I've never replaced one before so more than likely I will take it to a shop. The problem is finding a decent shop who doesn't over charge me.

+1, Do it yourself.

I would but don't have time and environment to work on it. I think I will have a local shop replace a left axle for around $440. This is the lowest quote I've got after calling a dozen places this morning. :(

I have just hade mine done by a dealer in the U.K
£317 (for the pair)
didn't think that was too bad.

$404 for a pair is an excellent deal! Too bad I can't find a local shop like that here.

You could also buy the parts online and just have an indy do the labor. Might save a few bucks.

buy the shaft !!!
 

And then drive around till You find a shop that will do it ,there just like drive shafts on all the cars on the road .Just make sure there careful with the sensors around there.

Got my car serviced at a local bmw/mini specialist shop, I thought I only needed front driver side cv boot replaced but found that the passenger side boot was also torn and a small oil leak detected. I wasn't too happy with the $$ but the good thing is that it's running good. :thumbup: