so I literally changed the oil on the x5. is it necessary to remove oil? Is there anyone in Houston area that wants to tackle this with me? =D

I am not sure if you will lose it all. But it was constantly dripping out of the hoses even with oil removed. It's sort of high up, so maybe it won't leak out when you take off the braket, but I personally was due for it anyway.

Feel free to pm me before you start, and I will give you my number for technical support if you want.

When I did it I remove the oil store it and re use it. I use a clean oil pan. Just make shure that the oil pan that you are going to use is clean.

I had Mspec do this for me last year , and they found another oil leak, then the coolant pipe......Hopeful this year will be smooth sailing.

so this is what i'm doing instead of messing with axles

SlickGT1, any suggestions?
http://www.xoutpost.com/980227-post27.html

I don't understand the question.

I don't know how you are supposed to not mess with the axles. That prying of 1/2", is literally going to pull right hand axle out of the diff. So essentially the same, except you need to remove the input shaft. I personally felt it would be easier, and better access to pop the axle from the pass side, after removing the bolts from the strut. If you pry on the diff that 1/2" inch, the axle will still be protruding from the pan, I see that as a pain in the ass waiting to happen. Putting the diff back on, with the axle still on, you need to make sure you install the diff fairly perpendicular to the axle. You do not want to bind that circlip or something. Also, you will need to go around the axle sticking out of the pan to put the diff back on. That area is too tight as is.

If you feel that way is easier. try it. I'm not sure, I only did this once. It sucked.

You are referring to this post correct?
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...oler-seal.html

Attachment 68862

Attachment 68863
So far i've removed the alternator, skid plates, and driver side wheel wells and fender flares.

Next step i'm going drain the power steering reservoir and move the power steering pump out of the way.

unbolt the driver motor mount. and raise it an inch tomorrow.

You do not need to mess with power steering at all. Leave the lines connected, you have enough room to move the PS pump out of the way once you unbolt it from the bracket.

Great write up!