Skid Plate bolts, removal problem

[coachelladoug]

Hi,

Last night, I tried to remove the skid plate, so that I could do the oil change, and coolant flush (old out, new in).

On my X5 4.4i, I had a hard time trying to get the skit plate bolts out. I noticed that they are held in place by a nut on the other side of the frame. Is this correct, or did a previous owner/mechanic make a mickey mouse repair?

I found that the bolts need to be replaced every time the skid plate is removed. http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...e-removal.html

Also, there was a link to what the replacement bolts look like Home Page > Search > 31101096987 > ES#48819 Hex Bolt - 31101096987

I have not seen any instructions that say that the bolts are held by a nut. I may be 100% wrong, and I hope that some of you may guide me on to the light!

Pictures of the bolt (fuzzy, my iphone camera sucks), andsecond picture shows the nut on the other side.

[TiAgX5]

The bolts are threaded into nuts, you need a box wrench and or a deep-reach socket with ratchet wrench to hold the nuts while you remove the bolts.

[coachelladoug]

TiAgX5,

Thanks. Would I need to order new nuts, or reuse the current nuts?

I was not able to remove the skid plate, because none of my ratchets or wrenches can fit in the small space and grab a hold of the nut. I even have a large ratchet that swivels almost 90 degrees, and no way to grab the nut and stick the ratchet in the small spaces.

Anyone has a special tool, or the name/model of the ratchet or wrench that can fit up there for this job?

[SlickGT1]

Yup you have a nut on top. All 6 of them. The rears are sort of easy. The fronts you can get with an extension and go over the half shaft. This is with the wheels on, and on ramps. Good luck.

[TiAgX5]

These are one time use fasteners, 41 ft/lbs then 90 degrees distorts the bolts and nuts thread geometry. Order new ones.

[coachelladoug]

Sorry for the confusion, but order new bolts and nuts, or only the bolts?
And for the bolts, is the Mfg Part#31101096987, correct?

[amacman]

Simply use a spanner to hold the nut whist you loosen the bolt with a socket.
This is how I did it . A bit tight for space but it can be done .

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by coachelladoug

Sorry for the confusion, but order new bolts and nuts, or only the bolts?
And for the bolts, is the Mfg Part#31101096987, correct?

That's the bolt and washer, the nut is 33306760587 . You will need 6 of each. Should be under $25 for everything.

[coachelladoug]

TiAgX5,

Would you point me to where I can buy them for @ $25.

ECS has the bolts and washer for, set of 6, for $28.26
and nuts, set of 6 for $8.16 (part number 33306760587, flanged hex nut, for sway bar end link) Don't know if this is the correct nut.

[TiAgX5]

Picked up a set from RealOEM about 1.5 yrs ago for under $25, try there.