Outer Tie Rod End
 

I took my X in for a front to back check to decide on whether or not to cancel my extended warranty. The mechanic said he wishes he could have found something wrong but it's in good shape. The only thing he noticed was that the bushing around the outer tie rod end is worn. He said I'd probably need to get it fixed in the next 2-3 months. He initially said that all I would have to replace was the bushing, but he'll call me back with the total. When he called back, he said he couldn't get just the bushing and that I would need to replace the whole tie rod end. So instead of it costing roughly $40 for what he estimated the bushing would cost, it would cost about $180, then an hour of labor. Then recommended a wheel alignment. So now I'm closing in on $400. Mind you, this is not the stealership. It's European indy shop. Anyway, I called my previous mechanic and he suggested that maybe I should get the part.

SO....my question is this. Has anyone used and can suggest any of the following brands:
MOOG
Raybestos
Beck/Arnley

Since I have time, I'm ordering them off Ebay and having my previous mechanic put them on. I didn't even consider A/C Delco due to an alternator issue with my Audi. Long story. Thanks in advance.

For tie rods I typically suggest genuine BMW or Lemforder. I have new ones available HERE.

http://c1552172.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/214674_x600.jpg

One thing I've read a million times on this site is that OEM isn't always the best way to go. The aftermarket makes some to the parts stronger/better, and most likely cheaper.

^for tie rods on the X Lemforder is typically a little more budget friendly but the genuine BMW ones are a great quality product.

Still odd to me overall that you can't just replace the bushing. I mean they had to get it in there somehow right?

I know that it can be squeezed using a press, which will extend its life to another two or three years.

OEM is aftermarket. OE is original, ie from the dealer. I agree that OEM aftermarket isn't always the best way to go, quality is often down from OE. I would use OE from the dealer or a trusted online source.

I replaced mine with lamforder and have 80k miles on them and still good.Replace the whole thing is better anyway most of the time the rod arm is rusted and you can't do the alignment.

Go with Lemfoeder for 1/2 price cheaper, Lemfoeder is trully OE parts for both BMW and Mercedes and the quality is the same as genuine parts. I replaced Lemfoeder lower controls arms, bushing, ball joints, sway bar linkages for my Mercedes E320 for 15K miles now and they are great for just halft price of genuine parts.
FEBI is also OE for Germany cars but they are cheaper than Lamfoeder and Genuine.

How do I order from FEBI? I went to their site and there's nowhere to purchase it.