New F10, Special Situation, Advice?

Ghazi369 · 10-29-2023, 06:12 AM

Hey guys, new to the F10 forum (came from E90), just purchased a 2011 535ix secondhand for a thousand, just has the small issue of having a seized engine (

). Bought it while obviously knowing this, and my mechanic is doing me right as far as I know for these vehicles (1200 labor for install of a new motor). The question I had was, now that the engine is coming out, what should I do to this car while I'm already putting a new motor in? Am doing the obvious to the new motor (looking at one w/ 50k miles listed for 3500 rn) such as vc gasket, oil filter housing, sparkplugs, water pump, thermostat, vacuum lines, cooling overhaul, etc. What else should I do though? Considering doing the engine mounts since I'll be in anyways, was wondering if I should swap the turbo since it would most likely not add anything to labor price? Anything else I should consider doing since everything would be accessible? (holding off on downpipes until after I do smog).

ALSO, was wondering would a RWD N55 fit fine into a AWD chassis essentially just plug and play? Any oil pan differences? Going with an N55B30M0 off a 2011 RWD 135i rn. Could find an Xdrive specific motor, but examples near me (in LA) seem like they would cost more for more miles.

Apologize in advance if the forums had anything pertaining to what I asked, searched alr couldn't find it.

StradaRedlands · 10-30-2023, 12:02 AM

You'll need to swap the oil pan from the old engine. X drive axle shafts go through the pan and the front differential attaches to it. But I think everything above that will be the same. In addition to what you mentioned, do all the cooling/radiator hoses while you're there. They have some years on them, and a total refresh will save you hassle in the not-so distant future. Maybe add on some new half-shafts, they're probably pretty close to being done. All new seals everywhere you can. Front suspension rebuild wouldn't be out of the ordinary, either. Take a good look at differential mounts, guibos, and rear subframe mounts while you have it up in the air. Spend the extra couple thousand and do it right. Then tip your mechanic a good 20%... because you're getting the deal of the year if your mechanic is doing this for $1,50, you're getting a deal!

walmark · 11-01-2023, 10:55 AM

Depending on the mileage a transmission service would also be a good idea while you’re at it (oil + filter/pan).

10-29-2023, 06:12 AM	#1
Ghazi369 New Member 4 Rep 13 Posts Drives: E90 335i N54, F10 535ix, 330ci Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: LA iTrader: (0)	New F10, Special Situation, Advice? Hey guys, new to the F10 forum (came from E90), just purchased a 2011 535ix secondhand for a thousand, just has the small issue of having a seized engine (). Bought it while obviously knowing this, and my mechanic is doing me right as far as I know for these vehicles (1200 labor for install of a new motor). The question I had was, now that the engine is coming out, what should I do to this car while I'm already putting a new motor in? Am doing the obvious to the new motor (looking at one w/ 50k miles listed for 3500 rn) such as vc gasket, oil filter housing, sparkplugs, water pump, thermostat, vacuum lines, cooling overhaul, etc. What else should I do though? Considering doing the engine mounts since I'll be in anyways, was wondering if I should swap the turbo since it would most likely not add anything to labor price? Anything else I should consider doing since everything would be accessible? (holding off on downpipes until after I do smog). ALSO, was wondering would a RWD N55 fit fine into a AWD chassis essentially just plug and play? Any oil pan differences? Going with an N55B30M0 off a 2011 RWD 135i rn. Could find an Xdrive specific motor, but examples near me (in LA) seem like they would cost more for more miles. Apologize in advance if the forums had anything pertaining to what I asked, searched alr couldn't find it.
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10-30-2023, 12:02 AM	#2
StradaRedlands Colonel 4941 Rep 2,996 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 330i MT Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: SoCal iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i [8.21] 2009 BMW 328i Touri ... [7.90] 2013 BMW X5 35i [7.63] 2011 BMW 528i [8.75] 2006 Mazda3 [5.50]	You'll need to swap the oil pan from the old engine. X drive axle shafts go through the pan and the front differential attaches to it. But I think everything above that will be the same. In addition to what you mentioned, do all the cooling/radiator hoses while you're there. They have some years on them, and a total refresh will save you hassle in the not-so distant future. Maybe add on some new half-shafts, they're probably pretty close to being done. All new seals everywhere you can. Front suspension rebuild wouldn't be out of the ordinary, either. Take a good look at differential mounts, guibos, and rear subframe mounts while you have it up in the air. Spend the extra couple thousand and do it right. Then tip your mechanic a good 20%... because you're getting the deal of the year if your mechanic is doing this for $1,50, you're getting a deal! Last edited by StradaRedlands; 10-30-2023 at 12:07 AM..
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11-01-2023, 10:55 AM	#3
walmark Apprentice 86 Rep 491 Posts Drives: 550i F10 '15 Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: SF Bay iTrader: (2)	Depending on the mileage a transmission service would also be a good idea while you’re at it (oil + filter/pan).
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