I am finishing up mine as well but we are replacing some more stuff in their just because we are there and figure why not. I will use the timing and camshaft tools.

Well it`s good to know this can be done without special tools just like I thought it could be done , except as you say for the top chains .
How did you remove the damper pulley from the crankshaft . One member managed without the special tool by using a small but powerful air impact tool .The real trick will be getting the correct torque for tightening .Newer models use a low torque setting with 2 further angle turns as it is a stretch bolt , remember to fit a new bolt .. Older models usually go to 300nm .

It's done! The video is on Youtube

The crank pulley was a pain. I used a long apex bit from a screwdriver to pin the flywheel and bought a three foot pipe to put over my half inch drive socket wrench. It came loose after that.

One mistake I made was installing the water pump before the upper driver's side timing cover. One bolt was impossible to install.

X5 Timing Chain Guide Replacement - YouTube

Weren't you worried that you could've damaged the bell housing?

Not really. I used an apex bit and fed it into the flywheel then attached a 3/8 drive bit holder onto it. It fit as well as the BMW tool would've I'm sure.

Fact is, it worked.

Well, as much as I hate to admit it, This thread should be named "timing chain guide replacement for $1000". Still not bad but you pretty much HAVE to use the kit apparently.

I ended up having to buy the dang tool kit after all! Anyway, while I was in there for the SECOND time, I rebuilt the VANOS units with that beisan kit and changed the cam chains (probably didn't need to) and bought more gaskets.

It is like a new truck now only quicker!! The low end torque has definitely improved because the cams are advancing a lot sooner I guess.

Here is the toolkit on ebay so I can get some of my money back. It is the good one not the cheap crap one.

BMW M60 M62 Vanos Tool Kit | eBay

How difficult was the Vanos portion? It seems like the chains and vanos should be done simultaneously in most cases.

Where did you get the tool?

The useless indy that attempted my chain repair also used this technique to lock the crank when removing the crank pulley bolt. What an a**hole. When I did the job myself I found a large chunk out of the housing and damage to the 'fylwheel'. That hole and the matching one on the flywheel is only for timing.

Here in the states, that would be called " Lawsuit " People have to be accountable for their actions, especially when represented by a company.