How hard is to do the timing if you have the tools?
 

I am wondering if the timing is an easy thing to do if I buy the tools.
I am thinking of buying the kit ($400 shipped and resell when I'm done) or get the engine to a shop to do it. They said it would take them 2-3 hours @ $100/h) but I have to find a way to transport the engine to them.

I would have a trained tech do this. Your already doubting yourself by asking. Just have the mech who has experience with the motor do the job.

Transport is money too... It's not easy, I've seen it done on 3-4 Xs. Can't do it alone for all I know. Then, If you are not sure you have it right, you will have to take all apart again and replace all the gaskets again... so.

I know, but I am replacing the Vanos, chains, guides, tensioners and so on myself. I was thinking how much trickier is to do the timing vs. just replacing all these parts. I tempting to take it to the mechanic but if it's doable I would try it.
Here is a good DIY:
DIY: Timing Chain Guide & Timing Chain Replacement

BTW, my engine is on an engine stand, not that will make a big difference...

If you can do all that, then I am pretty sure you can do timings as well. But let me ask you this! why bother doing all that?

What a writeup! Awesome find.

Add those o-rings on the valley water pipes to your "to do" list while the engine is out!

Well, as you know from my other thread, my chain guides just disintegrated. I decided to take the engine out because it was covered in oil and the seals (rear and front and tranny) needed to be replaced. Now, the mechanic also ran a vanos test that couldn't complete and he suspected that the vanos might be faulty. So, since I have all apart I will change the vanos as well. I didn't plan to do this but I had no choice, the 8-10k quote to get it fixed or new used engine was not an option for me.

Wow, looks complicated but is probably not too bad once you get in there. I am considering going to that step but first have to get the valley pan done and the trans re-attached before taking it it the next level.....

This weekend was a loss but hope to take Thursday off to get started with the AT.

Good luck. If you get the tools I'd be interested in getting them after you are done.

TriX, do the chain guides now if you never done it since you have the tranny out. It's easy to take the engine out now and work on it on a stand. You might want to change the seals as well. I found this chain guides problem a while back on the e39 forum and posted here but nobody replied. So, I guess at that time no X5 ran into this issue but now it looks like it's a common problem to X5s as well.
I am also replacing all the rubber and plastic pipes and hoses around the engine. Good luck with your tranny, that's a harder project I guess.
Not sure I will buy the tools but I will let you know if I do.

Yes, I remember. Well It is indeed good idea to do all that while youre in there. Afterwords you will have one fresh engine:) If you can do all that job get a friend or 2 to help you with the timings and I believe it will not be hard. Keep us posted. Good luck