Quick update - on my 6th day of this motor swap. My first one so the curve is pretty steep. I guess the good news is that the next time I swap a motor into a 2002 e53 i will be quite a bit faster.

Last Thursday, Friday and today (Monday) we’re spent finishing the prep work on the old motor, pulling the axles with the steering knuckles, hooking up the hoist, supporting and disconnecting the tranny , and finally pulling the motor out of the top. Initially I used a motor hoist but it ran out of throw with the lower oil pan still in the car. I could have lowered the car off the jackstands, but the shop has a forklift which did the trick. Hooked that mister up to the leveling bar, took the weight and disconnected the hoist. A few bolts on the tranny were a real challenge, especially the ones with nuts on them at the UK starter flange. Awful to get to. Having the intake and cowl off allowed for easier top access to the upper tranny bolts. I did have to remove the diff as well because it wouldn’t clear the power steering rack where it connects to the steering shaft.

Today was spent pulling the mounting brackets, compressor lots of wiring and hose brackets, headers, flywheel and installing all the above after a really flood clean. A little logistics shuffle with the forklift, hoist, and engine stand and its ready to go in tomorrow. I expect lots of BMW drama however.

Second crank pulley didn’t make it past the vendor as it apparently showed up damaged too from Germany. Motor will go in without it.

Pics when I have some more time.

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Current
Original owner 2002 E53 X5 4.4i to 4.6i swap
2026 G80 M3 6 spd
2025 G06 X5 50e
Former
1972 Audi Fox
1986 Saab 900S
1996 BMW Z3
1998 BMW E36 M3 Sedan
2004 BMW E46 M3
2006 Audi A3 Quatro
1993 Mopar 318 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2015 V6 Jeep Grand Cherokee