Engine Mount Replacement

[Overboost]

Originally Posted by Auto Parts Guy

Yeah I see what you mean. Looks like we need a 61-62" bar minimum, and most are 59" or less. The Schwaben looks nice but I wouldn't pay $250 for it!

Yeah, $250 for the Schwaben was a no-go for me too.

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by Auto Parts Guy

Somebody do a nice video of some of the tricky parts. I probably wont get to my engine mounts for another month or 2. but its on my list!

bmw540san, nice M5!

Thanks! Selling it with heavy heart but one vehicle has to go and the M5 draws the short end.
I'll do some pictures when I do my mounts. Maybe this weekend.

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by Overboost

I bought the Harbor Freight engine support bar and will post pictures of that since it is less than long enough to go to the fender seams. 50s Kid showed the Harbor Freight bar going to just inside of the fender seams of our X5's but worked well enough to get the work done replacing the steering rack on his project.

5:10 into this video.

https://youtu.be/aLevezPHueI

I have the same bar and I've used it twice in 540 and M5. Thanks for the video. 50's kid is doing the decent video but I wouldn't hammer stuff like he did. I have relatively expensive $240 BMW genuine puller but it saved me a lot of time and effort over the years. It's built like a tank.

[Overboost]

Originally Posted by bmw540san

I have the same bar and I've used it twice in 540 and M5. Thanks for the video. 50's kid is doing the decent video but I wouldn't hammer stuff like he did. I have relatively expensive $240 BMW genuine puller but it saved me a lot of time and effort over the years. It's built like a tank.

I agree but not having the puller, I hit my link receivers the same way with the same hammer he uses. Haven't torn anything up yet but I watch what I am doing and pay attention for avoiding any detrimental results. Always been able to get the links released with a few heavily suggestive impacts.

However, I don't plan on any link removals from the spindle for the engine mount replacement. Everything will stay unless I have to remove the left axle.

[Auto Parts Guy]

I remember having some trouble when i did the front suspension of my e39 M5, the HF puller didn't open up wide enough if I recall and there isn't much room for the LCA. I was scared to bang on wheel carrier like he did.

Looks like the HF engine support is the way to go after all.

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by Overboost

I agree but not having the puller, I hit my link receivers the same way with the same hammer he uses. Haven't torn anything up yet but I watch what I am doing and pay attention for avoiding any detrimental results. Always been able to get the links released with a few heavily suggestive impacts.

However, I don't plan on any link removals from the spindle for the engine mount replacement. Everything will stay unless I have to remove the left axle.

I agree. The less we remove the less chance to mess up alignment.

[Attacking Mid]

Is there a reason you can't lift the engine with a floor jack underneath when changing the mounts? A block of wood between the jack and the oil pan has always worked great for me other than when I was actually removing the oil pan. In that case, I rigged up a lift that functions like the HF bar using a 2x4, a bed frame side rail (like angle iron - added strength to the 2x4), a bicycle chain lock, and a bolt/nut to mount the chain to the tow hook.



AM.

[Auto Parts Guy]

Nice alternative!
But for me at least, I want under the car to be free since I'll be using a lift. For $65 with the 20% coupon for the HF bar, if it works inside the hood seal like 50s kid did, then it's worth it to me. I'll use it again I'm sure.

[Overboost]

I think we need to lower the subframe so the plan is to support the engine with the HF engine support bar and lower the subframe with my floorjack.

[Attacking Mid]

I need to do this job after I do the rear suspension refresh (maybe get to that today?) It sounds like the subframe only needs to be lowered a little bit, so I'll probably try it just using a jack under the oil pan. The control arms will keep the subframe from dropping too far if it's at all like my X3, and it's basically the same design.

AM.