OK guys, whats the latest thinking on this?

I have to replace the outer drivers side boot. Local indy says 3 hours min to replace boot and recommends replacing entire axle for $166 parts + 2 hours labor.
I'm plan on having the X for many years and I'm concerned how long the aftermarket CV's and boots are going to last.

So I guess it's DIY time.....

• Has anyone really done an outer CV in 30 minutes or even an hour?

• What's the recommended approach....unbolt control arm at frame, per dville

• In dville's method, don't you have to remove the outer c-clip before you can pull the axle out of the outer cv? removing outer c-clip is not mentioned:

I found another thread from a BMW dealer employee.
Nothing to remove really....
1) unbolt the control arm (the straight arm) at the end closer to the engine.
2) swing out the whole assembly by hand and afix with something firmly
3) remove outer boot clamps and cut off the outer boot.
4) grab the driveaxle firmy with vice grips and pry the shaft out of the CV joint against the force of the retaining C-clip.
5) wipe off grease, install new clamp, boot, clamp and C-clip.
6) while applying pressure to push axle back into CV joint, use a good sized screwdriver and poke at the C clip until it snaps in.
7) Apply the grease from the packet and then tighten clamps.
8) put on tie rod and only tighten it once vehicle weight is on the front wheels.

• If you pull the axle out of the outer CV per above, are you still able to clean and re-grease outer CV?

• As long as I'm doing the outer boot, should I do the inner? (2004 4.4 w/65K)

Any other words of wisdom?

Thanks guys!