Thanks for sharing your experience with those various CV boots. I replaced my first one last September, after almost 16 years with my 04 4.4i. It had about 41k miles on it at that point.

I noticed Amazon UK sells the Bailcast ones, but they won't ship it to the US for some reason.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CVS18-Unive.../dp/B0080DLLIY

I may try your method when I need to change the other side. I used GKN Loebro 31607507402 last time. It's one of the quality ones people have suggested in this thread. The documented "30 minute method" took about an hour and a quarter with two people (the other one a seasoned mechanic).

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...em-31607507402