Is that automatic?

I am not aware of any success with the 6sp swap with a 4.8is.

Got a link?

I have seen it done with the m62, but a personal kontact of mine has tried it with the 4.8is and from what I am told there is a fitment issue as far as driveshaft length goes between the trans and diff. Not to mention all the electrical issues created by missing signals from AGS which are required by motronics, EWS, KOMBI, and the light module. Some coding experience would be needed to tell all these modules the car is a manual otherwise you couldn't even move it, even if you got the 6mt to mechanically fit.

I juat did a quick search of the transmission and the first thing that popped up was a 4 speed auto tranny. I dont much about any of this stuff but that would be one hell of a ride

Still all wheel drive?

Actually, you need an ECU flasher to make the setup working even with full funcitional x-drive, but it's not a problem at all - just follow the wiring plan. My 4.6is with AWD and 6 speed manual keeps all the functions also the reverse gear signal, which activates the PDC and the rear light, still I have to admit, electronically it was a bit easier swap, than in case of the x-drive TC.

The great thing about x-drive is that it works on it's own, so there's no need to rewrite it's initial data to make it working in combo with V8.

The biggest problem with high torque engine swaps into E53 is the weak stock AWD drivetrain.

For me, though AWD is essential for an SUV, so in my eyes the S85 with 4.1 diffs is the ultimate way to go even it needs a custom made AWD steel oil pan. First, I thought about dry sump, but the VANOS of the S85 wouldn't be lubricated the way they intendend to be with this set up, as long as the VANOS will stay functional.

The function of VANOS is on the other hand an essential issue for german technical homologation, so the only way to get the engine homologated for public roads in Germany ist to design a very finctional AWD oil pan, to keep the relative reliability of VANOS and satisfiy the emission test.

But I have to admit the much lighter X3 E83 with low center of gravity is much more suitable basis for S85, than E53. The most amazing fact about S85 powered AWD E83 is that it will have the same weight as M6 Carbio (actually it could be even a bit lighter, due the weight of M6 Cabrio is over 2000 kg, while the X3 will maybe stay under 2000 kg with manual tranny), which save a bunch of money for homologation of the eingine in Germany.

Nick P- if my motor ever grenades, you up for an expenses paid vacation to east coast USA to walk my Indy through the LSX/T-56 tranny swap? I bet if you wanted to build V8 manual E83/E53 SAV's full time, you could make a pretty penny selling em to like minded enthusiasts... Just saying!

I'm converting to RWD. The stock transfer case would never hold the 600+ RWHP the motor setup is going to be making.