4.6is 6-speed manual

[Naz24]

Originally Posted by Nick P

I don't drive like this - that was just to make the video less boring.

I don't understand why you belived it was RWD for some time - it was always AWD since it's first drive as 6-speed manual...

Regarding the further manual tranny conversions - no one seems to be interested in this, the cars getting older and cheaper and peolple don't like to invest more money in E53.

The other thing the guy promised to give his 4.4 N62 X5 for manual conversion changed his mind (as I expected), and I obviously won't buy a car just for the conversion on my cost.

Nevertheless, after completing my 2 current projects - supercharger installation on to X5 and M60 powered Z3 Coupe, I'll sell my M5 E39 and will build an ultimate X5 E53, I've already have a plan and with God's help, by the end of 2013 I'll present my dream car.

Nick, this is awesome. Great job on the conversion.

Where did the transmission come from? E39 M5?

[Ricky Bobby]

dude nice videos Nick! i love the takeoffs in the snow haha, you're driving like a maniac on those roads, love the narrow miss of the tractor at like the :45 mark of the first vid

[DTMdan]

So awesome.

Wish it had Style 87s on it though :-/

[electricalserv x5]

Looks like fun, watch out for those trees my friend.I hope You don,nt have salt on the roads like we do here in the states.
I have mine n the body shop get a fresh coat of paint on the hood, nose,and side panels.

[Nick P]

I'm glad you liked the videos!

Actually, it wasn't that dangerous and I'm actually a very humble driver, so there won't be any more videos like this.

Next videos will be done in Germany on autobahn, before and after supercharger installation, I hope.

@SlickGT1 the manual tranny conversion is to pricey, especially, if it will be done in some workshop - that's the biggest problem, so even I'd offer some kits for like 1,5k$, you'll also need alot of other parts (gearbox, clutch, complete clutch hydraulics, flywheel) and the workshop labour costs would be immense (especially in USA). If you want a 6-speed manual N62 powered E53 you'd better buy 3.0 6-speed manual facelift diesel and swap the engine of your choice - this way will need a bell housing fabrication/adaptation, but it's easier and cheaper, than manual tranny swap into 4.8. In any case - for the total cost you could get a 6.1l SRT-8 Jeep and supercharge it to get like 500 AWHP. I'll keep the X5 forever, so I'm not interested in any other car incl. the current X5 M. I'll rather build another E53 (I hope in 2013) which will be even more interesting, than the current one and will keep both of them.

@Naz24 yes, the gearbox is Getrag S6S 420G, which was taken from a M5 E39. You'll find more details in my older posts, if you like.

@DTMdan I still have my sommer tires on stock 87 style, the wheels on the videos have winter tires - 295/40/20 all around on 10x20 rims (Hamann Anniversary II), so soon you'll see the truck on stock wheels again

[SlickGT1]

I know what you mean about the cost. The thing is, I have done manual swaps before. If I could get a manual into my 4.8is, I would keep it forever as well. I have no problem doing the work, and even have access to a lift.

Its a bummer really. I might take on this project of I keep the X long enough. Right now, I just don't have the time to develop a swap like this. But you did give me great hope.

[Bayerische E53]

This is a very cool project!

I've got a 3.0i 6speed so I recon doing an ESS TS3 would be cheaper (and make more power) than doing a motor swap. However, if I had one of the V8 cars, I'd definitely be doing this mod! That said, boy, even with a TS3, my car won't sound the way yours does. Very cool indeed!

Just out of curiosity, how did you mate the E39 M5 trans to the transfer case and did you need custom front and rear drive shafts?

My hat's off to you, Sir.

[Green Dragon]

Nick,

If I had a V8 e53, I would defiantly be interested. I choose my e53 based upon the manual option, and the general reliability and cost of ownership of the m54 engine. Had your conversion been available, I would have been all over it.

You *might* be underestimating the demand for such a kit. You are in uncharted waters, and I applaud your creations. This board represents a very small percentage of a much larger population, and differing opinions for sure. The only real way to know is to produce a kit and sell it. Or sell it to someone willing to produce it. Whatever you decide to do, thanks for sharing your creation. Its nice to see a real modification now and again, and not some "Look where I stuck some LEDs type of mod". I eagerly look forward to your future builds. Post more vids when you can.

[SlickGT1]

I know, I am crying inside that Nick is not doing this kit for us.

[DallasGV]

A true rally X

Nice driving with w208 as well.