cv boot torn, but how to tell if i need new cv joints or axle?
 

I recently changed the oil on my 04 x5 3.0 and noticed that the outer cv boots are torn. But how can I tell if i need to replace the cv oints or axle? And where should I buy OEM parts from?

Both are torn?? You can inspect the joints when you remove the axle assembly. If it hasnt been too long most likely its fine to simply replace the boots. Clean the unit up, and replace grease and boot. But if both are torn at least one of them may be compromised, since its likely been that way for some time. Any noise when making tight turns? Vibrations? I wouldnt replace joints if there are no noises or vibrations. You can tell if its a recent tear by the condition of the grease splattered inside the wheels and suspension components. If its fairly recent and you havent driven in lots of wet or dirty roads the grease will be mostly fresh looking.

Just fyi, the dealer has a boot repair kit for this for about $50 each. Dealer labor will be about $300 per side.

Yeah there is a grinding vibration when I turn into driveways. I noticed the grease splatter a couple months ago but didn't get around to get under the car to see until now.

If it's torn you're on borrowed time. Replace with OEM or oes only

Anyone have a diy link for this? I just want to make sure i have all the tools before i do it, but i changed out my front+rear diff oil today and saw my pass front inner one is torn a little with some fresh grease around.

This job has been the subject of great debate and is very little fun. A lot of grease, both the car's and from your elbows....

On my 03 I did the boots first, twice.... Then the tension strut bushings went and another rodeo with the hubs ensued. I know every nuance in the grain of of the fender liner material by now :-)

So when my 4.8 needed new wheelbearings I decided not to have to take the hubs out three times. I took the hub carriers completely off the car and put in new wheel bearings, refreshed the CV boots which looked close to failing and changed the bushing and the knuckle joint on the tension strut.

BMW tecks are apparently not up to this job (which I did in my garage at home, recommend you get 12 ton press from HF) and will change the hub and the hub carrier for new ones and not deal with the greasy mess. I didn't ask them but I bet the bill for that together with the strut and the boot must be close to 3k.

The bearings and bushings I think are about $500 IIRC but just the boots at the dealer will be 950. So your costs all in with the press will be less then the dealer cost for both boots + R/R.

Had both outer boots replaced when I brought my X5 with 140,000 miles on it. Found an Indy that was recommended by the BMW owners in my area. Cost for parts and labor for both sides was $500.00.

I replaced the axle and seal myself for about $120

My first boot failure was at 57k miles and the second at 67k. Definately something to watch for. Both were outter boots.