Reinforcement Plate Bolts: Are they really $16 each?
 

2005 X5 4.4i V8

So, I took the plate off to get to the starter since the battery was dead and I couldn't get into the car. I got into the car and have a new battery and need to put the plate back on.

I have read many posts about these bolts/fasteners being 1 time use. I have seen old posts where these bolts used to be $3 each. Are they really $16 each now?

This X5 was not driven hard and the bolts have no real wear at all. Please take a look and let me know if you think that I'm safe to use these bolts again.

I just bought the vehicle and the radio doesn't work. I was told that the amp needed to be replaced. I believe it got wet. The car has an extended warranty and I just need to get it to a shop so that they can check out the amplifier and maybe order a new one.

Anyone know where I can get some cheaper screws? Would still like to use what I have if I can.

Thank you in advance.

No one is going to tell you that it is safe to reuse your bolts for the stiffening plate. A number of us have reused with no problems others have replaced them every time they removed the bolts. I have removed mine on 4 occasions and reused them with no problem. Maybe on the next repair that requires removal of the plate I'll change them. its your call

I wonder if they can be replaced with reusable ones of the same dimensions? I'm pretty sure Tacoma Screws would have them. If the sub-frame bolts are reusable, I wonder why not these? What would be so special about that reinforcement plate? And why did BMW specify non-reusable bolts?

Easy money easy profit. manufacturers do this all the time.

I know there are Yays and Nays but I went to Ace and got proper 10.8 grade bolts along with nuts and washers for around $25 IIRC.

Probably class 10.9. The 0.9 vs. 0.8 means the yield stress is that amount (90% vs. 80%) of the ultimate tensile stress. So it's not just a little different. I'm sure 10.9 is what you got, since that is the higher strength standard. (8.8 is lower, 12.9 is higher still)

I've re-used mine. Just be aware that you can't use the same torque procedure (initial torque + angle after that) when you re-use them. You want to get back to the same amount of tightness without causing any more plastic deformation. If you were to use the same procedure multiple times you would certainly push it further into the deformation zone until it breaks.

On the radio, if it is still getting wet there, it is likely to be a problem with the hose leading from the left rear corner of the sunroof. Common problem on these cars, easy to test, easy to fix. Whatever it is, of course you should make sure the leak is fixed before replacing the stereo.

agreed. Just make the bolts tight and your good to go

I have re used mine. And I think I have read most of the threads regarding this issue. In none I have read have I seen an explanation of what kind of engineered task that plate provides that necessitates the use of a TTY one time bolt! I don't want to start a whole pissing match on this, but would be very curious as to why. While I was working on my 01 I ran quite a while with the plate off and didnt' notice anything going on. Inquiring minds want to know....

You're probably right. I know I've matched the original ones in terms of grade.