Correct there pal or at least I'd like to think so (although knowingly driving with a potential bomb wasn't my best move albeit unavoidable!). I'm currently reshelling one of my other cars a E46 330d into a E46 M3 shell so not afraid of getting stuck in - kind of looking forward to this job on the X5 in a way as I'm sick of seeing all the oil and grime that's built up on the engine - it's affecting my OCD! Plus I do really like the car it's definitely grown on me. I've gone past the point of totting up what I've spent on it - it was only supposed to be a 'cheap tow vehicle' at the beginning. But then like every other car I've owned it started to get modified...then I was hooked!

Think the hardest part of all of this is swallowing up the large parts cost. I've given my friend who works for BMW here in the UK a list of all the part numbers I believe I need so I can pick and choose what I get that's OE and then parts I could save some money on and get alternatives I can do. Tensioners ,guides themselves and chains are pretty much a given that I will probably stick to OE parts - gaskets etc however I maybe able to get Victor Reinz, Elring etc will be just as good just considerably cheaper.

Does anybody recommend a reputable brand for the Vanos repair kit - it seems BMW don't do the kit themselves although they are happy to sell you a full Vanos hub or 2!!