4.4 to a 4.6is motor, oh what a thing.

[Plattus1000]

(Originally posted as a question to the forum but quickly spiraled out of control and I found myself in the mix. Included you'll find some useful information about the differences between the two engines and some options for upgrading your existing engine be it 4.4 or 4.6is. I hope you find it entertaining if not useful..)

How would you deal with the bottom end of the motor?
I want to put a 4.6is in an e39. I haven't ever swapped a motor nor have I found good diagrams of the bottom end or axle drive assembly.
I'm looking at realoem.com X5 4.6is A5S440Z output - 4-wheel. This comes off the transmission right? The holes in either side of the lower part of the motor are just anchor points for the drive shafts arent they?

I appreciate any info/help you can offer.

[Joshdub]

The front diff bolts to the block. You can unbolt that. You may run into oil pan fitment problems but those can be fixed relatively easily.

[Plattus1000]

Originally Posted by Joshdub

The front diff bolts to the block. You can unbolt that. You may run into oil pan fitment problems but those can be fixed relatively easily.

Thanks, I hope that's all it is. I'm feeling better about this.

Who do you use in Seattle? I've used precision motorwerks on 15th but I need a more technically competent shop for some custom coding.

[edogg]

Originally Posted by Plattus1000

Thanks, I hope that's all it is. I'm feeling better about this.

Who do you use in Seattle? I've used precision motorwerks on 15th but I need a more technically competent shop for some custom coding.

Not sure if you're still looking for a shop, but a couple of recommendations would be Strictly BMW in Bellevue or Signature Independent in Kirkland.

Strictly BMW is a little on the expensive side, but they are a Dinan dealer and have a race team so they might be knowledgeable about your performance desires.

Signature Independent is a little less expensive. I've heard that the owner used to be the manager of a BMW dealer service department and they really know their stuff. They've done nearly all of the maintenance on my X since I bought it and they treat me right.

[Plattus1000]

Originally Posted by edogg

Not sure if you're still looking for a shop, but a couple of recommendations would be Strictly BMW in Bellevue or Signature Independent in Kirkland.

Thanks. I'm probably going to give Strictly a call. I've used precision motorwerks on 15th a ton. I think they're into it for the easy jobs. They just called to tell me that installation of my wavetrac lsd isn't their "thing" it's easy enough of a job. They have John behind the counter now, not a fan. He's the owner and a d-bag to work with. We've spent over $25k with them in the last 4 years and still get no breaks.

He'll let me provide my own parts and gives loaners but he seems so money driven that I never know if he's telling me the truth about stuff.

Thanks for this info on these 2.

[Plattus1000]

Originally Posted by Joshdub

The front diff bolts to the block. You can unbolt that. You may run into oil pan fitment problems but those can be fixed relatively easily.

I'm told a stock 540i m62tub44 oil pan will bolt right up and I can use a m62b46 oil pan gasket to seal it. Adding an oil cooler line shouldn't be too difficult to plumb.

[Joshdub]

Originally Posted by Plattus1000

I'm told a stock 540i m62tub44 oil pan will bolt right up and I can use a m62b46 oil pan gasket to seal it. Adding an oil cooler line shouldn't be too difficult to plumb.

Wham bam thank you ma'am.

[Plattus1000]

So, here's what I've heard so far;Electronics and induction are basically the same. The 4.6 intake is the same piece that Dinan sells for the M62TU and BMW installed on the M60 engine.
The biggest challenge was the oil pan and crankcase ventilation system as the truck and car systems are different. Alot of small parts need to be changed including the oil pump, pump chain, oil pan and valve covers.

Software is another story since BMW never put this engine in front of a manual trans. An automatic car would be a piece of cake.

Engine mounts bolt to the block using the same holes, no problem there.
Accessories mount the same also, no problems.
Wiring harness connections are all the same, assuming that the E39 has an M62TU engine not an M62. 4.4 and 4.6 DME's are the same basic hardware number. X5 software does not perform well with a manual transmission.
I.m using 4.4L m62tub44 w/automatic transmission so, all good

Parts list is kind of extensive. Mostly to fix differences with the oil pan which shouldn't be too difficult to replace with an e39 pan and plumb for pumps and cooling.

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by Plattus1000

So, here's what I've heard so far;Electronics and induction are basically the same. The 4.6 intake is the same piece that Dinan sells for the M62TU and BMW installed on the M60 engine.
The biggest challenge was the oil pan and crankcase ventilation system as the truck and car systems are different. Alot of small parts need to be changed including the oil pump, pump chain, oil pan and valve covers.

Software is another story since BMW never put this engine in front of a manual trans. An automatic car would be a piece of cake. I'm currently runninr 4.4 software with Dinan Stage 5 software.

Engine mounts bolt to the block using the same holes, no problem there.
Accessories mount the same also, no problems.
Wiring harness connections are all the same, assuming that the E39 has an M62TU engine not an M62. 4.4 and 4.6 DME's are the same basic hardware number. X5 software does not perform well with a manual transmission.
I.m using 4.4L software with Dinan 4.4 software.

Parts list is kind of extensive.

Sound about right?

How do the valve covers differ from the M62TU vs the 4.6is?

[Plattus1000]

Originally Posted by X53Jay4.8is

How do the valve covers differ from the M62TU vs the 4.6is?

I'm not exactly sure. It could be engine mounts being different. I guess I could look to see if they're different part #'s...?

Right cover 4.6is 11121703172
Left cover 4.6is 11121703179
Right cover 4.4 11121703172
Left cover 4.4 11121703175
So they're different but in what ways...?


This is just stuff I've read in the last 12hrs.
I'll call google and see if they have more info.