I'm going to rely on the pictures I took in this thread for the re-assembly, and, very likely, ask for assistance when I get stuck. :) My memory is far from photographic!

@CleanIsFast, let me see if I can dig up the last 7 of the VIN.

@CleanIsFast, last 7 of VIN is LN78784.

This thread has been dormant for another 2 1/2 years now..... It was the inspiration for my own engine pull and reseal project. (I did my trans in 2010, I believe, so only engine reseal and vanos but still...) Like Stunt life tends to get in the way of something major like this :-) I hope Stunt is still working on it!

Stunt’s photographs were the best I’ve ever seen on a forum post, but unfortunately I can no longer view them. I don’t know if it’s my browser that’s at fault, or that they’ve been removed for some reason. If they have gone, it’s a great shame because they were amazing images.

Phil

Bringing back this old thread. I still have all the pictures and will go back through my posts here and re-link all the images.

I have decided to sell the X5 in its current state as I just don't have the time to complete this project. Engine was completely gone through as detailed in this thread and I got plenty of other new parts, like engine mounts, CV boots, etc still sitting in boxes.

Also got a rebuilt torque converter still in the box from Eriksson, specifically for the 4.6is.

I'm currently working on re-installing the sub-frame so that it can roll on it own wheels and be rolled into a trailer or flatbed.

Here's where it has been sitting for the last 8 years, give or take:

https://i.imgur.com/c8TVOVa.jpg

I'll throw in various tools that I purchased for this project, such as this:

https://i.imgur.com/WMyWUPs.jpg

Once I get it assembled, I'll get it washed up.

Front clip back on:

https://i.imgur.com/If8VNNp.jpg

I have no idea what to ask price wise. Any thoughts?

Hate to see it go, but with everything else I have going on, I just realize I'll never have time to complete this project. Hate to see it go, but hopefully someone will be able to see the project through.

Damn it's a shame it never got finished! Totally understand life comes first with the many obstacles that get in the way. If you decide to part at any point shoot me a PM, I just grabbed a titanium silver 4.6is and could be looking for some things.

I feel you. I almost got into the same situation with my beloved 1997 E39 with M52 engine. It's been sitting in my garage for 3 years, with what started as a simple project to replace a leaking thermostat housing but got morphed into this and that to-do list. I just finished replacing the valve stem seals and then found the timing chain guides were all in pieces, which explains the strange rattling noise from the engine that I'd been hunting for years! Got the chain, guides and tools. Time to finish up is elusive but I'm determined to get to the finish line ...

why don't you just hire a mobile mechanic to re-assemble the truck ? have him work on a flat rate for the entire job.

if you don't have time, but you have the means, by far that is a solution to get it back to an enjoyable driver again.

i'm just the opposite when it comes to my X5 4.6. i have the time, but not the means. :dunno:

I spent some time cleaning up the inside and put the subframe on it so that I can put the front wheels on and move it outside the garage. Interior and exterior are both perfect except for a few wear spots on the inside of the steering wheel and the driver side interior door handle where you open and close the door.

I'm thinking I might just find the time to put it all back together. I reached out to Eriksson Industries about having them rebuilt the transmission. They don't have any 5HP24 cores at the moment, but they do mine if I ship it to them. Normal cost is $2,895 plus freight ($450 from and to Virginia). They will knock off $250 since they already rebuilt my torque converter.

Before pulling the trigger, I'm going to re-assemble everything but the engine and transmission and then make a call if its worth dropping another 3 grand into this projects. Given all the work I did replacing everything on the engine, it probably would be worth it...

I certainly don't have unlimited means, and $3k is not chump change. Hiring a mobile mechanic is not in the budget unfortunately, but that an option I didn't consider. Maybe I can find someone that will buy it and I can let them use my shop to complete the project, if done within a reasonable timeframe. That's a long shot though.

Not to take things out of context, but 'm reading very powerful nuances here :D.