I use the both out first method. You take the easier one out first, then that gives you extra room to rotate the engine away from the harder mount, then you replace the harder mount and then the easier mount......

Haven't done them on the X yet but figure I'll be employing the same tactic

It is messed up tight in there on the 4.8. Plus the mounts are not on center in relation to the engine. The pass side, is more forward, and is much easier. Maybe, just maybe if you take it out first, you might be able to rotate the engine just a bit more, but I doubt it. What the mech did, was actually unscrew, the entire subframe, and supported it all on stands. Then used another stand to lift the engine on that side only. When that was at the safe max point, as in not to damage any wires or hoses, one mechanic hung on the rear of the driver side subframe, while the other rotated and wiggled the mount out. It came out of the mount holder pretty easy, it just wouldn't come out of the area. He was about to take out the axle at one point, but decided to give it another shot with a second set of hands. Oh, he didn't even take off the wheels. The collection of tools he has though to get in there is pretty amazing. You will definitely need a ratchet where the head is on 45 degrees to the handle. He got all the bolts and screws from the bottom as well. No way to get it from the top.

Pass side is relatively easy, and can be DIY. For sure.

By the way forgot to mention. The driver side mount leaked out oil as soon as he flipped it out of the cup. The pass side mount was still sealed. I think it might have been changed, or there is really not much abuse on that side. It looked pretty much like the one I just purchased, no real noticeable wear. That's why he suggested I hold onto it. Either way, just watch your face when you flip the mounts, if the mount is shot, oil will come out. I though there was no oil, but apparently I was wrong.

Again, I can't even describe how happy I am now. No vibrations at all. Drive, reverse, at a light, nothing. The boat rocking during shifts is also gone.

Yea give your tactic a try. Might work better, especially if you are going to try and DIY this. Let us know how it goes. For what they charged me though, I would not even bother attempting this myself.

Hopefully won't have to do mine for years but I will let ya know if and when :). I was just saying that that's how I've done it in the past with other vehicles, every vehicle has it's quirks.

Glad it's nice now

I have the 3.0i and have done many repairs on my own. Do you guys think with the extra room, this is a DIY on my engine? There is no movement in reverse, in drive the engine raises almost 6 inches at less than 2k rpm!!

It is deff DIY-able, even on 4.8, I just didn't want to deal with it.

Lol I just saw this thread, and I wrote right side, driver side in initial post. I was like who is the retard that wrote that, should be left side, for driver side.

Slick - For my understanding, your symptoms of the bad mounts were the vibration, and then less vibration with the AC on? Thanks.

Correct. The more load on the engine, the less vibration. So higher RPM, reduced the feel. But I also had an audible thunk when taking off aggressively. Either way, once removed, we flipped the mount, and all the oil spilled out. Clearly no longer hydroloic.

This was one of the first jobs I needed to have done on my X5 when we first got it a few months back. I guess this could be a DIY job, but it is much harder on a V8 X5 than most other vehicles...access is a bitch. No way I wanted to do this job without a lift.

On my car, the tech removed the reinforcement plate...did that get done on yours Slick? If so, I hope you replaced the single use bolts.

Also, on my car, the passenger side mounting bracket was cracked, I gather from driving too long with bad motor mounts. While quite cheap considering the size and complexitity of the casting, ($79), replacing that is really tough. The A/C compressor needs to come out of the car. Also found out my transmission thermostat was cracked, and leaking coolant. So overall, the tech was at it for about 8hrs.

No when I did the mounts, I didn't have the bolts at the time. I now have a set of 12 in the garage, not including the ones I replaced shortly after. So yes, I replaced the bolts.

Hi Guys,

Thanks for posting. I have a 2003 X5 with these exact symptoms. If i buy these mounts, is it good stuff??

BMW E53 x5 3 0 Engine Motor Mount Mounts Left Right Set | eBay

Ill take it to a BMW repair friend for installation.
Thanks,
Jim