bmw x5 e53 2005 CV boot vs Axle replacement cost vs difficulty

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Originally Posted by talljames

Hi all, I have a 2005 X5 E53 4.4i and my front CV outer boots are torn. I have the option of replacing the full axles with both cv joints or just do a CV boot replacement. I see that BMW CV axles are expensive but have heard issues with aftermarket ones (GKN etc). The genuine BMW CV boot replacement kits are obviously much less expensive and you can pick up pullers for hub and cv at decent prices. However, I have read that the difficulty of CV boot replacement is a lot harder than replacing the whole axle. Also, there seem to be posts on different procedures for CV boot replacement where they vary which items need to be unbolted. The other thing is putting the CV joint back on and fiddling with the circlip.

Just wanted to check on those who have done this job if they had the same dilemma on which path they chose.

regards

Pricing probably varies quite a bit here in the States but when I had torn outer CV boots that ended up damaging the CV joints, the dealer wanted around $450 for the joints and around $150 for the boot kit. (just the parts) I ended up going with Chinese aftermarket complete axle assemblies for $100 each and have been on my X5 for over 7 years at this point with no issues at all. Even the boots are still in perfect shape.

So for a truck that is 15 years old, I didn't see a need for factory axles and saved probably $1500-$2000 after everything was installed. (nearly half the value of this truck over here)