Expert: Mike Evans - 8/26/2009

Question
I have a 2004 BMW X5 , 3.0 with a sports package , where could I buy an axle nut for the left front axle  and an air filter at a reasonable price? Also how much torque should I apply?

Answer
    You should be able to get an air filter at any good parts store.  The V8 filter is actually a good bit cheaper than the 6 cylinder one.  Fram seems to have the price set a bit high, but all the other makers are quite reasonable.  Ford truck air filters cost a good bit more.  I could find no aftermarket source for the axle nut.  I think you will have to go to BMW for that.  They should be able to give you the torque setting as well.  It's important that these nuts be replaced with new ones each time they are removed.  They deform when installed and that gives them their self-locking feature, almost exactly like a Chevy rocker-arm nut (which should also never be re-used, by the way).