This is a very odd place to rust, especially when there's a splash cover over it. Does the sunroof drain onto them?

Did mine yesterday. Only the caliper hose though as the rest of the lines were in good condition. At 120k miles old and having driven on salt-laden roads for most of its life..:rolleyes:

No. The drain spout goes through that area though.

Just finished buttoning mine up after cleaning and wire brushing the crud and spraying with protectant I am all good thanks to an extra set of hands from a fellow X5'er. Thanks man! What a fun way to break out of the cabin fever than firing up heaters and working in the garage.

Just to reiterate taking the panel (it was way longer than I thought) off is tedious, there are numerous 8mm (6-8) and (3) 10mm screws and the rocker panel trim also needs to come off as it covers some screws as well. If thats not enough there are also one time use plastic rivets so be prepared and have those on hand come reassembly time and you will also have to move the heat shield out of the way as well.

Even though mine was minor Im glad its out of the way!

Hey Everyone, I highly recommend everyone check their brake lines as viewed in the photos in this thread. I have an 05 4.4 with only 65k (garaged) and brake fluid was leaking after having completed a 4 wheel brake job. Took it back to the mechanic who did the brakes and he checked all around but couldn't find the leak. Then, he dropped the splash cover and there is was - corroded brake lines just like the pics in the thread. I cannot believe there hasn't been more of an uproar over this. It's 2014, corroded brake lines on an effing $65k SUV? Really?

BMW will only issue a recall if the costs of lawsuits are greater then the costs of a recall. Some one or a bunch of people needs to die first or get injured before BMW will take any actions.

Seeing that it takes around a decade to become an issue, and brake line inspection is included in the BMW service inspection list, no action will EVER be taken by BMW. If BMW is not maintaining/inspecting the vehicle, and repairs/inspections go undone, BMW holds NO liability in failed lines.

How do you know that is the BMW way?

Plastic shield is nice in idea (preventing damage by road debris) but it prevents metal lines from being washed by rain water or car wash by owners.

Salt used in winter floats in the air so it collects on any metal lines (Honda Odyssey van REAR AC line similar issue), even it is shielded by plastic panel.

So if one is diligent, spray some water from a garden hose in the Spring, but aim it high and through the plastic panel for good measure.

BMW (and ALL other manufacturers) recommend regular clean water chassis wash/rinses when the vehicle is used on salted roads. Did you and all POs do this?

I do this routine for all of my cars. Best time is around end of April or May. Get on my knees, aim the hose upward and spray all around.