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

[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..??