I got quoted today by local reputable indy mechs, they told me 300 with me providing the part. I think I am going to give it a go.

they charged me $40 for the boot, the rest was labor and taxes.

If you disconnect the shock assembly from the spindle you need to have the alignment done. Don't forget to add that to the cost. If you leave the shock attached and disconnect the lower control arms and the sway bar only the alignment is uneffected.

Good point, I got an alignment done after and they couldn't get the camber within spec, but it's only .3 degrees off...should I go back and b!tch to the mechanic?

i disconnected steering tie rod, lower control arms, sway bar, and swivel bearing assembly along with half axle at the inner joint.

I took it to my local guy. Said if one boot went the others won't be far behind. He told me to order the entire shaft assembly. It contains both inner and outer boots and is only $40 more. So I went to partgeeks.com and ordered them. Cost me $185 shipped. He's going to charge me $240 ( Labor ) to replace both right and left axles. A steal I think. Call your dealer before ordering. My 2001 take the 29mm diameter. The newer models I was told are 27mm diameter. Both are available at this link. 2001 BMW X5 Axle Assembly - Driveshaft & Axle - EMPI, FEQ, Front Left, Front Right, Rear - PartsGeek