I have a new car, I have a new car, I have a new car...!!

Got my car back from my friends today and its like a new car!! No start up marbles, just cranked her over and she sounds like a new engine. There is absolutely NO sound whatsoever-no VANOS, no nothing! The engine runs like a sewing machine, and I know it sounds stupid but it almost feels 'tight'. I've driven a new-ish car before, and it feels similar, I'm sure you know what I mean.

Anyway before I drone on further I must tell you I got a quote from BMW and thay quoted me £3000 in labour just to strip the engine to get to the guide rails etc. Thats before parts and whatever else they would try and dream up and say is wrong with it. My friend changed the water pump and belts, as well as all the guide rails and necessary gaskets and o-rings etc. Parts came to £500 and he charged me £500 in labour. I couldnt be happier. So I bunged him another £100 on top!

Thanks for all your help and advice guys, particularly you James for putting my mind at rest by sharing not only your own tragic story but clearly enlightening me as to what I'm likely to expect in terms of parts required, and basically just having an interest.

On that note, I would like to add that my friend did look at all areas around the engine and properly surveyed them for the possibility of the need for change within the next 50k. He noticed the waterpump had been 'sweating' and the belts had seen better days. Other than that he said the engine was in very good condition.