Swap newer N62b48 into E53 N62b44 X5

[johnnyzcar]

Hey guys I am tired of throwing money at my 4.4i X5 engine. I am considering looking for a newer engine with less miles since these 2005 are all going to be high miles and have the same issues I have now ie rough idle etc. I have swapped cams and eccentric shaft out of different heads and still not perfect. Replacing those parts new is not an option.

So my question is can I get a v8 4.8 out of one of the newer X5s and install it in my E53 x5? Im kinda thinking of just selling this thing anyway. Body and suspension are great interior is good too. Just the motor needs top end rebuild.

What are my options??

Thanks

[Purplefade]

I’m sure it can be done with a lot of effort and for the right price... but unfortunately it isn’t a direct fit. I considered swapping a very low mileage 4.8i from a 2006 X5 that I had the chance to get for “pennies” because I knew the guy who totaled the truck and even that was a huge undertaking, I would have had to get the DME, cluster, harness... just WAY to much cost and effort.

My guess is it would cost you less to just rebuild the top end, but that’s just my opinion.


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[johnnyzcar]

My estimation is the car might be worth 4000 even though i have the 20 inch bmw wheels and sport bumper add ons. The cost to rebuild is more than that.
Ill probably try to sell it I guess or part it out. I am considering a Porsche Cayenne and have heard very good things about the reliability. A friend of mine that collects cars told me BMWs all end up in the scrap yard for this exact reason. Lesson learned.

[crystalworks]

You could buy a replacement 4.4i for fairly cheap. ~$1500ish. Seems the cheapest option. Easiest is definitely sell the truck for $1500-3000 depending on buyer. Parting it may or may not net more money and is a lot more work. Last LCI 4.4i that I parted netted just over $2000. Still had lots of parts on it but after 6 months it was time for it to go.

LoL @ "all BMWs end up in the scrap yard." A used Porsche is no more or less reliable than a used BMW. Each car's reliability will depend on how its previous owners maintained it. You've done a ton of wrenching on your X5 so I understand the frustration, but be prepared, a Cayenne could be just as problematic

[BigBody]

There was a guy who blew his 4.8 & did this swap pretty easily iirc. All he did was use an N62TU, swap the DIVA manifold from the E53 4.8/4.4s, oil pan, & drilled new holes for the exhaust manifold. I would think its very possible & wouldnt require any electronic swapping but cannot confirm. Try it?

[BigBody]

Found it:

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...-swap-question

[johnnyzcar]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

LoL @ "all BMWs end up in the scrap yard." A used Porsche is no more or less reliable than a used BMW. Each car's reliability will depend on how its previous owners maintained it. You've done a ton of wrenching on your X5 so I understand the frustration, but be prepared, a Cayenne could be just as problematic

The research I've done and personal friends that have actually owned both have now since abandoned BMW and wont buy another, they still currently own Porsche.

The motor design on the Cayenne is better in my opinion.
This video is basically what anyone thinking of purchasing one of these cars should watch. I like the car but the mechanical issues with seals and internal top end parts are problematic.
https://youtu.be/Dc0o6Cs96Kc

[johnnyzcar]

Originally Posted by BigBody

Found it:

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...-swap-question

Thanks much and I think this looks doable, however mine is originally a 4.4 and I wonder what issues I would have using my existing ECU and harness etc.

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by johnnyzcar

I like the car but the mechanical issues with seals and internal top end parts are problematic.
https://youtu.be/Dc0o6Cs96Kc

Tyler Hoover. I enjoy his videos, though he should never buy BMWs. He loves to make content about buying the cheapest examples of cars. That doesn't fit well with BMW purchases, especially since he pays people to fix them. And he's admitted the formula isn't BMW friendly and that he makes those BMW videos for the views. I'll keep watching regardless, his channel is entertainment and not educational content.

He's replacing a seized Porsche Cayenne engine right now. Or "the ninja" is anyway. Curious to see what his total bill will be on that project but the new engine started up okay.

At any rate, try out Porsche, no reason to be married to X5 or BMW if you aren't happy owning it. I just get a chuckle when BMW gets a general raking over the coals.

[johnnyzcar]

I like the car for sure but my thoughts on this are how can BMWs brand survive these negative experiences. I have 2 Nissan Z cars and never have the seals turned to stone or have valve train issues. My Porsche friend owns a Mercedes and a Porsche spyder and he has sworn off BMW for good. I have repaired all my issues for fairly reasonable money. Those were suspension issues, air shocks, cv shafts etc. This internal engine problems IE misfire running rough has been hard to cure. All sensors are good, all coils are good, brand new ruthenium NGK plugs, compression on all cylinders is good. I have changed out both cams and eccentric shaft on the drivers side. Now I probably need to do the passenger side since I still have a misfire on cylinder 4. I also read where the bad valve seals can clog the cats and im thinking mine might have that issue too.