Well, now what? Blown 4.4i
 

I'll keep a long story short. 2000 x5 4.4, died one day while my wife was driving it. Took it to a shop where they called the engine "toast" due to overheat. I respectfully disagreed with the over heat and had it brought home. Before I even got a chance to tear into it I looked and found a broken upper timing cover. I'm planning for the worst here. I'll probably continue to dig more into it just for shits.

So my real question:

Locally to me there is a wrecked '00 740i that still runs. Would this be an option for an engine transplant? I ran a cross check on realoem on various engine numbers: crank, pistons, head and they are all the same between the two engines. However the engine block does not translate across. Is this correct? Sorry to be so blunt with my questions I'm just having a hard time finding answers.

I think the engine is the same, just a different upper oil pan. You can use the one from yours. If you get the engine make sure you replace the chain guides and all the rubber o rings, gaskets and so on. I also changed the vanos on mine. You might want to search this forum for what other people changed on their 4.4 engines so far. It's much easier when you have it out of the car.

My X has a 540I engine swapped in.
As long as it's a m62B44tu you should be fine.At least I think so.
Just check if they are cosmetically identical

In September 1998, BMW introduced the M62TUB44, including within it the VANOS system and an electronically actuated throttle. Each bank of cylinders included a single-stage VANOS system, and only on the intake valve timing (not the exhaust valves).
The engine design also included slightly larger mass-airflow sensor and lower flow intake plenum runners which improved lower RPM torque characteristics at the cost of some high-rpm flow. Non-"TUB" intake manifolds can be transplanted onto a M62TUB44 engine to improve high (>3400) RPM torque and power characteristics (similar in effect to the swap of OBD1 manifolds onto newer OBD2 generation M52/S52). Dinan also sells this modification under a Dinan performance package (but the BMW part numbers are equivalent to stock -B44 manifolds).

• 210 kW (286 PS; 282 hp) and 440 N·m (325 lb·ft) / Electronic Throttle -SINGLE vanos;the M5 S62 was the first BMW V8 (and only E39 V8) with dual vanos. In 2002, the power was increased from 210 kW (286 PS; 282 hp) to 216 kW (294 PS; 290 hp) while torque remained the same.
  • 1998–2003 E39 540i
  • 1999–2001 E38 740i/740iL
  • 1999–2003 E53 X5 4.4i
  • 2003–2005 Land Rover Range Rover 4.4
  • 2000–2004 Morgan Aero 8 Series 1[1]

Thanks for the responses. If I do find something I'll refresh the timing guides and other bits for sure. I may even look into the non tub intake manifold for fun.

I read that same article on wikipedia about the engine being the "same" but was unsure. Kind of how the m20 is the "same" between an e30 325i and an e30 325ix. Since you mentioned a 540i engine in yours that gives me confidence it will work.

It's wiser to update as many things as you can while it's not swapped in.
My X is losing coolant like crazy from rear coolant manifold area,so I am at valley pan job right now.It could've been done 45,000 kms ago when engine was sitting outside with no intake manifold nor water pump etc.
But,my mechanic didn't bother...and here we are now...

the x5 engine and the 740 engine differ in the part of the crankcase ventilation and breather. extensive work will need to be performed to make it work.

Here we go...