Front strut tower cracks?
 

A local 4.8is owner who is looking to sell their X5 posted some pictures of the shock tower with cracks around the bolts and some bolts protruding further than others. He stopped by and it’s not clear if the front air springs have been replaced, but the ride is much much looser, obviously out of alignment, and does a strange bounce when stopping.

Lots of stuff to unpack, but primarily wondering if the board has seen any strut tower cracking? I know it’s an issue with tracked e46s and others, but I’ve never seen it on a air suspension x5.

First I've heard of it.

Almost seems like you'd have to get it airborn to produce that result.

Upallnight, that one is so sad. Here's a mild one but with video capture of the BMW in flight.

https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/l...video/2308961/

That’s what I am thinking... some type of impact, especially based on how the suspension handled. My first thought was if it was missing the belly pan structural support, but low and behold it was there. Also thought struts could be switched (angle of the bolts) but can you even install struts wrong? Unfortunately the vehicle has a decent interior and has had the heads replaced at the dealer (some time ago) so VSS have been handled. But with the suspension issues, transmission weak (170k), and some other typical X5 troubles (headlights, door handles) it’s just too much of a project.

... unless I can get it for a crazy deal ��

When I decided to redo whole suspension on my 4.6is at 106k miles (IIRC), I discovered that one of the front strut mounts had considerable cracks in it.
Of course, it's not the same as mine had struts vs the air ride and crack was in strut mount rubber and not in shock tower.
But, it may have something to do with 20" heavy wheels and not much rubber to cushion plus if the PO hit the bad pothole with already tired or blown strut / airbag, I'd say it's very possible.

Scary, do a deep dive into alignment to see if the unibody is bent from high fly Dukes of Hazzard jumps