HELP, I KNEW IT, THE X5 4.4 HAS FINALLY OVERHEATED AND DIED!

[kalsingh1]

I have had nothing but problems since I bought this 4.4 V8 X5 sport 2001 LPG.
It now has 180K on the clock. I have been through the experience of the gearbox losing reverse, replacing door handle carriers, reversing sensors died, replacing water hoses near the back and close to the gearbox several times.
Basically the car has seen the garage about every 6 months on average, and we were scared every time what was going to happen next. It has cost me a fortune.

It had been mystrously drinking water for a while, with no signs of any leaks. Wife continued to drive it recently while one of the hoses blew off and overheated. Now I am getting symptoms of Headgaskets and it refuses to start.

I am now left with a dilema. Do I sell the car has it is, or do I repair it, been quoted around £800 for headgasket job, and a further £500 if piston rings are found to be damaged.

Why is there no one in this country who will not recondition the 4.4 engine? Most of the BMW mechanics I spoke to swear that the engine never runs correctly after a rebuild or Headgasket job?
Replacement second hand engines are going for about 2k - 3k and there is no proof of what the mileage is.

Has anybody had a 4.4 engine rebuilt?
I found a few national UK companies offering a rebuild, and when you research them on the internet, they are nothing but scam merchants.

Any sensible ideas folks ?

Thanks