No real updates so far, the car's runnig well. I droppped the Idea with the 4.7L due it's too cost intensive, because Woessner charged too much money. I also tried to use the S85 pistons on S62 rods, which were trapeze grinded and also fitted with thicker bushings, unfortunately the S85 pistons are touching the counterweights on the S62 crank, but also stand too much out from the bottom of the M62 block, so even these issues are soulble, it is too much effort for only 300 ccm of extra displacement, especially on supercharged engine. Not to mention I'm not very amused by playing around with new 4.4 block, even the risks could be caused by regrinding and rebalancing the counterweights of the S62 crank are quite observable.

So I decided to build a 4.4 non-vanos engine (taken form 97 540i) with supercharger, at the moment the crank is in the workshop and I'm waiting for new stock 4.4L pistons. The headds are completely done and ported. Pics will follow.

This sounds like the best way to go!
Keep us updated; I'm sure there is plenty of interest in your unique project. :thumbup:

Looks fun!!

Reviving your thread because I'm doing some major swappage soon. I was considering doing an LSx swap into my X5, but then talking w/ guys on other forums and another guy who creates kits for these told me that keeping the AWD would be near impossible. Instead I've decided to pull the brand new M62 from my 740iL, swap it into my X5 and then also install the 6 speed that I purchased for the 740iL. Instead the 740iL will now be getting the LSx love and the X5 will remain my winter beater, it'll just have a new engine and improved powertrain.

What I need to know is what it takes, part numbers, wiring, etc...basically a full write-up on what it takes to do this conversion. I'm going to re-read this thread and another thread where you mentioned your swap (which I replied on back in '99) to refamiliarize myself w/ the setup, but in the meantime I'd love your additional assistance.

Hi James!

I don't have any list of parts and wiring schemes.

I would suggest you to get the G6S gearbox from facelifted diesel X5 and re-weld the standard housings to make them fit to the eingine and TC - in my eyes thats the easiest way to go. The rear shaft, which is entering the TC will be either made customly or you're gonna use the newer TC (NV500 I suppose) - it will fit to the body perfectly.

Unfortunately I can't give you much support due the other projects I'm currently involved in.

Regards,

Nick

Sorry, missed you want to use the S6S box - in that case you have to draw a completely new rear part of gearbox housing, due these boxes were never used for AWD driveline - because of the complex shape of the S6S box, there's no way to produce some simple >adapter plates< which are quite common for swapping AWD gearboxes for other AWD gearboxes - I mean like the Jeeps or Land Cruisers for heavy duty offroading.

We don't have diesel face lifted X5's here in the US, so that'd be pretty hard to source. If that's what it takes overall to make it easier and less fabrication, I'll look into it. Everything else is way beyond my means. I know you've done this swap so you have an idea on your head, but I'm sure the rest of us don't.

The X5 runs fine at the moment so I'm in no rush, but at the same time I'd like to do it on the future, maybe when you've got more time to help.

I don't have to use the S6S, I just figured since I've already bought it. By all means whatever makes this easier, I'd like to know...I'd rather copy you than try and rewrite the book because this isn't something I'd ever be able to do alone.

Hi James!

I had to manufacture a quite complex housing, which isn't the easiest way to go for sure - the manufacturing costs for casting are just too high to produce them even in some little numbers.

So the general advice for everyone, who wants to do a manual conversion is to reweld the diesel X5 manual gearbox to attach the both ends to engine and TC resepectively.

Hi Nick hope all is well and that your projects are going smoothly.

-Jay