@Jay - No, I wasn't going to. In all that I've read I've never heard anyone mention the knock sensors. Do those need to be replaced?

I am under the impression that they last for a very long time. They reside underneath the cooling tray in the middle of the engine. I am with you that I have not really heard anything about knock sensors on the V8 equipped X5 E53s. I think I will not change mine when I run through my engine to fix the leaks.

I just went through every page, speechless...this is one of the most epic journals I've read/seen. Hope all is well and subscribed.

The original OP has not responded to this thread since January 2016. So something drastically has changed. For instance maybe he no longer has the X5.

Bump
Hoping Stunt will see and update us.

I still have the X5. Been crazy busy with other projects. Rebuilding the tranny is the part that keeps putting me off. I need to get on that soon. Here are some pics from today. Yes, I need to put a new 3.6 in my wife's 4runner now before I can get back on the X5.

http://www.cstone.net/~dk/4runner-2-12-04.JPG

http://www.cstone.net/~dk/4runner-2-12-05.JPG

http://www.cstone.net/~dk/4runner-2-12-06.JPG

http://www.cstone.net/~dk/4runner-2-12-07.JPG

Who knows, it might be an antique by the time I get it back on the road. ;)

That's the nice thing about having plenty of spare cars: you can take your time.

Well I am glad and relieved that 1.) Stunt you are alright 2.) the X5 is still in your possession. Man you must have an incredible photographic memory with all those parts in the background and where they go when it comes time to put it back together.

Indeed. Parts aside, I applaud the man that can keep track of every screw and bolt. Sometimes they are the same thing, sometimes, it's the same head and pitch, but just one is longer and one is shorter. I could not keep track

:bow: :bow: :bow:

Stunt - what is your last 7 of VIN so I can add you to the registry