Degrading plastic - older X5's - plastic degradation

[HSV2006]

This thread is simply to share my experiiences with those of you with aging X5's.
I own a 2002 X5 4.4 with the sport package/suspension.
Presently have 194,000 miles.
I endured a valley pan gasket leak for a long time. Finally decided to fix it, and do other things along the way. Normally I do things myself, as much as I can, but after a recent move I let my local private shop do the work.
While going into the valley pan gasket, we also replaced the valve cover gaskets, all water hoses, and the water pump.
The ills of plastic degradation then started showing its ugly face.
First to go was the expansion tank. It developed a leak.
Replaced it.
A little while later another leak developed.
Couldn't find it at first. It did get worse.
After a few weeks, the leak was significant and easier to locate.
A broken hose.
We missed one in the replacement.
OK. Good to go!
Well... not quite.
Another leak.
The small leaks can drive you nuts.
Found it.
Degraded plastic under the upper hose connection.
So, a new radiator.
Granted, some of the plastic could possibly be repaired another way, but let's face it. Plastic only lasts so long.
Great weight saver. POOR for longevity.