On our x5s, the oil light comes on about 2 qt low. It is at least 1/2 qt below the dipstick when the light comes on. That said since it holds 8 quarts, that's like a normal car being 1 qt low.

Our cars both let you know when oil is starting to get low because it takes a few seconds for the valve noise to disappear on cold start. Full of oil takes 3-4 seconds but about 1 q low starts to take 10-13 seconds, and the oil pressure light takes an extra second or two to go out.

When I can count to 12 before valve ticks go away then I know it's time to get a bottle of Mobil One.

I've done this repair about six times. The trick to get it out or in is to rotate almost 90°. Pointing up and down.

The air bag will attach backwards into one of the mounting points very convenient

When not broken from a stuck lock bar (almost always the cause when cold) it's simple fatigue failure. My back left door carrier just broke a couple weeks ago I haven't had time to take it out and repair yet. I'm planning on repairing the exiting carrier I will post photos

That wasn't the problem - that part is easy. It was once the carrier was up in place and I was ready to screw it down, it "rocked" - if one end was flush with the door panel the other was 1/4' behind it - push that end flush and the other end moved back a 1/4". It was hung up on something I could NOT see. And when I eventually got to sit flush at both front and rear ends and screwed it down, the entire pull latch was jammed, like it was locked. I think the lock cam was hung up on the end of the window runner or something.

Dang odd... but as I said, I pulled the whole thing out and started again. Seemed better that time - no significant issues. other than bruised knuckles from fecking with the ball joint on the cable too many times! :rolleyes:

I see. In that case I've had that happen and sliding into position from the front of the car toward the back would usually get it in within a couple tries.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

That looks outstanding - going to have to do this for sure! Where did you get the vinyl you used from?

I just checked those out - thanks for the recommendation. I usually favor the floor liners because they don't have such aggressive/high tread pattern. I drive barefoot most of the time and the liners are much more flat, smooth and more comfortable in compassion (since they have tall side flaps instead to hold in any mess). Feels good to the feet. :D

amazon... make sure its 3M stuff not china crap.

https://www.amazon.com/3M-M12-MATTE-...adhesive+vinyl

and you can get it in whatever color/pattern floats your boat. Like I said I avoided the patterned stuff because if it didn't match 100% from drivers side to passenger I'd lose it

I'm pretty sure I've driven barefoot and definitely only socks and found the rubber comfortable to step on. I'll try to remember to test that for you. I like the rubber better than the weather tec plastic.

Alternator died on me the other night, so today I pulled that sucker out!

First time doing an alternator job, and got it out in about 2 hours time following a DIY video on youtube!

Gonna have it rebuilt and reinstall it tomorrow.

Mine ended up being a Valeo 140a unit, made in France.

I rebuilt mine with a $20 usd kit. I didn't need to replace the bearings just the slip rings and brushes. Xoutpost and YouTube saved me a ton. Even a copy cat alternator was $300