I don't want to part out but they are hard to sell so I might still stick around for a while. It feels strange to me how I still desperately want to hold on to it although it brings me so much aggravation. But in the end, it's the right thing to do especially if I want that new 2015 WRX in the stable ;)

I won't ever drive anything that isn't a BMW...

The X5 is the most problem ridden BMW I have ever owned though. I've never had this many nagging issues with any previous BMW. Don't get me wrong, it's been reliable. The issues I have just nag because I have OCD when it comes to cars. I'd drive it across the country as it sits, but the squeaks and minor issues are driving me batty. It stinks too because I have never loved driving a car as much as I do this one, I just need something a little easier on the wallet and less thirsty at the pump. Looking at getting another E46 330 or something.

One rear ball joint done. The correct tool makes it easier. Other than Engine rebuilds and transmissions, you can really repair in day sessions, what needs to be done. I bought mine with 92k knowing I would need to do all this and glad it could take up to 8 hours for everything, while doing it from the ground on my back.

FYI, my ball joint was broken (tire wear) but could not wiggle the tire in and out once the air spring was deflated. Usual sign of a bad joint. Glad I went ahead and did it. 3 hours max each side. Replaced everything minus the sub frame bushing.

If you're doing integral links, replacing the ball joint is an easy while-you're-in-there job.

I have the ball joint tool if you'd like to borrow it; I'd just ask for $100 deposit. Once the tool is returned, I'll refund the deposit minus the shipping/insurance cost (~$15.) Same goes for any others needing to do this job. I haven't done the ball joints with the Autozone/Advance Auto tools, but have done it with this tool; easy stuff.

And yes, deflating the air springs is very necessary, but very easy; just pull two fuses then pop the air fittings from the tops of the bags. One guy I lent the tool to a while back had coil springs on his, and said it was an absolute bear lining things back up. I'm sure there's some special procedure that involves compressing the springs for vehicles equipped that way.

I almost took you up on the offer until i saw the bolded note... Will need to figure out how to line things up before I pull the trigger and tackling this work. :-)

Coil springs on yours?

Just looked it up; they use a "special" coil spring compressor, but I'm sure you could get by with what's available at auto parts stores, and use it with confidence that it won't screw anything up nor make the job any harder than it ought to be.

BMW Workshop Manuals > X Series E70 X5 3.0d (M57T2) OFFRD > 2 Repair Instructions > 33 Rear Axle > 53 Springs With Suspension > 2 RA Removing And Installing _ Replacing Rear Left Or Right Coil Spring

http://workshop-manuals.com/bmw/X_Se...age-542003.png

Yeap.. I am wondering if i can use the coil compressor tool.

Yup. I amended my earlier response with a link to the BMW Workshop Manual info on the job.

I'll take you up on the tool offer Dave when the time comes, even though my miles are low I'd like to tackle the usual wear items back there within the next year or so, ball joints/integral links run about 150 or so, and the wishbones and guide links about another 250-300 depending on brand, those can be done without special tools.

Going to inspect my subframe bushings as well and start getting things lined up, last year was devoted to front suspension, this year the rear could use some love.

You're already on my list, RB. Penciled in. ;)