N62 Engine....

[Wolfsbain]

Gents,

I just purchased a 2005 X5 4.4 since my 2003 X5 3.0 was written off as a loss after a collision. The lot dealer said that the head gaskets were changed and that was the only real problem with it. But, at start up, it makes a squealing noise for a minute before it stops and runs normal. As it's doing this, the engine sounds like it wants to stall like it's not breathing, then all of a sudden, it's like it catches it's breath and runs normal. Any clues?

Also, I have the Bently Repair manual for the E53, and I loved it when I had the 6 cylinder 3.0i. But I see it hardly references the 4.4i N62 Engine. I'm not happy about that. That book was my bible! But, I've been reading about the "improved" N62 engine from the M62 and all I read is some bad stuff. Now I'm seriously considering trying to trade with someone for a 3.0i. Does anyone have an N62 Engine that can tell me a little about it?

Thanks!

[crystalworks]

N62 is a great engine while it's running right. I wouldn't call it any better or worse than the M62 except that it develops more power/torque. They are both maintenance heavy motors...

You're right about the Bentley. If you want N62 information from a Bentley you will need to purchase the 7 series version to get it.

You will get 2 opinions about the 3.0i (m54) in an e53 here on the site. One (including me) is that they are gutless in an X5 that weighs 4700lbs and has Xdrive. We had an e83 X3 and the M54 was barely serviceable in that. The other camp says the 3.0i is perfectly adequate if paired with the 6 speed manual. I probably agree with that to a point... but 230hp still seems low for a vehicle this large.

The one thing everyone can agree on is that the m54 is most certainly the most reliable option for the e53 X5.

[pearlpower]

Originally Posted by Wolfsbain

Gents,

I just purchased a 2005 X5 4.4 since my 2003 X5 3.0 was written off as a loss after a collision. The lot dealer said that the head gaskets were changed and that was the only real problem with it. But, at start up, it makes a squealing noise for a minute before it stops and runs normal. As it's doing this, the engine sounds like it wants to stall like it's not breathing, then all of a sudden, it's like it catches it's breath and runs normal. Any clues?

Also, I have the Bently Repair manual for the E53, and I loved it when I had the 6 cylinder 3.0i. But I see it hardly references the 4.4i N62 Engine. I'm not happy about that. That book was my bible! But, I've been reading about the "improved" N62 engine from the M62 and all I read is some bad stuff. Now I'm seriously considering trying to trade with someone for a 3.0i. Does anyone have an N62 Engine that can tell me a little about it?

Thanks!

The information you provided is a little head scratcher, I cannot see a link between the squeak and rough start. Likely you need a new belt. The rough idle until 'it wakes up' sounds more like a fuel issue. I have always run Techron in my cars, never had a fuel issue.

I can say that my 4.4 now has 192k miles on it and the only issue has been the VSS smoking which has been alleviated with 0-40 M1 and AT-205. Zero smoke in tens of thousands of miles. Same for my 4.8is. I have come across dozens of N62 equipped vehicles and maintenance is the key. You can always tell when someone skipped on fluids, etc. BMW is also at fault for labeling the trans fluid as lifetime-which it is not. I change my trans fluid very often.

[electricalserv x5]

all n62 engines go through a misfire at start up ......It's the valves adjustor on the heads advancing the timing......You might want to check he ccv also.........the squealing is most likely a pully that's lose.........

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

... but 230hp still seems low for a vehicle this large.

The one thing everyone can agree on is that the m54 is most certainly the most reliable option for the e53 X5.

Not to derail the subject of this thread but I have to add - at sub-sonic speeds, 230hp is plenty - as long as there is 500NM of torque behind it....

And I think the M57 is probably even more reliable than the M54.

Now back to the N62... any of the V8 engines in an X5 just has to be the most exciting combo built (the V12 Le Mans aside) ... maybe not ultra practical day to day but certainly exciting...

[crystalworks]

^I agree totally. We, unfortunately, did not have the diesel option here.

The torque (or lack of) of the m54 is more important than the 230hp as you say.