Help! Is this normal for torn CV boot? (caution. graphic pic)

[StartX5]

I found the same problem with it [cv boot driver side] this morning @72.5K. Most of indy shops won't replace just CV boot but the entire axle. Reading some articles about DIY CV Boot replacment but still can't do it myself!
I called my auto repair friend he said he will replaces just CV Boot for me and charging $100 labor for each site [I checked passenger side and CV Boot doesn't look good even though it's still clean]. I have been told that not driving the X if I really need to. Calling BMW Part Dept: $85.00 for each side CV Boot kit including axle nuts.

So here are the options

CV Boot replacement:
A. Buying 2 outer CV Boot Kits for both sides = $170.00 + $200.00 labor = $370.00

Replace new axle:
B. Buying 2 OEM axles for both sides = $1100 at dealer. Bring the old axles back to the dealer that save you $100.00. Labor cost $150.00 for both sides. Totally I will pay at least $1150.

Therefore, i will take option A.

You better not buying cheap alxe $80.00 < $160 via ebay or some others store, your X will vibrates after you replace those aftermarket axles.

[m5james]

Considering my labor is free and I caught it early, I did a new boot for all of $12 on eBay. NEVER goto the stealership to purchase parts people. Service if you don't have or trust an indy in your area, but not parts.

[StartX5]

I wish i can DIY. I don't have enough heavy duty tool to remove strut/ball joint etc.
$12 is great ebay's CB boot quality may be better than the BMW part. They produce bad quality CB boot.

[m5james]

Find yourself a nice indy or just shop that is competant and charges reasonable prices. Tearing control arm and other bushings are the biggest concern. Other than being kinda of a bitch of a job, I've done worse...try removing transmissions with a car that is only a couple of feet of the ground when all the lifts are full!

[lo7100]

I got mine from autohausaz for $10 each. OEM or close to OEM stuff.

[ard]

Originally Posted by killcrap

the joint is replacable separatly. the whole axle does not need to be replaced

Originally Posted by m5james

By the time you pay for the labor to either replace the boot and/or the single joint, you'll probably still be cheaper off to just replace the whole axle. Someone mentioned on another thread about an eBay store or some other shop that rebuilt them using stock parts and were far less than stock pricing and included a warranty.

As I recall it is simply a circlip that holds the CV onto the shaft. Which means you only replace the outer CV, and not the shaft and two CVs.

I've not worked on X53s (although I bet killcrap has...)

Pricing wise, it looks like the WHOLE axle should run $400-500ish....shop well, DO NOT go to your local dealer unless they meet Tishher/GetBMWParts, etc, etc I did not look for a price on the CV joint alone.

[m5james]

There is a circlip that holds it on, but then you've still got to install to purchase the joint ($45), install the boot using a special tool for the clamps, and then reinstall the whole thing. For only 2x as much, you can just replace the whole axle assembly as one solid piece with a unit that has the same warranty as the $400-$500 unit that the dealership sells.

[ard]

I'll admit I didn't spend a lot of time searching, but it looked like the axle was $500ish at the cheapest online place.

If you are going non-BMW parts (ie OEM or aftermarket) I'd cut that in half...

But again I havent shopped.

A