Strut Replacement Recomm - Do it yourself ? (archive)

I've a 97 528i with about 80K miles (I really enjoy driving this car!)
Problem #1:
Tonight, I noticed a puddle of oil under the right front fender well. Took a look and noticed a wet oil river from the rubber boot at the top of the strut. I have never personally replaced any struts, but have done shocks. I presume a spring compressor or other specialized tools are required ? Has anybody replaced these yet ? I don't know much about brands, but prefer something a little bit tighter than the OEM struts. I've been doing home wrench work (rebuilt VW engines in high school), and have done all my own medium-to-difficult repair work my whole life. However, this is my first BMW, and I don't have any prior BMW experience. All suggestions are much appreciated.

Problem #2:
The first time I start the car up every day (and becoming more frequent), after the car runs for about 5 seconds, a high pitch, resonating-type squeak comes from the engine compartment for a few seconds. Gives me the impression that it is a pulley, but can't be sure. It is EXTREMELY hard to find, since it only happens very briefly, but is coming somewhere around the belts or AC compressor.
Last year, it also happened, but went away when I replaced the belts, the water pump, and (fortunately) had the alternator bushings replaced (they looked bad, and the diode looked cooked since the duct had leaves stuffed in it). But, after about 6 months of having gone away, the sound is back.

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