Help with possible repair issues, please?

[kdzgon]

Hi,

I'm hoping to get some feedback on my current issues with my X5 from people more knowledgeable than myself!

I own a 2001 X5 4.4i, approx 118,000 mi (purchased second-hand from my brother). The AC stopped working so we brought it to the dealer. (We have recently moved to the Ft Myers area and know no one in the area to ask for a shop referral). I also have a small oil leak (literally one or two drops over a >24 hour period after I first park the car. There are no warning lights on at the moment.

The AC repair is an apparently well known issue, the final-stage resistor. Price to fix that is approx $370. They say I have not one but two oil leaks: one from two collapsed hoses behind (leading to?) the crankcase ventilation valve, and a leaking timing chain cover. The tech said he cannot believe my check engine light is not yet on. The quotes for those repairs are approx $1,500 and $2,500 respectively.

The tech recommends the ccv repair ASAP, but says the timing cover can wait as it is not too bad yet (literally a few drops when parked, but I have no idea how bad when running. I did just have the car detailed several months ago, incl steam cleaning of the engine - it does not appear to be covered with oil even now).

I did price the AC job at a local area shop, but he quoted me $900 after looking up the time est in a book. Not only was the price higher, I was not comfortable with an alleged "high end import specialty" shop unfamiliar with what is a common BMW problem (it took me less than 90 seconds to find lots of info on it via an online search).

My questions:

Are these prices in line with what you might expect (given it is from a dealer)?
Does anyone have any experience with BMW of Fort Myers?
Does anyone have any recommendations for a reliable quality shop in the area?

Most importantly, we are supposed to take our grandsons on a trip to Orlando this weekend. Do I need to get this problem (ccv) fixed before I go, or can I chance the trip (est 350 miles or so for the 4 days).

I know no one can give me a definitive answer based on this message alone, but I'd appreciate any "educated guesses" you might be willing to share.

Thanks so much!

Laurie