just a crazy thought about engine swap.
 

I've searched to no avail. I had this thought while my car is in the shop. Would an e46 M3 engine swap to the 3.0 be possible especially in a X5 with the 6spd? What would be the degree of difficulty in doing so? It would be nice if this can be done with minimal modifications. But then again this is just my crazy thought. :thumbup:

Anything is possible with enough money, however the output would be useless compared to a standard 3.0 X5. Do a search, this has been discussed multiple times in the past.

Physically fitting it in is one thing.

How about all the electronic sensors and systems related to engine-transmission controls? Can you write code?

guess you're right. fitting it in may be no prob, but all the electronics could get complicated. Yes, it probably would cost more than just trading it in for a v8.