I have a 2001 BMW X5, and I was told by the dealer that my thermostat is bad, and that coolant is leaking, even though I didn't see any coolant spots on my garage floor, but anyways I was wondering how hard is it to replace because the dealer wants $456 and I think I would rather do it my self.... My engine is a 3.0

wow have you checked w/ an indy shop in your area.
that seems real steep for a small job.
does the engine overheat, or was this just a check up.

They're probably quoting a coolant change, too. Parts and labor are expensive at the dealer.

$456 isn't that high for a dealer. I remember it being a $400 job on the M52 engines when I was there (about a year ago). $456 for an X5 doesn't seem outlandish. $90 thermostat (from the dealer, anyhow), $20 coolant and 3 hours labor at $100 or so per hour(I think we charged 2.5, although it never took more than an hour), and suddenly you're at $450.

its a fairly easy job. i did one today. the most difficult part is getting the fan shroud back in properly.

So how would I change the thermostat on the X5, and where would be a good place to get one, the dealer said the part costs 130 from them and I think that there has got to be a better place to get one....

Thanks.

I might have to wait a little before I install the thermostat because its 3 degrees here, and they told me about the problem after I got an oil change.

So how would I change the thermostat on the X5, and where would be a good place to get one, the dealer said the part costs 130 from them and I think that there has got to be a better place to get one....

Thanks.

There are lots of online vendors. You might try Bavauto.com or Pelicanparts.com. I've had good experiences with both of them and both are BF.c sponsors.