X5 4.4 engine swap worth it?

[jmitro]

agree with everything X53Jay4.8is said.

in my opinion $600 for an engine swap sounds very inexpensive. What kind of corners is the mechanic cutting to justify such a low price? Not to mention all the "while you're in there" fixes that should be done with the engine out.

[upallnight]

How to make a small fortune in flipping X5's Start with a LARGE fortune.

[Rockit]

Originally Posted by dizmo

Well, the one with the blown engine would be $1,200, the one with the blown tranny would be $800, and the swap would be $600.
I don't have the time or space to do it myself.

What other things generally go wrong? Both vehicles were running until recently. I figured since the one has a rebuilt tranny already done, that's one of the big hurdles out of the way.

Dizo....if you don't know these cars they will bite you very hard. Don't take on the project..01 have many many issues. Once you take out the trans and engine every rubber hose will fail. Anything made of out rubber of plastic that gets hot is no good regardless of mileage so the entire cooling system. I will guarantee you the total suspension is shot. That other trans will probably go soon as well as the other engine.

These things cost tens of thousands to put right.

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by Rockit

Dizo....if you don't know these cars they will bite you very hard. Don't take on the project..01 have many many issues. Once you take out the trans and engine every rubber hose will fail. Anything made of out rubber of plastic that gets hot is no good regardless of mileage so the entire cooling system. I will guarantee you the total suspension is shot. That other trans will probably go soon as well as the other engine.

These things cost tens of thousands to put right.

FYI-seldom posts anything other than something similar to the above yet still has and X5.

[bcredliner]

I don't think I would move forward regardless of what you plan to do with it. There are way to many unknowns, meaning it is very high risk project. I suggest spending more $$$ and find something that is already roadworthy and comes with some history and stands up to a pre purchase inspection.

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

I don't think I would move forward regardless of what you plan to do with it. There are way to many unknowns, meaning it is very high risk project. I suggest spending more $$$ and find something that is already roadworthy and comes with some history and stands up to a pre purchase inspection.

Definitely in favor with your recommendation. I imagine by now the original poster has gotten enough information to make a very good assessment on how to proceed.

[Plattus1000]

To be fair, I was mostly playing devil's advocate. I did however pepper my statements with more than a few hints that it was pie in the sky thinking to expect to pay $2,600 out the door all said and done but I'm not him nor do I have eyes-on.

Sometimes our standards of a worthwhile vehicle and someone else's are very different. I'd want it as close to factory fresh when done but perhaps he just wants a running rig he can bling out with 24" wheels and 3 subwoofers. Who knows.

I would pass but then again. I'm a gambling kind of guy when it comes to possibly cool outcomes.

90% certain he should walk away but I'm rooting for the other 10%

[crystalworks]

I just don't see the value in taking a 3.0 to a 4.4? Maybe a 4.6 or a 4.8 would be worthwhile... but again the expense nullifies most of the "cool" factor in my mind. Sorry to be negative, but I'd definitely pass.

Might buy them to part them out and make some money though. But I don't think that's an option in your case because you mentioned the lack of a workspace.

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

I just don't see the value in taking a 3.0 to a 4.4? Maybe a 4.6 or a 4.8 would be worthwhile... but again the expense nullifies most of the "cool" factor in my mind. Sorry to be negative, but I'd definitely pass.

Might buy them to part them out and make some money though. But I don't think that's an option in your case because you mentioned the lack of a workspace.

I think its a 4.4 to 4.4L swap but as noted before to much risk for the potential on return. By the way you are not being negative in your response just realistic.

[deepblonde]

Originally Posted by dizmo

Hey all,

I am currently considering a project, and I thought I'd run it by you guys first to see if it's actually worth it. I can currently get a 2001 X5 with timing chain issues for a good price, as well as a 2001 X5 with a dead transmission.

The vehicle with the timing chain issue has had the transmission rebuilt, and the brakes done within the last year.

The engine in the one with the dead trans has apparently been updated to avoid any timing chain issues.

I know a mechanic that will swap the engine for a decent price.

Is this a worthwhile project, or is it a bit too much?
What should I be looking for?
Any other well known issues?
While the engine's out, what should I change/replace/update?

Thanks for any tips or advice!

Originally Posted by Plattus1000

But, for the prices he's throwing out, I'd say go for it. My engine swap(4.4 to 4.6) just the labor, excuse my bad Canadian (labour) was $3k. The guides and some preventative maintenance on the e53 was $3,600

For $2,600, and I'll assume that's the funny "before we got them all apart" price, he could have a running X and a parts car to sell or pick from over the next few months/years.

Doesn't sound like a bad path. Could be but not necessarily.

So the good 4.4 already has the timing chain upgrade work done?
I'd say go for it!