X5 3.0L Heater Hoses

[Harley Monster]

Has anyone had any problems with the heater hoses on the 3.0L X5? Has anyone had any kind of failure? If so, at what time and mileage on the X5?

I am just finishing up the repair after a catastrophic water pump faillure, I replaced everything on the front of the engine involving the cooling system. Is was a very easy repair with no surprises.

I replaced both radiator hoses, my X5 is a 2001 with 98,000 miles and original hoses. All the hoses showed no damage whatsoever. They were soft, supple, no cracks inside or out...I don't think they needed to be replaced but my Bentley manual recommends replacement every 4 years and I was at twice that period.

I purchased 3 heater hoses and were going to change them out, but now I have found that there are 4 heater hoses. Their condition is similar to the radiator hoses and I really don't think they need to be replaced.

Has anyone replaced the heater hose that runs behind the engine? I can't even find where it goes from above or below and the Bentley book is no help.

Any BMW trained technicians have any advice for me? If so, should I replace these hoses? If so, how do you get to that hose that goes behine the 3.0L engine?