OK, it's been a while since I last posted on here. But, here's where we're at.

I'm impatient and was frustrated so I took it to the dealer. :D I know some will be unhappy about that, but in the end I want to drive my X5 so I had a professional do it. No, it wasn't cheap but in the end I think it was the best choice.

I got it back after 2.5 weeks with the following done:

Valve Cover Gaskets
Upper Timing Cover Gaskets
Timing done (I think they said it was off 15*)
Gasket for Tensioner Bolt (I guess I missed this)

Those were the pieces of stuff I did they had to fix. Apparently I didn't "preload" the valve cover gaskets so they were leaking again. And the gasket for the tensioner bolt was also missing which was leaking.

Also, their inspection showed the front lower control arms needed to be replaced so I had those replaced.

I don't regret replacing all the cooling hoses and replacing a lot of parts, but I have learned to stay out of the engine. I feel much better about everything now and I should be good to go for a while. Now she runs great!

I'm also still waiting for other parts to fail, like the window units. And I need to clean the passenger mirror...it searches around when in reverse.