Engine support point E53 3.0
 

I'm about to do the Oil Pan Gasket, could someone please confirm for me the bracket shown is capable of supporting the engine when I drop the subframe. It doesn't look strong enough but if BMW have placed it there for that purpose??

Yes. In this situation, where the back of the engine is still attached to the transmission and transmission mounts (which you might replace afterwards), that front circle is enough to support engine for subframe removal.

engine removals are different, I use several attachment points, including that one.

Thanks mate, really appreciate the reply.

Yes sir, that is the point of support for the front of the engine. I just did the OPG on my M54 engine using a Harbor Freight support bar hanging the engine for a week with no issues. :thumbup:

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/x5-...202_104733.jpg

That support bar is also useful when you are pulling the cylinder head to do the head gasket.

thanks Overboost, that photo is very reassuring. I have the same bar, I had to replace the engine mounts on the wifes V6 Cayenne and it was great. Any tips on doing the Oil Pan Gasket?

It's really not that hard if you have the X5 in the air a few feet. I just did the job and had the oil pan out in about a half a day. Probably a full day putting it all back together, (Things fall apart, they never fall together)

The right axle reinstall fought me the most. Just take your time and clean, clean, clean.

Make sure to allow a couple of days for the residual oil to drain from the engine before reassembly. One of the 4 seams (front right) of the block that get a silicone sealant is dripping oil directly down on that seam for days.

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/x5-...517_183945.jpg

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/x5-...524_105445.jpg

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/x5-...608_134618.jpg

Wow....that's a clean undercarriage. I recently replaced the O ring on the RH axle support pedestal (hoping that was the oil leak) so I know what you mean. Thanks again for the information, it makes the whole thing much easier when you get something from someone who has been there. Stay safe.

hey I see you took the whole subframe off, I was just going to lower it as outlined in the Bentley manual, so did you just disconnect the steering rack and support it somehow?

185,000 miles young (297,000 Km). :rofl:

Are you down under or Melbourne, FL? My racing electronics company I trained with is located just outside Melbourne, Oz in Croydon.