Build Log: M57 X5

[RaleighDiesel]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

^I didn't trust an engine support during my ongoing transmission replacement. The plastic fenders as a support scared me. I am using an engine hoist instead but since your going to be on a lift... Won't help you much.

Yeah, the plastic fenders aren't reassuring, but it looks like Evan's support bar is supported inboard of the fenders and fore of the strut towers. I'm wondering if there's something under the hood I've missed that might actually be supportive for the few hours it needs to be supported for the DPF removal and pipe install

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by RaleighDiesel

Yeah, the plastic fenders aren't reassuring, but it looks like Evan's support bar is supported inboard of the fenders and fore of the strut towers. I'm wondering if there's something under the hood I've missed that might actually be supportive for the few hours it needs to be supported for the DPF removal and pipe install

I'm sure he supported it somehow.

I just couldn't find something I was satisfied with. Everything looked plastic from the fenders to the headlight mounting brackets, etc. Especially since I knew mine would be supported above for at least a few weeks. Hopefully he chimes in and has pics of where he used the engine bar. I have that harbor freight bar too and was originally planning to use it for the job.

[RaleighDiesel]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

I'm sure he supported it somehow.

I just couldn't find something I was satisfied with. Everything looked plastic from the fenders to the headlight mounting brackets, etc. Especially since I knew mine would be supported above for at least a few weeks. Hopefully he chimes in and has pics of where he used the engine bar. I have that harbor freight bar too and was originally planning to use it for the job.

Yeah, I could totally understand your unwillingness if the time period was WEEKS. Since this would all be done in the span of a day(this coming saturday), I'm hoping he chimes in soon so i can get a better idea of where everything is. HF is right down the street and I wanna make sure i get one before this weekend

[ucsbwsr]

Originally Posted by RaleighDiesel

I'm hoping he chimes in soon so i can get a better idea of where everything is.

I can get the support bar to sit on the steel part of the chassis that runs through the engine bay to the radiator area, I would never put the bar on plastic or headlight parts, its on the metal beam where the grounding connection is and IIRC one or two of the feet sit on the ribbed/stamped section of the steel that sticks up like a spine. It works for me but takes some fiddling. I would have no issues leaving it like that for a long time. Also, M57 is only 440lbs or something like that so it's not some heavy beast, its more or less the same weight as BMWs other FI i-6 engines (my N54 is 400lbs).

[RuskiE39]

Awesome build man, just went through all 13 pages. I just picked up a 2011 35D and am already seeing some mods i'd like to incorporate into my build. Are you on IG? I'd love to follow.

Thank you for pointing out especially:

- The leaky cowl. I live in Oregon and it rains A LOT. I wasn't sure exactly where these pieces fail and now I do.

- Fixing the scratched up nav screen, though, I would enjoy a further detailed walkthrough of cleaning it up.

Thanks!

[ucsbwsr]

Originally Posted by RuskiE39

Awesome build man, just went through all 13 pages. I just picked up a 2011 35D and am already seeing some mods i'd like to incorporate into my build. Are you on IG? I'd love to follow.

Thank you for pointing out especially:

- The leaky cowl. I live in Oregon and it rains A LOT. I wasn't sure exactly where these pieces fail and now I do.

- Fixing the scratched up nav screen, though, I would enjoy a further detailed walkthrough of cleaning it up.

Thanks!

Glad it is useful. As for the screen restoration it's quite simple and IMO greater detail isn't necessary, simply remove it and polish it. You can use elbow grease but I hit it with a DA polisher for a few seconds and that was that. You could remove, polish, buff, and reinstall the screen in under 5 minutes easily and I'm not exaggerating.

[jeep]

Awesome build, just went thru the pages. Subscribed.

[ucsbwsr]

As I am researching all things towing regarding the X5 and the probable Sanger V237 boat purchase I wanted to get an updated weight of the X5. Notable changes since I weighed it last are the Brembo BBK and Camaro ZL1 wheels + tires.

With a full tank of fuel, no driver, and no cargo the X5 came in at 5,100lbs.


I removed all the "essential" cargo that is stored under the floor and I lug around on a daily basis. All this stuff came in at ~70lbs. Much more useful than the 100lbs of folded 3rd row seat it replaced.
1. Rear seat protector for the pups
2. Shopping Bags
3. Emergency roadside kit I made with hand tools, sockets, tire plug, air compressor, and emergency First Aid kit
4. Microfiber towels
5. OEM BMW Diesel specific (unlocking) funnel
6. Glass Cleaner & Quick Detailer
7. Changing poncho (For MTB)
8. Small changing mat (MTB)
9. Emergency kit for the pups
10. Mobile Car Jumper / Emergency Battery
11. DC-AC inverter
12. High strength towing straps
13. Fox seat protector
14. 1,000 Ratchet Straps x8
15. Hitch ball, hitch locks, and OEM cargo rail eyelets
16. Manual
17. Jumper Cables
18. Extra Oil
19. Shop Towels
20. Gallon of water
21. Tire pressure gauge
22. LED illuminated frisbees, not 1 but 2!
23. Samsung tablet + OTG usb + K+DCAN
24. USB charging Flashlight
25. Seatbelt security straps
26. BIG ASS ZIPTIES
27. Ice scraper
28. Bike lock cable


Elastic on K&N dry charger failed and I will be trying to get a replacement.


I wanted more light in the cargo area of the X5 so I added some OEM-style LED puddle lights to the D pillars. The bezel which once housed the 3rd row seat belts made for a great location to mount the lights. Tapped into the OEM wiring for the tailgate light which was conveniently located right behind the passenger D pillar.






Here is the end product. Exposure is locked for both photos. Very happy with the result.



Here are a couple random recent photos.

[ucsbwsr]

This is mainly a picture update but there are some exciting things on the horizon. The pile of X5D parts in the garage is growing. The X5 will have some substantial towing duties in the not-so-distant future when a boat comes into the picture so I am collecting a few additional mods/maintenance items to make this a well sorted towing beast.

Sutphin Torque Converter
Suspension control arms, bushings, etc. F/R
Eibach springs F
Arnott air bags R
Koni FSD struts F/R
PPE high capacity transmission oil pan

In search of a better ride quality from what my H&Rs offer I had Eibach springs on hand and with the current 20% off promotion for the Konis I figured this was the time to give them a shot. I patiently waited to see if I could find a deal on KW V3s but that never happened so Eibach + Koni FSD seems like the best option.

The trans will get a big overhaul with the upgraded torque converter (thinking about the upgraded valve body too) the high capacity PPE pan will need a custom solution to connect the replaceable filter to the OEM oil pick up. IN addition to holding more fluid the pan has a bung for a temp sensor which is AWESOME because I can wire that directly to my P3 vent gauge and I can monitor live trans temps. If needed I can plumb in an additional trans cooler to regulate temps, The logical choice is to mount a radiator under the passenger headlight to mirror the driver side.

Any-who, exciting stuff. Preventative maintenance gets me all fired up.


Here are some pics from a recent trip to Flagstaff and Sedona AZ.
Funny back story, my in-laws used to own a Toyota Highlander, a Toyota 4Runner, and a Porsche Cayenne and now (they say, it's me fault they sold all those and now have a 2020 X7 xdrive40i and 2021 X5 xdrive45e.

Both are awesome but the X5 is particularly impressive, although smaller the X5 has 300lbs of added weight and the same air suspension system which makes for an unbelievable ride quality, it's better than the X7. Add in the ability to run it in all electric mode which makes it deafly silent and it's a really impressive ride. I am a huge fan of the vehicle but I feel BMW did an injustice by limiting the electric range in the US market to 30miles, in the Eu they get 50miles. The charging rate is also PAINFULLY slow, for a full charge on the US model it takes ~24 hours. Bump the range up to 50 miles and reduce charge to 12 hours and it's a slam dunk.

If you look at all the fuel economy data on Fuelly for the 45e the tank average for all owners is 41mpg, not bad for a 5,600 vehicle with 390hp and 443tq




Averaging 26mpg highway @70mph with the cargo box and bike, not bad, not great.


Some mild but rough off-roading to arrive at the Schnebly Hill Overlook. The taller 45 aspect tires were very welcomed on the terrain but 40psi tire pressure and H&R springs were far from ideal.

[Googone20]

Great build and great color!!