Seeking E70 X5 RWD and manual conversion info
 

On the facelift E53 X5s, it was possible to do a simple fuse/relay removal to convert it to rwd/2wd drive. Has anyone tried this on an E70 or know if a similar process is possible?

Additionally, does anyone know if a manual trans from a similar engine on any of the other xDrive BMWs out there would be a bolt on fit to the engine/xdrive system on an E70 X5?


Not making this thread to have people ask why someone would even think/consider these things. Just simply looking for info/knowledge of those who may have looked into these details in the past or have experience with it themselves.

Thanks!

-Don

I believe you’re in uncharted territory here. I would assume transmission from a manual E60 5 series should bolt up, but I don’t know for sure. You will need to fab mounts, linkage, driveshaft, among other things.

Anything is possible with time and money :) Keep us updated!

As usual, after posting/making threads, I usually find most of my info/answers immediately right after.

The 2wd/rwd thing is definitely a possibility, as it's a pretty common thing other newer xdrive car owners have done on other forums.

There are a few options with the transmission too it seems like, but the AWD system may seem like it could be a weak point once more power gets pushed through it. So I am debating if it is even worthwhile trying to retain the AWD system with a BMW xdrive trans at all.

How does removing a fuse also remove a differential and an axle?!?

"is it possible?"... what that old punchline? "Madam we've already established that, we're just arguing about the price"

Similar to this with the added complexity of manual trans. Hard parts are not the hard part.