valve cover and front thrust rod bushing repair

[dream54ing]

Dealership recommended the valve cover and front thrust rod bushing needs to be replaced. How difficult is it to DIY and how important is it to get this addressed since its a recommendation oppose to critical/needed items.
Theres a video the did showing the two items; i can see some fine cracks on the bushing and the oil is minimal for the valve.

[mudpaw]

Valve cover isn't too difficult. I replaced my gasket Thanksgiving week. The back three bolts suck, very difficult to access. FCPEuro has a complete valve cover with gaskets for about $260.00. I recommend you also purchase a crankcase vent hose since the chances are high it will break when you try to remove it, $20.00 from RockAuto.
I have not had to do any suspension work yet, so I am not help on the thrust rod bushing replacement. You Tube is a great asset.

[arucano]

I would try an indy. both of these jobs are mainly labor and can be done by any competent facility for a lot less. The "starting to seep" is valid for a third of the bmw's

[Opie55]

Those prices. OMG. This is the point where a couple routine repairs cost half the value of the car. Neither job is hard as a DIY if you are a DIY person. But for example, to do the thrust arms you need to remove the nut that holds the whole hub/brake assembly to the drive shaft. To replace that nut, you need the ability to tighten it to around 300 ft/lbs. I'm guessing you don't own such tools. But the thrust arm bushing is full of oil. It's bad when you see stains on and below it because the oil leaked out. But as a DIY, you can get both arms for maybe $300 in Lemforder brand (makers for BMW) - a savings of $2,000. As for the valve cover, you can try and get by with just a gasket, but the valve covers are plastic and often crack. But again, you'll save $2,000+ as a DIY.

[dream54ing]

Thanks guys, probably do more research and have someone with some idea to help! I dont think the issues are urgent since its only showing signs of wear/leak, so hopefully theres some time between actually doing the job thanks again!