Another EGR Cooler (P2457) Thread...

[12PGM35D]

Alright guys, I recently purchased a 2012 X5 35D with 79k miles earlier this month. About (2) weeks after purchasing it I noticed some small, dime size, oil spots on the driveway. After I cleaned everything up with brake clean I was hoping it was one of the easy to get to oil lines leaking. Took the X5 to my local bimmer shop & lucky it was the short, upper oil feed line leaking. Replaced that & no more oil leak.

While I had the X5 there I had the shop do a full inspection. Shop suggested I keep an eye on the EGR Cooler as there was some soot near the common leak area. I noticed that as well before bringing it to them. No CELs at the time, so of course I wasn't going to worry about it. They quoted just under $1300 to replace it.

Put another (200) miles on so on the X5 & pop, CEL comes on. It was the small CEL that is up top. Went by my local Advance Auto Parts, borrowed a scanned. P2457 was the code, "EGR Cooling System Performance".....of course. I did not clear the code as I am trying to decide if I wanted to take it by the dealer or my local bimmer shop. Performance & drive ability has not changed. Since the CEL popped on I have probably put another 150+ miles on the X5.

I've been on the phone with BMW NA, my local BMW Dealer, the BMW Dealer I purchased it from & my local bimmer shop trying to decide what to do. According to the "Warranty Vehicle Inquiry" paperwork I received there is still an 'Active' Federal Emission Warranty up to 80k miles.

Unfortunately the research I've done so far doesn't look like the Federal Emission Warranty will not cover the EGR Cooler. My vehicle does have the updated EGR Cooler Bracket installed. I've seen only a couple situations where people were super lucky & got the cooler replaced under that warranty but it looks like the majority have not.

My question, will there be any issues if I continue to drive the X5 with the P2457? Like I said, currently no difference in performance or drive ability.
With about 80k miles on the X5, if I replace the cooler, I might as well look into replacing most or all of the vacuum lines & have the CBU service completed. Local bimmer shop quoted around $1600 for the vacuum lines & CBU service.

Usually I prefer to replace a bad OEM item with something better aftermarket. After a little research I came across this EGR Race Pipe...

EGR Race Pipe for BMW 335D and X5 35D

Does anyone have an experience with this item?

I've already inquired about dyno tune packages with my local bimmer shop. Of course, if I were to delete the EGR Valve/cooler it would need to be tuned.

Sorry for the long post, just trying to give all the info I can. Any feedback, input or suggestions is appreciated!!