X5 4.6is Engine Block from 4.4

[Nick P]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

I'm not sure how to work around this issue...but there is a slight difference between the M62TU used in the e38/e39 sedans versus the M62TU used in the e53 X5 (the e53 engine has a different BMW part nbr versus the e38/e39 sedans which use the same engine part nbr). The front drive shafts run thru the oil pan (on the e53) which was done to help create a lower center of gravity,, maintain the 50/50 weight balance, and to fit the front AWD stuff.

Just thought Id mention this little kink (in case you didn't know) before you buy an M62TU from an e38/e39 and get a big surprise...see the text highlighted in yellow below:

What does it have to do with the block? The front diff is flanged on the oil pan, the block is the same. The other thing, which is different on X5 is the alternator holder and oil pan ventillation tubing - regarding the block itself, theres no differences between the M62TU blocks, only the very first M62s had a nikasil coating like the predecessor M60.

So every M62TU can be used in X5 - even the 3.5l version - saw a couple of these engines in X5, due the rather unpolular 3.5l engines are much cheaper, at least here in Europe - you can get a complete engine for less than 400$