The drop the control arm and uncliping the joint from the shaft allows you to insert the new boot over the joint. This quick solution is only a complete repair if the boot has just cracked or beginning to split and you catch it Before dirt or water gets into the grease and bearings.
This project is quick and can be accomplished with just the front jacked up on stands. Takes 1 hr plus set up, clean up, and dropping the X5 back down on the wheels. There are lots of images posted on this process.

Note:
Pushing the axle hub out and pulling the axle free, doing a COMPLETE bearing tear down and cleaning out all the grease, inspecting and repacking the boots, is in my opinion the correct way to go IF you are in anyway concerned about dirt or water contamination , or if the condition of the bearing is in question. ESPECIALLY, if there was any snapping and popping coming from the front end on HARD full lock turns. The process of turning clockwise or counterclockwise to determine CV joint condition, forces the joint into max flex position exposing joint "looseness", hence the joint no longer flexes freely but snaps from position to position as the ball bearings have worn spots and or cage is bent.

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2005 X5 4.8IS
The Blue ones are always FASTER....

Current Garage:
2005 X5 4.8is
2002 M5 TiSilver
2003 525iT
1998 528i
Former Garage Stable Highlights
2004 325XiT Sport
1973 De Tomaso Pantera, L Model
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 4 sp Alpine White
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 4 sp GoManGo Green
1971 Dart Sport, “Dart Light” package
1969 Road Runner 383
1968 Ply Barracuda 340S FB Sea-foam Green