E53 5speed To 6speed Swap.
 

My car is a killer in rpm on the highways at 80mph and 4grand rpm and was thinking to swap the 5 speed I have to a 2004 x4 6 speed trans and would like to know if it’s a direct swap for this or I have to swap out the transfer case and drivershaft.

Tired looking at the realoem parts list but the 2004 X5 6 speed is not listed just for my 2002 X5 show the parts listing but at the diagram looks the same for both years.

Thanks
Jp

Lots more to swap that just the mechanical parts (transmission, transfer case etc.) - there's all the transmission control electronics too, along with the transfer case controller etc. Massive task - including a huge amount of re-programming.

While such a swap might be possible, it might be easier to just sell it and find a 6-speed car.... :rolleyes:

From fading memory, someone/someones have done it...try Search.

Back at the High RPM Ranch, would the cost of the 6 spd trans and accompanying costs of the possible swap really be cost effective, other than for lowering highway rpm a ~ thou and maybe your piece of mind?

I get the highway high rpm: I have had an '01 E53 5 Speed since new, and quite familiar with the high rpm at highway speeds...

Not sure the 'cost'/aggravation/process is worth the effort, but everyone has their own bag.

GL on your search and project...
mD

Another option to lower the RPMs at highway speed is to put the differentials from the m62 e53. Some members here have done this and I think it lowers the rpms at 70mph by 500 or so. That would be much easier to do and to locate the parts. Cheaper as well.

There’s no electronica controls on manual that’s just automatic....:

Thanks I’ll search around!

I was thinking of this as well and thanks for the info!

True - but you never stated it was a manual trans and I just assumed it was an auto. :rolleyes:

So yeah, much easier. But the transfer case issue is the same... unless you can get the NV125/LWX500 transfer case to fit the 6-speed trans, you are looking at a full xDrive retro-fit. :yikes:

E53 5speed To 6speed Swap.
 

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...390b02b680.jpg

I’ve actually grown quite fond of this formula!

Especially with a 7000 rpm redline.

None on the transmission, but the LCI ('04+ 6 speed) transfer case is electronically controled (x-drive). Your pre-LCI doesn't even have the wiring harness for this. I looked into this swap and it would be an inordinate amount of work to do. I'm in the process of doing a differential swap as I write this. Going to the 3.64 differentials will drop your RPM's by 11%.