Engine Mount Replacement

Overboost · #1 01-20-2020, 08:55 PM

I would like to start a discussion on engine mount replacement for our E53 X5s. There is virtually nothing on YouTube University that isn't a backyard hack so if anyone has replaced the mounts on your X, chime in with tips and tricks.

I have an annoying vibration in my X only at idle that can be felt throughout the car. Steering wheel, door panels, etc. My E46 had a similar vibration at idle and the mount replacement in that car solved it to where you can't even tell its running without looking at the tach.

It seems like the right side is fairly easy by removing the mount bracket from the side of the engine for additional room but it seems like the left side can be challenging to lift the engine enough to get the room needed for removal and installation.

Have any of you guys done your mounts without dropping the front subframe? I would prefer not disconnecting the steering shaft and going through all of that if possible but I probably need some education from you guys to start my planning for the task.

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X5only · #2 01-20-2020, 09:37 PM

I did both and I recall it being the battle of the titans, one side being easy and the other a challenge - I think the driver side? But it's very much doable without dropping the subframe. One tool I recall being a savior was an extra long thin 10mm closed wrench to turn the two small nuts mm by mm. I was doing a complete overhaul of front suspension at that time, so your situation may be different if other suspension components are in the way. I lifted the engine using the harborfreight engine brace tool. Get started and those of us who have tackled it can help along.

Overboost · #3 01-20-2020, 09:47 PM

Thanks X5only, what was your situation with the mounts? Did you have a vibration at idle and did that solve it or something different?

X5only · #4 01-20-2020, 09:54 PM

Yes, the engine used to have vibrations at idle and that went away - it was a kind of a little "dance" more than vibrations. But note that I did a complete front suspension overhaul, so I can't say with absolute confidence the new mount replacement is what fixed it. The mounts didn't seem to be worn out or leaking though, but you can never trust the appearance of rubber.

Overboost · #5 01-20-2020, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5only

Yes, the engine used to have vibrations at idle and that went away - it was a kind of a little "dance" more than vibrations. But note that I did a complete front suspension overhaul, so I can't say with absolute confidence the new mount replacement is what fixed it. The mounts didn't seem to be worn out or leaking though, but you can never trust the appearance of rubber.

My E46 mounts weren't leaking or broken but they were 1/2" shorter than the replacements so they were definitely in need of replacement. What a huge difference it made in that car.

cn90 · #6 01-20-2020, 10:07 PM

- Corteco is the OEM supplier.

- I wrote a DIY for my 1998 528i. It is similar for E53 M54.
The driver's side bracket: leave the last bolt (rear upper bolt) alone, just loosen it, no need to remove it. It makes installation easier.

DIY: 1998 528I Engine/Trans Mounts Replacement
https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=539957

Overboost · #7 01-20-2020, 10:30 PM

Thank you Cam, I read your thread, that is very helpful. The only difference I see would be the transfer case, front left axle and forward driveshaft coming into play on the left side. One of the videos on YouTube University showed the left side bracket would not unbolt like the right side but I can't verify that.

I know when I did my 3 series, I lifted the engine enough to replace 1 side, lowered the engine back enough to loosely attach it and then raised the engine again and it lifted only one side (being that the one I just replaced was holding the other side down) and it gave me enough room to pull the opposite one out that was giving me difficulty.

EODguy · #8 01-20-2020, 10:39 PM

I did mine a few months ago and and while I was at it I replaced the front guibo and the transmission/TC mount and that helped a lot. Having the front shaft and TC mount off allows a little more wiggle room and didn't have to drop the subframe.

It still wasn't that fun and I did it all on a lift....

Sent from my SM-A730F using Tapatalk

Overboost · #9 01-20-2020, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EODguy

I did mine a few months ago and and while I was at it I replaced the front guibo and the transmission/TC mount and that helped a lot. Having the front shaft and TC mount off allows a little more wiggle room and didn't have to drop the subframe.

It still wasn't that fun and I did it all on a lift....

Sent from my SM-A730F using Tapatalk

It has been suggested by one of our members that the front guibo can cause vibrations at idle too. I want to start with the mounts to rule them out first. I have the junior lift so I have plenty of room, I just need to research more before diving under there like a Bavarian cowboy and tearing sh!t up.

X5only · #10 01-20-2020, 10:57 PM

You guys with a lift are lucky

. I do repairs on my poor back. There's a DIY state-of-the-art garage near my place, but one could easily rack up $$$ in rental fee - they charge by the hour. I only go there for quick clear shot projects that I've done a thousand times.

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