so even after I rotated the gear, I was getting the lights inconsistently.... i ordered a brand new actuator and replaced it and now my car is fine. sucks that I had to blow $700 instead of having this workaround actually work.

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2007 X3 3.0si Minivan / Alpine White / Black Leatherette / Brushed Aluminum / Steptronic Transmission / Navi / Xenons / Premium Sound / 18" 205-Style Wheels / Ordered 4/4, Production complete 4/16, ED Pickup 5/15, ED Dropoff 5/24, Arrived on Integrity 6/17, VPC 6/19, Released to Carrier 7/9, Re-Delivery 7/12!