Thanks guys.

Unfortunately no beer....but 4 venti-sized coffees yes. Nevertheless, now that I have been in there and "mentally cataloged" the procedure I could repeat it in half the time. Putting it back together and testing, then reattaching the bottom engine cover took about 1.5 hours.

If one is doing this in a fully equipped shop this should be no more then 2 hours in all. Not sure where the 1000 dollar quote came from other than an unreliable Service manager.

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2003 4.4i black ext./black int./black headliner (kid's runabout)
2014 535d X-drive, M package, silver/black interior

Sold but not forgotten:
2009 E70 35d, black ext./black int./black headliner (sold 2021)
2006 4.8iS Le Mans blue/cream int./black headliner, SOLD in 2012 sadly...

Other hardware:
2015 Cayenne S (wife's new DD and definitely wroooommmmm)
2016 Tundra 1794 edition crew cab, luxo hauler
2005 Tundra crew cab, weekend hauler. Sold after 150k very happy miles.