Here's one with 88,000 miles for $6250 and that includes the rest of the car. You could part the car out and recover probably most of your money.

2004 BMW X5 4.8 AND 2002 BMW X5 3.0

Totally agree and had the exact same thoughts. Would rather work with what is in front of us than take a chance with a used motor. I guess will just have to be sure this one is salvageable. I do question the previous Indy as they could not fix the suspension issue. They may have done something wrong. Fortunately my guys are very sharp and the young guy is actually a very good BMW mechanic he has two and races also. Just a bit late to work sometimes from youthful exploits!

Will report back after inspection!

Curious what made the engine die. And how do you know it is dead?

This sucks. We haven't gotten a chance to meet yet.
Best of luck.

Well we had already fixed the suspension and had done some pretty neat mods which I will share after I get this thing fixed with a new engine. Too many metal pieces in the engine my guys want to just get a used one now.

We will get it on the road again soon. In this for the long haul!

OK gotta find a used motor. Has to be a 4.8is which are a bit rare or a 4.4 or 3.0. In this for the long haul so looking for a 4.8is motor. Found several for $3500 and up. Also waiting on REMANUFACTURED engine quotes but these are super expensive I have heard. Quotes should be in Monday (tomorrow).

Anyone know of any REBUILT engines by a good shop? A 4.8is likely almost impossible to find. Anyway my engine has too many metal bits in it for my guys...they do not want to mess with it. Thoughts gentlemen?

4.8is engine should not be that difficult to locate there are least 3 years of production for this engine in a E53. Anyway you can use locating services such as automotix which is a division of LKQ. The link below has at least two engines that I found in my local market. There are plenty more from California and other parts of the US. Just do a search as a start.

2005 BMW X5 Engine (Used 4.8L) For Sale - BMW Engines & Motors Sales

Thanks much appreciated. Using CAR-PART.com also has about ten engines.
Love to find a rebuilt but that does not look promising...

Check out the link below for a remanufactured engine. We use this company for the remanufactured ZF transmissions used in the E53s and E70s. These are the transmissions that BMW uses to replace defective ones that come through the dealer for repair/replacement. This outfit does engines also so you may want to give them a call and see what they can do for you. We have also found their pricing with delivery very reasonable. They will deliver to your mechanics shop thus making the transition easy.

Go-powertrain wholesale transmissions and wholesale engines in Virgnia

They do not carry the 4.8is engines at all but DO carry the transmissions. Apparently TBR transmission is said to do their rebuilds here in ATLANTA!