I have myself swapped transmissions, engines, differentials, on a few different BMWs and haven't had issues before as have some of my friends. And I know that this is very "viable". It's very viable considering that there already is a 3.0l manual version of the e53.

All the Mechanical parts and control modules already exist for the e53 so unless you want to do something really different, there shouldn't be any issues. I've pretty much decided to convert my 4.4l X5 to a dedicated rwd 6speed manual using the e39 540i trans.

I know a guy with a cheap E39 540 6 speed for sale if your interested PM me. He is out of PA.

Still considering this swap. It wouldn't kill me to change to RWD only but the purist deep down inside of me would hate me. It would be nice to pickup a 1 mpg or 2 from eliminating the all wheel drive and knowing that the 2 biggest wallet drains are now eliminated. Auto Tranny/ Transfer Case.

My Wife has a 2011 Buick Regal that I'm about to sell and am considering buying a 2006 X5 with lower miles and a 5/6 speed manual. So maybe I will fix the auto in this one and drive the newer 06. Hmmmmm.....

I build E39 LSx Swap Kits so doing this type of modification isn't technically over my head but I think I would have to get use to a christmas tree on my dash if I change it out due to the computer wanting feedback from the automatic.

How cheap is cheap:bustingup PM en route...Also, there are plenty of people on this board that have experience tuning so you may not need to live with dash lights

PM responded. I have access to a GT1 Laptop and I think that is what you would use to eliminate codes or disable certain things but have never personally messed with it.

Thanks man, I'll keep that in mind; I've never messed with one either

ive wondered if with the X drive, if you disengage the connector to the motor that engages the clutch pack on the transfer case would you in-fact then have rear wheel drive only, i guess you might get some check lights on the dash.

i know with my Jeep Cherokee there is quite a marked difference in fuel economy between rear wheel drive and all wheel drive

just a thought, and especially if the gear that works the cam was to die then the car would still be drivable

For what its worth,Thats the way I would go.

If you went with a 330ci 6 speed Manual it would have a final gear ratio of 0.85 in 6th as opposed to 1.0 in the 5 speed X5. Lowering the RPM's substantially on the freeway.



Does anyone know the size of the X5 rear differential? Im curious as what other BMW's are offered with the same size rear diff. Is it 288mm?

So what did you finally do?

sorry to bring an old thread back but any updates lol? I have some new junk yards that have x5s in them and many more 3s/5s with manual transmissions love to see what can be done? my transmission is on its way out again ( i rebuilt it myself at a cost of about 850) so i got abotu 60K out of it. but would rather have a manual....since the truck is no longer my DD i wouldnt mind spending time changing things on it.