Thanks to everyone for all the words of wisdom and advice on brands to avoid. I'm hoping I'll be able to fix and reuse the one I have, but will definitely have one on hand to swap in. Either way, I'm planning on following the excellent DIY @andrewwynn put together here.

Considering that the OEM part lasted 21 years, I'm probably going to spend the extra $$ and go that route. I know I've always been pretty cautious about lifting up rather than pulling out, but I'm not sure my wife has and I KNOW my son hasn't. Hard to train teenage fellows to be "gentle". :-)

Will report back as I'm making the repair.

Chris
Lockhart, Texas
2005 X5 3.0 Schwarz Black
2002 X5 3.0 Titansilber