X5 WORST BUILT CAR IN THE WORLD!!!!!!

[jspdr]

Originally Posted by PropellerHead

It's pretty simple, really. A rust belt car- ANY car from the rust belt- is going to be more prone to the types of issues the OP is having, especially if they are made more difficult by rusted parts. We know only where the OP has driven the car, not where the car was driven when it was abused/not maintained. (For the record, not maintaining = abuse)

The history of the car when it was not being maintained is relevant to the OPs problem because the environment where it was driven is relevant to the condition in which the car is currently. Like an abused animal (human or otherwise), a short time in the current environment is less relevant than years of abuse. That kind of thing takes time and effort to undo.

These are all common sense, nothing new... We just don't know exactly what caused OP can't do what he wanted to do, perhaps he did not have the right tools as he mentioned.

[Sweep_the_Leg]

Before the OP goes any further in making the rest of you think Midwesterners are idiots and/or consummate BS'ers, I'd just like to go on record as saying that I have had NO problems whatsoever finding 16mm, 19mm and larger sockets in the KC metro area. I'm a pretty light DIY'er (oil changes, sparkplugs, valve cover gaskets, etc.), but the only tools I've had to had shipped in are the larger (and almost BMW-specific) oil filter housing removal tools.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by Sweep_the_Leg

.........................but the only tools I've had to had shipped in are the larger (and almost BMW-specific) oil filter housing removal tools.

Perhaps this is what the BMW mechanic uses a crescent wrench for..

[davintosh]

Originally Posted by Sweep_the_Leg

Before the OP goes any further in making the rest of you think Midwesterners are idiots and/or consummate BS'ers, I'd just like to go on record as saying that I have had NO problems whatsoever finding 16mm, 19mm and larger sockets in the KC metro area. I'm a pretty light DIY'er (oil changes, sparkplugs, valve cover gaskets, etc.), but the only tools I've had to had shipped in are the larger (and almost BMW-specific) oil filter housing removal tools.

This. I live in an even smaller midwestern city (who here has ever heard of Sioux Falls, SD, much less been here? ) and I have zero problems finding the tools to get the same jobs done that this guy has been unable to do. In fact, the socket needed to get the axle nut loose was part of a cheapo Chinese 1" socket/ratchet set that I bought at a local farm and home store (like this one, except with a metal case and a price tag about $120 less.) If he can't find these things in KC, he isn't looking very hard. And we do realize that even though that nut is 36mm, a 1 5/16" would work just fine.
Wrench Size And Conversion Table

As for the so-called mechanics that can't get the job done, words fail me.

I'll cut the OP some slack and guess that his rant was fueled by alcohol or low blood sugar; at any rate, his silence since page one is deafening.

[Sweep_the_Leg]

I happened to luck upon the set including my 19mm socket at this tiny little mom-and-pop, super-specialty store called "Lowe's". Some really obscure manufacturer called "Kobalt".

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by Sweep_the_Leg

I happened to luck upon the set including my 19mm socket at this tiny little mom-and-pop, super-specialty store called "Lowe's". Some really obscure manufacturer called "Kobalt".

I heard they sell "picnic gear" there as well

[admranger]

Originally Posted by davintosh

This. I live in an even smaller midwestern city (who here has ever heard of Sioux Falls, SD, much less been here? )

Dude. Please.

Yankton high graduate. Was in SF last year for my niece's graduation from Augustana. Yeah, btdt.

For the original poster: 19mm = 3/4 inch so you should be able to find one of those nearby.

The 16mm is tougher, but there's this thing called the internet and you can order stuff off of it. Works pretty good so I'm told.

Also, to free frozen brake rotors. Take the set screw out of the rotor. Then reinstall all the wheels. Tighten the lugs but leave them just slightly loose on the wheels with the offending brake rotors. Now get up to about 5mph and put the brakes on. Should free them right up. If not, jam the brakes on from 5mph. Maybe try 10mph if it doesn't work at 5mph.

Hopefully, since your original post you've been soaking things with PB Blaster penetrating oil (the best, though Kroil is nice too). Things should free up rather nicely.

Having had my own frustrating past couple of weekends (still ongoing), I understand. Just take a breath, relax, and systematically go about things. If you haven't bought a Bentley manual yet, now's the time.

Good luck.

[pezho405]

Originally Posted by admranger

...
Also, to free frozen brake rotors. Take the set screw out of the rotor. Then reinstall all the wheels. Tighten the lugs but leave them just slightly loose on the wheels with the offending brake rotors. Now get up to about 5mph and put the brakes on. Should free them right up. If not, jam the brakes on from 5mph. Maybe try 10mph if it doesn't work at 5mph.
...

Good luck.

I just put a lug nut bolt in and wack it with a hammer.

Maybe Op forgot his Handbrake..??

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by jspdr

These are all common sense, nothing new...

Well, now you've confused everyone.

1. YOU asked what the location had to do with it.

   Originally Posted by jspdr

   I am saying 12 years old X's were operated all over the country. What does the location where X was in 1 or 2 years has any thing to do with OP frustration and problem?

2. YOU *then* suggested the question on its history was irrelevant by characterizing it as 'Monday morning quaterbacking.'

   Originally Posted by jspdr

   It is easy to be a monday morning quarter back.

3. Finally, you said the questions were common sense and nothing new? If these answers are so common sense, why in the world did you ask the question in the first place? (see #1)

   Originally Posted by jspdr

   These are all common sense, nothing new...

The only sensible thing you've said is that we don't know what the cause is. That's true. But it's only true bc there are many possible causes. Not because the history is irrelevant. Or wait. It is. But it's just so obvious that it's not.