Sorry to hear about your problems.
I've seen the Transfer Case DIY somewhere here,didn't seem to be a messy one.
Leaking power steering hose doesn't sound as complicated as a blown head gasket,right?
3cyl thing..pull the codes first. some misfires?

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e53 '00 4.4i Oxford Green II Freshly rebuilt tranny(2nd one) and transfer case/front shaft
e70 '08 3.0si Sapphire Black cinnamon leather 7 seats
e61 '06 530XI Sports Touring Silver - SOLD