Car Repair World

BMW X5 - Dealer Parts Rip-Off Not every part of a BMW X5 is available from a non-dealer source and not every part that is available from a non-dealer source is as good as the dealer part, but there is no doubt that BMW dealers charge rip-off prices for readily available parts. If you can, buy a good quality part from a non-dealer source and either install do-it-yourself (DIY) or find someone who will install for you. Background: - BMW X5, 4.4l, model year 2000. - Bought new. - 129,700 miles - Dealer maintained for 7+years until they overfilled oil and did not install new oil drain plug gasket! Dealer rip-off: Now in the back of my mind, I knew, I really did, but it was not until after I had an alternator failure and dealer charged me $1100 for a rebuilt Bosch and I found out that I could by the very same, the very same rebuilt from numerous Internet suppliers for $400 or less. $1100 from deal and $400 from every where else? And I am not talking $1100 for parts and...

BMW X5 - "Check Brake or Rear Lights How to replace brake lights and rear brake light on BMW only 1 out of 10 times has the problem actually been a bulb. Most often display when extremely moist outside, like rain for days. Problem is connection between bulb holder and rear tail lights assembly. Hassle to fix cause tight quarters but definitely a do-it-yourself (DIY) job. Background: BMW X5, 4.4i, model year 2000, 133,700 miles. "Check brake lights" or "Check rear lights" display. Tools needed: - Electrical contact cleaner (sold at home improvement stores and Radio Shack). - Small needle nose pliers. To replace brake lights: You get to brake or rear lamp assemblies (attached to SAV) by removing the access panel on each side. A connector off the wiring harness connects to the tail light light assembly and provides power to 3 lamp holders via bare metal strips around the holes in the light assembly that are used to hold the lamp hold...

BMW X5 - All-Wheel Alignment The BMW X5 requires an all-wheel alignment. This should be done when new tires are placed on the sports activity vehicle (SAV). It is not necessary to have an alignment done at a BMW dealer as most places that do alignments, can align all wheels of the X5. Background: BMW X5, 4.4, model year 2000, 145,000 miles as of this date. All-Wheel alignment: You should get an all-wheel alignment on the X5: after installing new tires; after any sort of suspension work and after any sort of collision repairs. =================================== BMW X5 - Battery and Alternator Background: BMW X5, 2000, 4.4L, 143,000 miles Battery: Original BMW battery replaced twice in 6 years.  Would die suddenly without any warning at all.  No longer use BMW batteries. To ensure X5 electrical does not leak drain battery, have installed a  Priority Start . Priority Start disconnects battery from X5 if voltage of battery drops below a set thre...