'01 X5 3.0i engine replacement project

[Eric Giles]

We got started today around 11am. The main goal was to get the oil pan swapped over, all wiring back onto the replacement engine, reinstall the transmission onto the engine and get the entire assembly attached back to the chassis. We almost reached our goal...

Oil pan removed from the original engine. This is actually after cleaning most of the milkshake out of the pan...it was terrible.


Oil pan cleaned and ready to install.


But before we put it on, we decided to quickly weld the oil pump nut to prevent it from coming off. This is a problem on the M54B30 engines, so best to take care of it while you have access.


Oil pan installed.



After that was finished, we finished up installing the engine harness and other items on the engine. We put it back on the subframe and re-installed the transmission.



And this is where we had to end. We got the assembly positioned under the chassis, and lowered the X5 back down but weren't able to bolt everything back together today. We plan to start back on it tomorrow morning, with the goal being to drive it out of the shop tomorrow evening. Keeping our fingers crossed!