I have a set of FUTV skid plates that lines up properly with the drains, but can do an entire fluid change (trans, front diff, and engine) in under 30 mins. Just slide a paper towel tube through the skid plate until it's on the drain plugs, let it drain while you do the oil filter, and you're done, then front diff takes maybe 5 mins.

 

Drill out the rivets, replace with rivnuts. Drop the skid for oil changes.

 

This... 110%

 

I was considering rivnuts until I saw this video. I recently did my first oil change on the same vehicle as yours and fashioned a funel out of aluminum foil. Still still looking for a better solution.

 

I was considering rivnuts until I saw this video.

Best mod I have done, I have had mine off so many times I lost count.

 

2022 they changed the cross member it isn't an issue with the cut out on skid but rather the cross member. I made a post about this.

Oil drain hole 2022

I know this process was a bit messy before however on previous years from what I seen it was a open hole. Looking at my 22 there is now a metal bar blocking half of it to add to the fun. Curious if the older x3 are the same or if this is new.

www.maverickforums.net

 

Rivnuts are the way to go. While I had mine off I went ahead and reinforced the skid plate under the transmission just to be on the safe side. I mainly ride trails but sometimes you can’t see the stumps in the bottom of a hole until it’s too late Not the prettiest but it will do

un

 

removed rivets. inserted stainless nutserts , stainless flat head socket cap screws with blue loctite works for me. I also made the drain hole for the oil on the rubber skid plate bigger, if I don't want to drop the skid plate

 

I did the rear skid on mine with 1/4 x 20 Riv-nuts

and 1 inch long stainless Sidewalk bolts. 25 is all you need. They work perfect for the job.

 

I did a 1/4-20 rivnut conversion on my entire skid when I installed the AGM tank. I did the small front diff skid when the car was new. There is a plastic driveshaft loop on the newer cars that still causes a mess, I'm planning to modify it but I'll wait until the next oil change.

 

FYI... Don't use a drill on the rivets. A flat head screw driver and hammer works the best. It only takes me 5 minutes to remove all the rivets on the whole skid plate off.

 

Drill the head of the rivet off takes about 3 seconds per rivet.

 

An air chisel works even better.