Build Log: M57 X5

[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.

[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

[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 wertyu78

Killer content as always! How is that Wakaa unit working out for you?

It works but not as I would hope. Connectivity is a pain as it doesn't auto connect and you manually have to select via BT or 1/2 of that time have to "forget" the BT device and rediscover it and accept 3 prompts on your phone, it's a bit of fumbling every time that shouldn't happen. I also get some random audio cuts. There are some other odd things like buttons controlling the incorrect thing when you are in the BMW interface but those are the main complaints.

[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).

[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.

[CleanIsFast]

Originally Posted by ucsbwsr

It works but not as I would hope. Connectivity is a pain as it doesn't auto connect and you manually have to select via BT or 1/2 of that time have to "forget" the BT device and rediscover it and accept 3 prompts on your phone, it's a bit of fumbling every time that shouldn't happen. I also get some random audio cuts. There are some other odd things like buttons controlling the incorrect thing when you are in the BMW interface but those are the main complaints.

Glad you just mentioned this, I was about to pull the trigger on a Wakaa system

[jeep]

Awesome build, just went thru the pages. Subscribed.