E53 Headders/ Gears?

[Rev Z-Man]

I guess part of me figured since the M54B30 version of the 3.0i was found in several other models, that I could slip one of those sets under the hood of the X5.

Short list of cars w/ the I6:

• 2001-2005 E46 330i/330xi
• 2001-2006 E46 330Ci
• 2001-2003 E39 530i
• 2001-2002 E36 Z3 3.0i
• 2003-2006 E85 Z4 3.0i
• 2004-2006 E83 X3 3.0i
• 2001-2006 E53 X5 3.0i

Some one has to have headers for the Z3/4 or 530, right?

[Daddy_Warbucks]

Yep you are correct. Headers can be found for several of those models... you may have to reroute the collector on the existing pipe to get it to work, but that is minor. I'll do a search later and see what it turns up.

[Rev Z-Man]

Well, BMPDesign does list a header for the an '01 E46 330xi, an '01 Z3, an '04 X3, and an '04 Z4 and they are the same exact part number. The pictures on RealOEM are the same exact fische panel but different part numbers. Now I'm VERY curious indeed!

[Daddy_Warbucks]

Ya know... you could take a digital picture and some measurements of whats there... the important thing will be, of course the distance from one of the bolt holes at the head to the edge of the collector. If you send them the info...maybe you can get a match from one of the headers... I think its worth a shot.

[Rev Z-Man]

As soon as I get her back from the butcher -- er, indy shop. Stupid Cam Position Sensor went and I got a tune-up, plus had a wheel refinished @ cost. Damn thing cost me $926 AFTER some warranty parts.

Hopefully my new Sirius radio will be in so I can get moving on my project list before I add this "header project" to it.

[gregwx5]

Doesn't the 3.0i X5 have 4.10 gears..can't you try to fit that dif on the 4.6is?

[Daddy_Warbucks]

The diffs in the 4.6 are not the same as those in the 3.0. The 4.6 diffs are quite a bit more beefy. PLUS the carrier needs to be replaced for limited slip.

I'm working on installing the headers and exhaust system from G-Power. Unfortunately the kit isn't 100% complete (and for good reason). The pipes between the collectors and the first resonator are a DIY item (super high volume CATs provided though). As soon as I can find a custom shop with a hydraulic bending mandrel that can handle Stainless (and of coruse, is competent to do this job... looking for input here guys!), I should have the project completed. The headers themselves are a physical direct replacement for what came from the factory (although much higher performance and sexy sounding).

[Daddy_Warbucks]

We just got all the mods done to the X5. Long story, but its faster than my M5 by a long shot now... I don't particularly care for the sound of the G-Power mufflers after all (way too quiet) but they are SO HUGE (large in diameter) that the horsepower gain is immediately noticed. I'm now looking for an extra 4.6 or 4.8 short block (the M5 motor doesn't work... believe me, I;ve tried) to rebuild for next summers project. It will be a stroker motor... just how big is yet to be decided because I don't think I've seen all the part possibilities yet!

Stay tuned!

ps... track results posted in a week or so!

[chilliwilli]

Please do...looking forward to it!

Originally Posted by Daddy_Warbucks

Stay tuned!
ps... track results posted in a week or so!

[toohotdoc]

Also waiting.......

Originally Posted by chilliwilli

Please do...looking forward to it!