Engine and suspension over haul?

[CarlosT95]

I have a 2001 BMW x5 4.4i and I'd like to do a engine and suspension over haul where should I start ? I just need the engine to be in good condition with nothing to worry about but oil changes, I also would like to do a suspension overhaul but don't know where to start, I am going to get it inspected to see what problems I should fix. How much do you think it'll cost me to get this x5 in condition?

[X5only]

Originally Posted by CarlosT95

....I just need the engine to be in good condition with nothing to worry about but oil changes,..

It sounds like you're new to BM Trouble You. Your ask above is certainly incompatible with BM Trouble You. Nonetheless, you can save your wallet from financial Kwa$hiorkor by learning to DIY.

[white46]

You should be looking for timing chain guides / tensioner first before anything else.

[David.X5]

It would help if you would give a price ball park that you were imaging spending on the overhaul? $5k? Will you do the work or were you going to pay to have it done?

[CarlosT95]

Whatever work I can do myself I will do but whatever is to extensive I will get someone to do it. At max what I want to spend is 3-4k tops on engine and suspension over haul repairs! What do you guys think?

[David.X5]

I reconditioned/rebuilt my 2001 4.4i over the summer and fall of 2012, so this is fresh in my mind. The Bentley manual is a must if you will DIY.

Speaking in broad generalities:

1) The timing chain & guides should clearly be first on your list. The Vanos gears are expensive but prone to failure - look into doing the Beisan Systems repair to the VANOS system or get rebuilt VANOS gears ($250 each) or new ones ($500 each or so) but still follow the Beisan method on replacing the seals and o-rings. They also will rent you the tools needed to set timing, so this is a good thing to combine with the timing work.

That work will require you to drain the cooling system and remove the water pump and other things around the front of the engine - so I would include the water pump, thermostat & thermostat housing, coolant & heater hoses, cross-over pipes and the plastic coolant overflow tank. Do the "valley pan" and valley pan gasket while this is all apart.

Consider replacing the aux cooling pump also. replace the gaskets on the intake and valve covers. Definitely replace the CCV valve (rear cover of intake), oil separator and all associated hoses and vacuum lines. They tend to freeze up and cause big engine problems at low temps.

2) spark plugs of course if you don't know the history. Change all the diff and transfer case fluids. I would drop the transmission pan and change the filter and fluid. Some opinions vary on doing this on high mileage trannys.

3) suspension - for about $1k you should be able to buy every ball joint, connecting rod, link, etc front and rear (Meyle HD, Lemfordoer or OEM).

4) If you have rear air suspension, replace the rear "air bags" (air springs) - people use Arnott brand with good success.

5) Replace all the rear subframe bushings (you can rent the tool from people here)

6) If you are getting any sort of clunk or noise on acceleration from mid-car, the transfer case chain may have stretched - another not very expensive repair, do all the seals on the transfer case at the same time. Replace all the rubber driveshaft "Guibos" while doing that.

7) If the half shafts haven't been replaced, consider rebooting the CV joints on all 4. Much better to do it before they fail.

8) Window regulator mechanisms are known to fail - most trouble is with the front two as they get used more - much easier before they are stuck and window is jammed up or down.

9) O2 sensors will go out eventually, but people have different tolerance for this - depends on your budget I guess.

10) The airpump used for emission control makes a terrible racket as it ages - consider getting it rebuilt and replace the vacuum actuated valve that opens and closes on the front of the engine to regulate the air pump flow.

This ought to keep you busy! Good luck! There are lots of discussions and DIY here for all these.

[CarlosT95]

Wow awesome looking forward to fixing this thing and leaving it in good condition, thanks everyone for the info! And David where can I get this Bentley manual you mentioned ? All in all how much do you think I'll spend on all of the stuff you said ? Thanks a lot

[David.X5]

Amazon sells the Bentley manual for the X5, along with places like ECS Tuning and FCP Euro (among many others). Its hard to find them used.

Parts prices are all over the place. That list is certainly approaching $5k for parts. People have different tolerances for performance and cost - you can get cheaply made import parts, but I don't think you are ahead by taking off an old working BMW part and putting on a new cheap import part.

BMW of Morristown has been cheaper than others recently. Husker BMW is usually a cheap source. I usually check "Get BMW Parts" too (part of Tischer BMW). ECS Tuning and FCP Euro offer a mix of aftermarket (OEM and non-OEM) and BMW parts.

I find new BMW parts on ebay to be very expensive - you can find some deals on used parts. If you need something big (like a differential) and are willing to go used, try LKQ parts. They have a website and a ebay storefront.

You can look up the part numbers on realoem.com (enter the last 7 of your VIN and it will help you select correct BMW parts) and then check those sites for prices.

[CarlosT95]

Awesome thanks a lot well hopefully it'll all be worth it after I get it all done!