Not sure about StrictlyBMW in Bellevue be any cheaper than dealer.
My friend was quoted trans rebuild @6500, that's dealer teritory:(

Could also be that they didn't want to do your friends tranny.

Selling one old used car to buy another old used car is a crapshoot. Getting a much newer one, or one under warranty, makes sense. It seems you aren't poor, so buy some piece of mind. Time is valuable, so don't waste it on screwing around with an old transportation car. If you find a Bugatti in a barn, then that is another story...

It is a buyers market for SAVs, so get a deal while you can.

Nothing is to say that after you flip it, the new ride won't have issues as well. At least you know what your issue now are and if you like the X, then keep it. Being paid off is a good thing.

Let's look at it another way. How much do you want for it?