using the hammer and wood method. Changed the rear brake pads - very straightforward ; I didn't bother undoing the guide bolts but unbolted the 16mm caliper carrier bolts instead. However, nearly acquired a hernia lifting the wheels on and off!
I also fitted a stick-on "protector" for the top of the rear bumper. It is a genuine BMW part (82110029671) which I have not seen in the UK. I picked it up for $40 when I was in Scottsdale,AZ. Looks good, particularly with black paintwork.
I also tried to fit genuine BMW rear "off-road" mudflaps but I was not happy with the appearance - my X5 has the "Sport Plus" package which means it has the 20" wheels with extra-wide wheel arch plastic trims. These prevent the mudflaps fitting properly. These wheel arch trims don't seem to be fitted to USA models - the guy at Chapman BMW in Scottsdale could not find them listed. Rather strange, I feel. Has anyone fitted rear mudflaps to a "Sport Plus" model? There isn't an issue with the front mudflaps as the wider piece of arch trim doesn't interefere with the fitting.

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by elmo

my X5 has the "Sport Plus" package which means it has the 20" wheels with extra-wide wheel arch plastic trims. These prevent the mudflaps fitting properly. These wheel arch trims don't seem to be fitted to USA models - the guy at Chapman BMW in Scottsdale could not find them listed. Rather strange, I feel.

Ah ha! You have those "LeMans" flares don't you. Please look here on the first post with pics and confirm that is what you are speaking of:

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...explained.html

I wonder which of these is the case:
1) Guy at dealer just did not know the part#
2) Its not avaliable in the USA
3) Its available for special order but he just did not know the part#
4) Its been discontinued so not available anywhere.

Hmmm, I'm going to have to ask Craig of BMW of Bloomfield to help me with my research.