Anyone experience issues with tie rods? I have a new "clunk" noise originatin g from the front end. A local mechanic said it's possible the problem is bad tie rods. This same mechanic just replaced the axle boots and repacked the ends... I'm curious to know what the repair should cost and any other advice. Thanks in advance.

Make sure he didn't accidentally leave one of the suspensoin arms loose. This is very possible since you are supposed to tighten these arms while the car is on the ground and it is sometimes forgoten or maybe not tightened enough.

If everything is tight, it is more than likely the thrust rod bushings.

lower control arm or sway bar link is probably bad...

Check your sway bars. You'll have a clunking noise coming from the front end if their loose.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=FA53&mospid=47745&btnr=31_0523&hg=31&fg=10
Part#7
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/y/n/80.png