On the X5, it's a 2002 with 133k on it. The issue with the V8 is that the timing chain guides, made of plastic, will crumble at anywhere between 100k and 250k. If you shut down IMMEDIATELY when this happens (if you know anything about engines, you will know when this is), then you're talking a ~$900 job if you do it yourself. Indie shop would be about $2k, and BMW dealer about double that. If you keep driving, forget about it, a replacement engine is about $15k+ unless you're lucky to find a used one, but who knows what shape that would be in... Yes, I had many other problems, but those have all been taken care of at this point. I really like the vehicle overall (I got the 4.6is w/ the 360hp engine and 20" wheels, including 315s out back). Price was right, and appearance wise, it looks almost showroom condition inside and out.
Back to the topic at hand, namely mom's house. The columns out front for the gate are finally (almost) done. After having 5 different "experts" come look at the drainage issues, the consensus is to put in a culvert with a 15" drain pipe in front of the driveway and a secondary one with a 8" drain pipe at the low point on the driveway within the gate. That work will begin next week.
Builder still has to make good on a number of outstanding issues, like leaking gutters and broken window/door screen. They are about to be given an ultimatum...
