x5 xDrive50i Engine Swap

[ChanF15]

I’m looking to complete a full engine swap in my 2015 x5 xDrive50i from its n63 powerplant to a s63 more potent engine.

Is an engine swap like this practical and if so, what are the potential benefits of disadvantages (if any) to it.

Just for context, I’ve done a few searches of related posts but nothing in-depth thus far that I’ve come across. Maybe I’ve missed a forum post that covers in but I don’t think I have.

So, with that being said - if any of our esteem members can add some context/ information to this question it would incredibly helpful.

[shimmy23]

not worth it... just sell your 50i and get an x5m

[ChanF15]

Originally Posted by shimmy23

not worth it... just sell your 50i and get an x5m

I mean, that’s as solid as it gets lol. However, the goal of this is to do something that (I think) hasn’t been done. I want to keep the overall look and appearance of factory optioned x5 xDrive50i base model with all of the power train components of an x5m. An all out sleeper. I still might end up purchasing a 2018 x5m, but my goal with this x5 still would remain something I want to complete.

[shimmy23]

Originally Posted by ChanF15

I mean, that’s as solid as it gets lol. However, the goal of this is to do something that (I think) hasn’t been done. I want to keep the overall look and appearance of factory optioned x5 xDrive50i base model with all of the power train components of an x5m. An all out sleeper. I still might end up purchasing a 2018 x5m, but my goal with this x5 still would remain something I want to complete.

if you want to tinker and do it yourself then it could be a fun project. otherwise, it's not worth the investment or really "cool" factor IMO. a sleeper x5? no one wants that! lol

[ChanF15]

Originally Posted by shimmy23

if you want to tinker and do it yourself then it could be a fun project. otherwise, it's not worth the investment or really "cool" factor IMO. a sleeper x5? no one wants that! lol

Shiddddddd, I do. I want all the performance I can possibly squeeze out of this platforms, while maintaining an appearance of a modestly modded x5. It might be a potential money pit but that’s why we love going down this customization road.

[Djhumvee]

Is your goal to have the same power output as the s63? Or as much power as possible? If you're only looking to be as fast as a stock f85 you're better off with some basic mods and a tune, way better off. Only reason I could see going through all that headache would be to have the stronger rods of the s63..

[ChanF15]

Originally Posted by Djhumvee

Is your goal to have the same power output as the s63? Or as much power as possible? If you're only looking to be as fast as a stock f85 you're better off with some basic mods and a tune, way better off. Only reason I could see going through all that headache would be to have the stronger rods of the s63..

I’m looking more power and more potential out of the s63 then I would possibly get out of my n63. Plus another reasoning for this push is me wanting to deal with the valve stem seal issue that’s commonplace with the n63. I figured once I started dealing with any engine mods, I would just go all out with a better engine replacement, rather than a complete n63 rebuild and possibly have future issues down the road.

[Djhumvee]

I see, well if you can get a s63 for a good price then it may be worth it. I wanna say it's the older n63/s63 non tu with the valve stem seal issues? but regardless the n63tu and s63tu share the same valve seals. My opinion would be to treat it just like a typical engine replacement, I believe all of the sensors are the same. I don't think there would be a point in swapping the harness and ECM since you'll be tuning..

[ChanF15]

Originally Posted by Djhumvee

I see, well if you can get a s63 for a good price then it may be worth it. I wanna say it's the older n63/s63 non tu with the valve stem seal issues? but regardless the n63tu and s63tu share the same valve seals. My opinion would be to treat it just like a typical engine replacement, I believe all of the sensors are the same. I don't think there would be a point in swapping the harness and ECM since you'll be tuning..

Copy that. And I’m still learning about the potential differences/benefits of the s63. Only time will tell how this process might go. But I’m excited to learn about the possibilities of it.

[Danyal.N55]

Imo, Not worth it as it actually ends up being more to do than just buying an F85 X5M. You have to source the difference in the Bumpers, Hood, Gauges, Transmission, etc. To me it’s not worth the money unless you’re always free and have tons of cash laying around, Sounds like a fun project but to me makes no sense when you can buy an F85 X5M.

[Djhumvee]

Originally Posted by Danyal.N55

Imo, Not worth it as it actually ends up being more to do than just buying an F85 X5M. You have to source the difference in the Bumpers, Hood, Gauges, Transmission, etc. To me it’s not worth the money unless you’re always free and have tons of cash laying around, Sounds like a fun project but to me makes no sense when you can buy an F85 X5M.

he just wants the engine (stronger rods, crank, pistons) can mod it a bit more than the n63... has better crossflow headers and intercoolers too.

[Danyal.N55]

Originally Posted by Djhumvee

he just wants the engine (stronger rods, crank, pistons) can mod it a bit more than the n63... has better crossflow headers and intercoolers too.

Oh that’s it? Well I believe he also has to do the Transmission as it’s got a Higher Torque Load I’m not fully sure I may be wrong. But if it’s possible to do an S63TU that sounds cool.

[Djhumvee]

Originally Posted by Danyal.N55

Oh that’s it? Well I believe he also has to do the Transmission as it’s got a Higher Torque Load I’m not fully sure I may be wrong. But if it’s possible to do an S63TU that sounds cool.

Yeah I actually think he doesn't want it to look like an f85 at all

[Danyal.N55]

Originally Posted by Djhumvee

Yeah I actually think he doesn't want it to look like an f85 at all

Makes sense, I’m just worried about the cooling part of it as they suck in a lot of air.

[BeachsideF30]

Monumental waste of money. Just get an x5m and call it a day

[beattiecj]

I’m into it, let’s make it happen. Maybe the user has the funds and wants to take on a new project would be cool to see may open up some new potential. Def would be the first to do this and a lot of work and learning to be acquired.

[ChanF15]

Originally Posted by beattiecj

I’m into it, let’s make it happen. Maybe the user has the funds and wants to take on a new project would be cool to see may open up some new potential. Def would be the first to do this and a lot of work and learning to be acquired.

I have the funds and the time. I definitely want the project to be something that isn’t like any other X5 mod. As one of the other members wrote, I don’t want it to look like an x5m. That would be a dead giveaway to what the vehicle’s performance potential could be. I want it to look as modestly modified (exterior wise) as possible. But once that gas pedal is floored, I want that truck to be gone in the blink of an eye.

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by ChanF15

I have the funds and the time.

Just curious, have you researched the cost of an S63 engine? They're really.... really expensive.

Originally Posted by ChanF15

...As one of the other members wrote, I don’t want it to look like an x5m.

If you debadged an X5M and parked it alongside an M Sport, there's only a handful of people that would ever know the difference. Most people in this world would have no clue there's any difference, so trying to fool someone with an 50i 'sleeper' seems like a complete waste. Just get an X5M, debadge it, and if you're really worried that 1 guy out there who might identify the M by it's quad tailpipes, just get an M Sport rear bumper and do some exhaust work to match the M Sport look.

Edit - looks like you don't have an M Sport, so maybe you're going for the xLine/base model 50i, equipped with an S63? I'd still just get a real X5M and debadge it, most people will never know it's an M. Heck, a lot of people still don't realize BMW makes M SUVs and think M badges on X5s are losers who bought the badge off eBay.

[Maverik259]

Buy the X5M and then swap the rear and front bumper. Mod the shit out of the S63 and Call it a day. And and you’ll need a new exhaust to go with the F15 rear bumper.

This way you also get the better brakes as well as the DCT.