i couldnt take it anylonger. took it to a place, free est.

lower control arms! jesus,
ok im going to look for the article on ccv. i need some steering fluid also. but they want 1300 in labor only for oil, spark plugs, brakes, and the lower arms. WTF!?

ok found this
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...under-cpo.html

but can someone point to me a DIY on this? i want to get back there and take this hose out asap.

also, man, which control arm do i get?
Control Arm

shouldve ask the mech. doh!

last question,
where do people get this application , pdf?
http://www.xoutpost.com/attachments/...d2-medium-.jpg

at top of this page click on HOW TO`S then E53 TIPS then online parts catalogue
one is a control arm the other a tension strut , at least you`ll get part numbers and $$$
and see if you can find the crank vent system there because i could not .
there should be diy brake jobs here or on other forums , on the how to page near bottom are links to e38 and e39 where you will most likely find good diy .

i know how to change the brakes. phew. ive done them before.

but the ccv is going to be hard to find.
the control arms i will do myself and spark plugs as well.

thanks amacman, i will buy the control arms today

where would the ccv part be? i looked under vacuum control, etc cant find the ccv.

one hose leaves rear of left cam cover then goes to oil sepparator ( this has drain back to crankcase so get clued up before touching ) the hose leaving sepparator goes to another part at back of plenum chamber.
it previously showed in parts catalogue but no more ??????
there are diy posts in forum .

this looks like it. Oil Separator and Intake Manifold DIY - Page 3 - E46Fanatics

that`s the 3.0 litre engine oil separator , on the V8 engine a hose leaves the left cam cover at rear then goes to the oil separator behind right cam cover . a hose then goes from there to diaphragm on rear of plenum chamber in centre of engine .
why dont you just replace the hose for now and see if that helps . try e38 . org , they show v8 engine but the oil separator is incorporated into diaphragm so no separator at right side but at least give you better insight to repair .