CPO Warranty - ECU re-programming and heavy steering issues

[cslcsl49]

Hello,

Glad to join this club! I just pruchased a BMW X5, 2003, 3.0 (68,000 miles) with CPO Warranty good til 2009. So far, love the car !(my first BMW! - drove the MB 320, VW Passat, and Rabbit for the last 5 years)

It seems like the car delays its initial acceleration from a complete stop for about 1-1.5 seconds... not sure if this is normal for the X5 or if there is something wrong with the ECU program. The dealer says they need to re-program the ECU and its not under the CPO warranty - Cost: $190-260

Also, the steering feels a bit heavy - I had the car checked and the dealer says the front ball joints and the thurst bush bearing needs to be replaced. Again, not covered under the CPO warranty and the cost is $900-1000.

Anyone else have similar symptoms?

If these are not covered under the CPO warranty, should I shop around for an independent shop for better price/service or go with the dealer?

Thanks,