Engine mount, right driver side as suspected.

[Skyline]

This was one of the first jobs I needed to have done on my X5 when we first got it a few months back. I guess this could be a DIY job, but it is much harder on a V8 X5 than most other vehicles...access is a bitch. No way I wanted to do this job without a lift.

On my car, the tech removed the reinforcement plate...did that get done on yours Slick? If so, I hope you replaced the single use bolts.

Also, on my car, the passenger side mounting bracket was cracked, I gather from driving too long with bad motor mounts. While quite cheap considering the size and complexitity of the casting, ($79), replacing that is really tough. The A/C compressor needs to come out of the car. Also found out my transmission thermostat was cracked, and leaking coolant. So overall, the tech was at it for about 8hrs.

[SlickGT1]

No when I did the mounts, I didn't have the bolts at the time. I now have a set of 12 in the garage, not including the ones I replaced shortly after. So yes, I replaced the bolts.

[woody089]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for posting. I have a 2003 X5 with these exact symptoms. If i buy these mounts, is it good stuff??

BMW E53 x5 3 0 Engine Motor Mount Mounts Left Right Set | eBay

Ill take it to a BMW repair friend for installation.
Thanks,
Jim

[SlickGT1]

Not sure how to even answer you. That is some ebay stuff. These really aren't expensive direct from BMW. Search forum for Craig Hacker, he gives us club people discounts, basically 15% over cost.

[bcredliner]

You will have no idea what you are getting if you purchase on Ebay. There are many posts where owners have purchased parts from Ebay vendors that were not to spec or did not last as long as EOM parts. Check the prices at Bavauto or Google BMW parts and shop that way. I don't remember the name of the site but there is a site that will tell you the least cost source.

[bcredliner]

Furiousmethod.com - BMW Parts Price Comparison

Try the above link.

[woody089]

Awesome site! Thanks.

[crystalworks]

Just saying thanks for the info Slick. I was 95% sure my motor mounts were shot... and now am 100% sure. Will be DIY'ing this when I have the engine apart for valve stem seals, alternator bracket gasket, upper timing cover gaskets, and valve cover gaskets.

That's going to be one helluva week or two... not looking forward to it.

[mikes123]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

Just saying thanks for the info Slick. I was 95% sure my motor mounts were shot... and now am 100% sure. Will be DIY'ing this when I have the engine apart for valve stem seals, alternator bracket gasket, upper timing cover gaskets, and valve cover gaskets.

That's going to be one helluva week or two... not looking forward to it.

Good luck. If you take your axles out, you don't have to drop the subframe. Just need to jack the motor up a little and they will come out. It's a PITA at first trying to figure out how to get to the bolts, but once you do, it's really not too bad.

[1stE53]

As far a parts: husker BMW or autohausaz. Don't go through all the work and have cheap in in parts.
Good luck