Really? Different drive ratios front & back? Why would they do that? That doesn't make much sense... You'd always have some slippage going on.

Nope. Differentials are consistant with ratios. 3.0's being front and rear 4.10. 4.4's have 3.64 front and rear. I think the 3.0d's have 3.7x, and 4.6is have 3.91 ratio front and rear. 4.8is has the 3.64 ratio on the front and rear if I remember right. All E53.

Yeah, that makes more sense. i cant imagine different ratios front to rear. However, auto 3.0 diffs are 3.64, and manual 3.0 are 4.11. I would like 3.64 and only RWD once its turbo'ed if possible.

The rear drivetrain is designed to deal wtih approximately 60% of the vehicle's power, on a continuous basis. The rest goes to the front drivetrain. So if you were RWD only, you would be beyond the design intent, and if you modify for more power, even further off. Expect to break things.

Yes JCL, your right. I was discussing this today at work with an experienced automotive fabricator and the rear certainly would be put under too much stress, so I will have to keep the front drivetrain and therefore the 4.11s unfortunatley.
I removed the clutch assist spring on the pedal today, and it made the clutch only slightly heavier if at all, but you can feel the clutch so much better and it makes it much better to drive.
The more I drive it, the more I love the manual.
I put some wheels on it yesterday. I will post a pic once I work out how.

Before :yawn:


http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/...e69/IMG112.jpg
After :D

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/...e69/IMG123.jpg
And this is my Daughter. She rides on 20's! :thumbup:

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/...e69/IMG130.jpg

They are 20x10 on the front and 20x11 on the rear.
I would like to know what style they are, if any.

Nice wheels, cool transformation, beautiful daughter! :thumbup:

Those wheels, whether oe or reps, are Style 300/Style 333 depending on if they fit on an E70 or E71.
GL, mD

MD, I believe you stated the correct style but posted the wrong image.
http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps74163acd.jpg

Have you removed the Clutch Delay Valve (CDV)? I found it made a big difference in several of my manual transmission BMWs (except the 535i). I didn't have a manual X5, so not sure there.

I dont believe I have a CDV. Would it be at the gearbox end or the pedal end?
Also does anybody know the model number of the 5 speed in the e53?