I checked at the Alternator tonight. 12.1v car off, 11.6v car running. This Alternator is for sure putting nothing out.

Alternator
 

I think the reading coming out of the alternator should be near 14v. Looks like you've found the culprit. i hope you don't have to take out a loan to replace it.

Yes, this is what I have heard. I do remember doing a volt check as soon as I put the Alternator back in and it was in the 13's. I just went with it since I really didn't want to pull it back out. Oh well. It's coming out in the next few days as my Expedition my wife is using now is also giving me issues. Never ends.

It never ends
 

My wifes's Honda Accord needed a timing belt that was &475. We ended up spending about $1,100 before it was over. Right. It never ends.

CD Changer / MP3s
 

I'm new here, and I've been through this entire thread and I didn't see this one, and just learned it myself.

I have a 2006 X5 with the business CD. (also an icelink for the CD changer).

If you are using the business CD (not the changer), and using an MP3 CD (burned from iTunes, where each album is in it's own folder), pressing M and Next track skips to the next album/folder.

Has anyone mentioned the straps under the spare tire that raise it up to you? I found it in the manual, there's a handle aft of the tire that pops into the tailgate. Then, when you lower the tailgate, it pulls on the straps under the spare tire and lifts it up and towards you. This way you don't have to throw your back out trying to get your spare out of the trunk :)

Anyone come with more hidden features????

Lot of stuff here.

Don't know if this one was mentioned (searched)...

If your X is sitting out into traffic a little (say in an alley) and you want to make sure it is seen and not run into in the dark, you can turn on the parking light bulb for just the right side or the left. All other lights will remain off.

To do so, after removing the key, move the turn signal lever in the direction of the side you want to be on.

I thought that was a european only option

If you are speaking of my post... Then it works on my US spec car.