2013 X5 35i - purchase for only $2500?

LennyBoy1 · #1 03-04-2023, 10:41 AM

Hi everyone, I recently found a 2013 X5 35i with 116k miles for only $2500 USD ($3500 CDN) at a local dealership..! (Note: not BMW dealership)

The back story is that they took it on trade and sold it but the new owner noticed a loud tick within a few weeks of owning it. The dealership hauled it to the nearest BMW dealership and BMW diagnosed the problem as a bad bearing or bearings due to metal particles in oil plan and advised “needs a replacement engine”. BMW quoted this dealership $19000 for a new engine.

I am seriously considering purchasing this broken 2013 X5 and swapping the N55 engine. I was able to start it with a boost pack and it still runs smooth but it does have a loud engine tick. I then did some Youtube research and discovered that N55 engines are infamous for failed rod bearings or crank bearings. (Probably due to lack of maintenance or low oil). Some owners have been successful in replacing the bad bearings, resurfacing and/or replacing crankshaft. One guy replaced just one set of con rod bearings ($30), polished crank himself and put it back together and it ran good. So was thinking I might need an engine but maybe I could get away with a less costly repair such as bearing replacement. Either way, I will be doing the engine work myself.

Any advice, suggestion or thoughts?

ard · #2 03-05-2023, 05:32 PM

does it really have 116k or is the tamper dot on the dash lit? Can you tell if the tamper dot has been damaged?

Might be worth that for parts...

Problem is that you MIGHT be faced with a full rebuild...no way to know until you buy it and start disassembly. Do you have experience with this work? Are you planning on just patching it up and passing the probem on? or is this to be your long term driver??

Id pass, but thats me

80stech · #3 03-05-2023, 07:07 PM

No way are you going to be able to successfully repair a failed rod bearing. If you are going to patch it for re-sale then shame on you. If you want to keep the car then look for a good used engine.

newb2bimmer · #4 03-06-2023, 06:08 PM

I'm curious, I have not done anything in depth on the N55, but there are a lot of Youtube videos showing rod bearing replacement, all those are incorrect?

Just one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVVf...80%99sWorkshop

LennyBoy1 · #5 03-07-2023, 02:53 PM

Update: I bought the 2013 x5 for ($2290USD) $3150 CDN plus tax. So I am thinking I’ll try to find an N55 engine replacement. I already sourced 2 N55 engines locally…one for $4800 removed from 2013 435xi and another engine still in a 2011 X3 for $2000. I went online to research X5 N55 engine removal videos and found that owners or shops are sometimes just replacing rod bearings and sometimes crankshaft on N55 that are seized or knocking. I think I’ll just go with engine replacement if I can find a good engine and do it myself at home in my double garage.

newb2bimmer · #6 03-07-2023, 04:44 PM

Keep us posted if you have a chance. I was researching the RB issue on the N55 a bit and based on my understanding a lot depends on how and when the RB failed. In some cases the entire engine block can be destroyed by the bearing or piston rod coming loose.
Good luck!

ard · #7 03-09-2023, 01:09 AM

I did not realize all "N55" engines were all interchangeable.....

andrewwynn · #8 04-07-2023, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ard

I did not realize all "N55" engines were all interchangeable.....

The base engine is the same but the accessories and intake/exhaust are different. On some engine swap you might need to add mounting points and also more than likely the engine mount "legs" would have to be swapped.

I'm helping with this engine swap. We will be posting details as it progresses. We found a motor for the swap. There's a chance we can get the original motor running but the crank is damaged so the original motor will need a replacement crank.

The big question for the swap is the method of removal. When you have a lift, out the bottom on a lift table is the way to go. I've seen it mimic DIY by lower the car to the ground, unbolt and lift the front of the car off the engine/xm pair but usually the DIY solution is to remove everything from the front and take it out the front. Not sure if that is possible without taking apart the AC which I'd prefer to avoid.

ard · #9 04-07-2023, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

The base engine is the same but the accessories and intake/exhaust are different. On some engine swap you might need to add mounting points and also more than likely the engine mount "legs" would have to be swapped.

I'm helping with this engine swap. .

I was being a bit facetious... As long as the block has the same part number (or the right holes and flats are complete where you need them) it should be fine.

Very much look forward to your updates. Grab a few pics too. (Yes, I know its hard to gt good photos with your hands covered in grime!)

LennyBoy1 · #10 03-09-2023, 02:33 PM

Based on some quick research, the block assembly on most N55 engines appears to be the same but the oil pan, manifolds and few other components could be different depending on the model & year. I’ll do more research and try to check with local BMW dealership to confirm.

I’d prefer to find another x5 N55 but they tend to be higher mileage since usually driven all year.

Has anyone swapped a N55 from a xdrive car (335xi, 435xi) to an SUV/SAV (X3,X5) ?