just wanted to circle back with you guys after figuring this out. I took it to one of the only indies in town that I trust because I just needed it done and was getting them to change the oil pan gasket anyway. When I went in, I just mentioned it to them to get some feedback. They stopped me halfway through the description and said..."POSITIVE it's the front drive shaft splines starting to go". So they have a source for the front driveshafts with the extended spline. They put it in and that was it. clink gone. totally and completely!

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2005 X5 3.0i - 71k mi (9.2018) -> 81k (9.2019) -> 100k (9.2021) -> 123k (8.2025)
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SOLD : 2003 X5 3.0 - 177k mi (9.2018) -> 186k (9.2019) -> 205k (9.2021)
SOLD : 1997 328is Coupe - Hellrot Red
SOLD : 1988 528e w/ Bullseye s256 / MS2 Extra / GC Coilovers / Yukon Coils ~ 300+ HP