3.0 diesel turbo engine change ?

[Lucasboat]

Hi all, newbie here so be gentle. Right. I have a x5 3.0d sport on a 05. It’s tuned a fair bit and goes ok but I want much more. Does anybody know of an engine upgrade that has been done before ? For example the 335 twin turbo ? Or am I pissing in the wind. I want the x5m but I’m still saving so can’t afford one for about a year or so yet so would like to get what power I can from what I have. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

[IanP]

Personally, I would save your money and just get an X5M earlier. Trust me its worth it....
There are so many electronic interfaces on these cars that I doubt you could do a successful transplant without major expenditure of time and money.

[X5-D-Sport]

A turbo upgrade is available that will easy fit as a swap out & will add significant power...
however, you don't get some thing for nothing...

I've dun the turbo swap & the torque is simply stupid & pins you in the seat in 2nd & 3rd gear... but the Rear UJ's, torque converter, gearbox + rear diff are now shot as a result of the extra power use.... as the transmission was not designed for this.

The power output was simply ridiculous... fortunately the engine is going well still.
Now I potter about gently, resisting the big right go-go pedal, until I can afford another torque converter, diff & gearbox.

Suggest you simply get the later twin turbo powered machine or go the 4.8 route

[Lucasboat]

Thank you for the responses. I understand I would be better saving the money and being patient, and obviously that’s the right thing to do. But if I can get a fair bit more power out of it for a couple of grand I would like to try. Is it possible to get an uprated torque converter and other essential bits ? How long did your gearbox last after upgrading the turbo and was it just a turbo upgrade or various other parts too ? Sorry about all the questions but I have spent hours and hours online and can’t seem to find any info.

[lezmtaylor]

Have a word with Jason@BW chiptune, the tune up guru for BMW, do a member search for jason that will pick him up.
Smashing bloke, what he does not know is not worth knowing.

Lez

[X5Sport]

ZF 6HP26 is internally rated to 600Nm (443lbs/ft) so you could try to find a 6HP32 (from a 745 or Phaeton AWD) which has been rated for 750Nm.  It’s not just the TC you should worry about but the clutch/brake packs inside the box as well.  A worn box will go earlier 

No idea on just how much torque you can put through the xDrive transfer box either.  Given that the transmission can fail just from fitting the wrong tyres, excess engine torque will just as likely snap something unless carefully delivered.

Interesting sounding project though 

New Nürburgring track record attempt coming?

[graemeX5]

Hi
Would it not be easier to start with e70 twin turbo diesel as you will have a lot more power and if you want to map or updgrade from there it would be easier as already running circa 300bhp compared to the e53 as 218

Graeme

[Smeeagain]

[quote="Lucasboat"]
Hi all, newbie here so be gentle. Right. I have a x5 3.0d sport on a 05. It’s tuned a fair bit and goes ok but I want much more. Does anybody know of an engine upgrade that has been done before ? For example the 335 twin turbo ? Or am I pissing in the wind. I want the x5m but I’m still saving so can’t afford one for about a year or so yet so would like to get what power I can from what I have. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks
[/quote]

As someone else mentioned, talk to Jason - he has , or had, an X5 that did a standing quarter in 6 seconds or something daft. he is your man

Smee