That 'system' for the spare tire is so cool it almost makes me forgive BMW for putting the battery under the spare tire. :P

Probably already discussed in a thread (as well as the owners manual), but I like how the strap for the spare wheel attaches to the lower tailgate so that opening the lower tailgate lifts the spare wheel up and holds it up for easy reaching.

I've always wondered if it's normal for the engine oil dip stick to have oil only on one side of the tip when measuring oil level. One half of the tip shows oil is below min. and the other side shows the correct level at halfway. This does not change no matter how many times I re-insert it or turn it around while it's back in, whether the engine is cold or driven for over 5 miles and sat for 5 minutes before measuring oil level.:dunno:

Does any one have insight?

I always go with the lower value.

I'm going to love this thread as I'm still getting used to terminology and such with these cars lol. will have lots of dumb questions!

anyway, did all 01 x5's come with airbag suspension? or did some have just regular springs/shock suspension? was doing the brakes on the back of my 01 last month and didnt see any airbags, just springs/shocks from what I could tell. I swear I thought I saw the airbag tank and such in the rear footwell but wont know for sure until I can find time to sneak out and move all the christmas presents I'm hiding under the cargo cover lol.

regardless if mine had airbag suspension and has since been retrofitted to springs...can I remove all the airbag components to free up some space/weight?

Here's a similar thread. All new-comers are welcome to check it out. :D
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...es-e53-x5.html

No need to move the hidden presents out of the way...the last 7 digits of your VIN can pull the build sheet to see if the air suspension is on the build sheet. ;)

If neither of the option codes below is listed on your build sheet...then you have a conventional suspension set-up:

• The rear self leveling suspension (EHC I) is option code s220a
• The dual axle self leveling suspension (EHC II) is option code s221a.

The oil should be checked when the engine is at operating temperature and off. Pull the dipstick and wipe it clean. Re-insert the stick and wait a few seconds. Pull the stick out slowly and keep it pointing toward the ground. It is not unusual that the oil level is different as you turn the stick. The actual level of the oil is at the point where oil is showing all the way around. Inserting and removing the dipstick fairly slowly will usually result in a cleaner level reading. Even if you are quite sure of the oil level, it is a good practice to add less oil than the reading indicates and check it later to eliminate the risk of adding to much oil.

Your probably pulling the dip stick out and holding it sideways just before you check. That half second is enough time for the oil to pool up on the bottom side

good to know! checked my build sheet and nope, dont have. at least I dont have to worry about my airbags blowing out lol!

ok, idiot question #2!

wayy too lazy to look in my owners manual that I bought on ebay but....past couple mornings when its cold out, I crank up the car and put it in gear and get a single "ding" and I look at my dash thinking a code or something popped up and its just the temperature flashing real quick letting me know its 37 degrees outside.

why's it do this? letting me know I should let the car sit and warm up? aint nobody got time for that!

but seriously whats the ding for?