Expected response... I was hoping to avoid that, and of course taking the car to the dealer would probably be the right thing to do.. eventually!I apologize for not knowing enough about BMW's in the first place; I think that they are fine automobiles. Thing is in the last 11 or so years as an ASE Certified Master Tech I never worked at shops that specialized or catered to them. I have done some of the basic maintenence. If worst comes to worst, I have suggested doing a transplant with a 5.0 Liter Ford drivetrain! Not quite as refined perhaps, but boy would it run!