2004 4.4 valley pan and coolant pipe replacement

[xfive'r]

I just got an estimate for my recently purchased '04 X5 4.4 to replace the valley pan. Parts&Labor came out to $1260. In addition to the leak in the pan's gasket, they told me that there is a potential problem that they can see now with the the coolant pipe's gasket (runs through the valley pan) and that it will probably leak in the future. To fix that problem, they told me it's going to take approx 80 hours and $8,000. It's a HUGE job b/c the engine has to be taken apart even more to get that pipe out. There's an alternative, whereby they would use a non-BMW "kit" to replace the coolant pipe. The current pipe would be cut in 2 pcs (so it can be removed) and the kit includes a 2 piece pipe that somehow can be extended to fit. This is the cheaper alternative b/c no other engine components need to be removed. Parts&Labor is estimated at around $1,000 (in addition to the valley pan cost). I'm thinking that I'll just replace the valley pan and take my chances with the coolant pipe. Especially b/c the "kit" may leak just as well as my existing pipe (since the kit's pipe is 2 pcs). Has anyone else had this problem? This is my first BMW and I'm realizing now what everyone told me....they're expensive to fix.