Ahh, how in the hell did I miss that post! I've got a dead trans from my 98 740il that I could use. That actually seems simple enough, then do I just add pedals, clutch disk/pressure plate/flywheel then I'm off and running...minus some coding of course.

I'm NOT willing to lose my AWD, that's the kicker...otherwise I'd just do an LSx swap and say screw it lol

If it's all too much.. just do an LSx swap, it'll be bullet proof, simple, and much more powerful...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSDCEBD5bx8
:driver::2thumbs:

I've seen that video but it'd be more work to make the X5 still be AWD with an LSx swap. I bought the X5 because I need a winter beater, so ditching the AWD isn't an option. Instead I'll likely be pulling the brand new engine out of my 7, swapping it into the X5 and then making the 7 an LSx sleeper. The 6spd swap into the X5 is just to make it more fun and ditch the crappy slushbox they come with.

Using the G6S tranny of facelifted E53 will mean you have to manufacture the rear shaft, which is going into (pre-facelifted) NV125 transfer case. Other way, you have to swap the TC too, which is electronically a bit complicated, but doable. IMO, the pre facelifted TC (NV125) is a better choice, due to it's simplicity and reliability.

On the other hand, going that far, you can also use the GS6 tranny, NV125 transfer case and LSX engine - the effort wouldn't be much higher indeed.

And yes, using the G6S tranny means off course you have to reweld the rear part of tranny housing too, if you will use the NV125 TC, or, if possible you have to manufacture an adapter.

I'm an 01 4.4, so it's not facelifted. Do I have to swap the transfer case still? You keep saying NV125...is that what I have in my X5 4.4 or is that something I need to buy from a facelifted X5, a diesel X5, etc? Ebay links like the diesel 6spd will help eliminate any misunderstandings.

I have a spare M62 trans, so if all I need to do is buy the G6S, cut and weld to make mounting flanges/adapters and then a drive shaft, that sounds very doable...leaving me to figure out the electronics.

No, you don't have to swap the TC, it's just an option to avoid manufacturing of the adapter for your TC (nv125), because the GS6 tranny has a different lenght and it's rear shaft has a bigger diameter.

Between the price of the TC and then sorting the wiring out, I'd assume it'd be cheaper and easier to just swap the trans, get a driveline made and I'd be off and running.

Would absolutely love to do this to my 4.6is - definitely worth considering if/when the transmission packs up! Is it just the M5 transmission that can be used or are there other alternatives that could be used with or without an adaptor plate?

Yeah - I want to do this to my '03 4.6is.
If I could get a list of parts, and the OP to fab those adapter plates for me, I might be willing to buy all the parts AND a supercharger to make this 4.6IS SCREEEEEEAAAAAM!