E83 Half axle replacement

[JP-X3]

While replacing rotors and pads on January 1st (nice way to start the year!) I noticed my wife's 2004 X3 has a torn outer CV joint boot on the driver side (Left). I have been reading the boards and there is plenty information for the X5 but not much for the X3. I plan to do this the next weekend and will share the details.

My plan is to replace the entire half axle because there is a clunk when turning left plus some years ago I actually replaced the 4 boots on a 1993 Toyota Corolla and that was a lot of work, too much grease to deal with and at the end the joint had suffered some damage so no need to go down that road again.

I have recent experience replacing the struts and the rotors so I am very positive about this project!