Remove front clip and pull motor?

[TriX5]

My 4.4i is approaching 125k miles and I think the timing chain guides should be replaced. I also have to change the valve cover gaskets.

There is some other stuff that needs doing and I am wondering if I could pull the motor with the transmission and transfer case attached by removing the front clip and releasing the sub frame. Pretty much like XO member "Stunt" did in page 11 of the thread linked below.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ce-all-11.html

However, I don't have the luxury of a lift. The whole assembly (motor, AT, TC & sub-frame) would have to come out toward the front of the car. I can probably raise the car 8" - 10" before I start work so that there is a bit of play for the assembly to go down before coming out forward.

I had the AT out before and splitting the motor from the AT is a bear (w/o a lift). I don't have enough overhead space to lift the motor upward out of the engine bay. It seems possible to take the whole unit out in one go, sub-frame, front drive axles, hubs and all by going forward. I am wondering in particular if the engine will clear the square plates on the front of the chassis coming out forward??

Any thoughts on the geometrical challenge faced here would be appreciated.

[THATDONFC]

Why would you pull the motor to change the chain guides and valve cover gaskets? Just remove the radiator and you'll have plenty of room to get all your work done.

[ants_oz]

Monocoque chassis vehicles like the X5 don't have a front "clip" - that is a concept on ladder chassis vehicles, where the panels do not form a structural component.

Removing a "clip" involves basically all front panels - including guards, inner guards, rad support etc all as one unit. This is not possible on an X5.

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by ants_oz

Monocoque chassis vehicles like the X5 don't have a front "clip" - that is a concept on ladder chassis vehicles, where the panels do not form a structural component.

Removing a "clip" involves basically all front panels - including guards, inner guards, rad support etc all as one unit. This is not possible on an X5.

Audi refers to removing the front clip to the service position on their later cars in order replace the timing belts. As far as I know all Audi cars and SUV are designed on a Monocoque platforms.

[BomberNZ]

Originally Posted by ants_oz

Monocoque chassis vehicles like the X5 don't have a front "clip" - that is a concept on ladder chassis vehicles, where the panels do not form a structural component.

Removing a "clip" involves basically all front panels - including guards, inner guards, rad support etc all as one unit. This is not possible on an X5.

disagree here - I have an 2003 x5 4.6is - i removed front parts to get to timing chains - made it easy, one trick - dont dump air con gas as you can move condenser out of the way and tie up with some wire

[TriX5]

At last it is ready to roll out from the chassis, I pulled it forward about 10" and it looks like it will clear the frame rail flanges now that the AC compressor is off.

This weekend it'll be out and ready for work on the motor. I have to hunt down a hoist that will attach to the beam in my garage so I can split the AT from the engine block.

[BomberNZ]

I would have removed the front clip - the bonnet cable has a joiner up the side guard to enable it to come off

[525iT_Feen]

No idea why you would pull the engine to do either of those jobs.
The X5 has more room in front than an e39 or e38 with an m62 and no one removes the engine in those either.

If you really want more space you can remove the radiator support, front fan, condenser, trans cooler, etc but that is going to require ALOT of unnecessary work and recharging your AC after the job is done. You mention doing the VC's as if its a separate job even though you have to remove them to lock the cams. Remove the cooling system and go at it.

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by 525iT_Feen

No idea why you would pull the engine to do either of those jobs.
The X5 has more room in front than an e39 or e38 with an m62 and no one removes the engine in those either.

If you really want more space you can remove the radiator support, front fan, condenser, trans cooler, etc but that is going to require ALOT of unnecessary work and recharging your AC after the job is done. You mention doing the VC's as if its a separate job even though you have to remove them to lock the cams. Remove the cooling system and go at it.

Yeah I am somewhat baffled as to why the OP has removed the engine to do timing chains and leaks. The X5 does not need to go to this level to get it done. Since its coming out then I bet the engine bay area is going to really sparkle after the reinstall.

[Fish71]

Plenty of room to work in timing chains with the radiator removed. I was even able to get a 3/4 inch impact in there to remove the crank bolt.


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