Long story / short I purchased an 03 x5 a few months ago with known transmission issues (fail safe and output speed sensor code). I've completed the tear down and rebuild of the ZF 5HP24, the Valve Body and had a local transmission shop rebuild the torque converter.

The transmission is on the jack and I'm almost ready to put everything back together. I've read through most of the threads about the x5's transmission and feel pretty confident about getting it back in but had a few questions.

• When looking at the back of the engine about the 9 o'clock position are 2 bolt holes that are NOT threaded into the engine block but instead had a nut, is this normal? I've not seen it mentioned any where else.


• The BMW manual mentions using a tool to align the torque converter to the ring gear, I'm contemplating getting an appropriate sized bolt and cut the head off. (BMW part number 24 2 300 i)

•*When filling the transmission with fluid should I use the filter change instructions? I'm pre filling the torque converter with as much as it can take before mounting it.


The transmission had several blown gaskets on the A clutch as well as a bad bearing between the clutch B and brake C. All the gaskets/seals were replaced and a couple of bearings as preventive measures. I rebuilt the valve body after a complete disassembly / cleaning revealed no issues with any of the castings.