I will also try to replace my front axle after a lot of reading and good advice her. I just wonder where to buy the oem parts. I found these prices:

esctuning.com, Remanufactured Front- Left, 31607565313KT $600.63
oembimmerspart.com, Front left axle. GKN Loebro OEM. 31607565313X5 $269.95
bavauto.com, Drive Axle Shaft - Left. 31 60 7 565 313 $ 174.95

The parts form bavarian auto seems almost to good to be true and real oem. I have good experience with esc and oembimmers but do not know if bavarian is the best here. any advice!?