Replacing N63 engine, what else to do?

[AsTheWeedTumble]

I have a 2013 550i XDrive with N63A and ~80,000 miles. I am having issues that require swapping the engine. I plan to order from BMW and swap myself. I have a lift and plan to drop it from below. My goal is not to increase HP or performance but, instead, get as much life out of the car as I can. It will get new plugs, coils, belts, oil return cover, fluids, 101C Thermostat, and comes with new water pump, timing chains, etc. I will also make sure there are no plastic Ys is the cooling hoses and make sure all the hoses are in good condition. Wondering what else I should consider?

Transmission (auto) was working fine but while it is out, would you do anything other than fluids and filter? Torque Converter? How many miles are these transmissions typically good for? I had a Torque converter fail in my Yukon at like 90k and took out the transmission. I could have saved $5K had I put in a new torque converter before this happened. Anything like that with these transmissions?

Turbos seem okay and are not too difficult to get to so I don't plan to replace them. Is there a rebuild kit I should consider?

I am also considering sending the injectors in for a clean/test. At almost $4K for a new set of injectors, I don't plan to replace them unless absolutely needed. Any suggestions?

What would you do if taking on the motor swap?

Thanks in advance!

[bmwdirtracer]

Do you have access to TIS (BMW's service manuals)? You really do not want to do this job without this.

I would add that I absolutely will not do this engine swap in my shop, because of the complexity, all the things that can go wrong (and break), and the fact that it'll almost certainly disable a lift, and a technician, for much much longer than the book time of ~42 hours. And that's with a pro BMW tech, with every tool imaginable.

Keep scrupulous note of each and every bolt. There are a couple, that if replaced with the wrong length bolt, will cost you a new DME and alternator. And, when you finally hook the car to ISTA to find out what's wrong, ISTA will show you a picture of the bolts you put in the wrong place.

[R Shaffner]

Do they make LS swap kits for that application? If so, I'd consider one of those, from all that I've heard about the N63.

[bmwdirtracer]

The N63 is available for only $4100.
https://www.faulknerbmwpartssource.c...QtNGwtdjgtZ2Fz
https://www.bmwpartsnow.com/oem-part...ne-11002296776

Even if there were a way to put an LS engine in there, you'd lose the 4 wheel drive, and piss off every computer in the car beyond redemption.

Further to my post above, though, I'm okay with replacing any engine except this one and its derivatives, at my shop. I do not know a single BMW technician who would own one of these. They're fast and fun....until you have to work on them....and they break, a lot.

[R Shaffner]

Even if there were a way to put an LS engine in there, you'd lose the 4 wheel drive, and piss off every computer in the car beyond redemption.

Thanks, Chris. I wondered after seeing several that looked like great values, mostly because of the engine I bet.

[AsTheWeedTumble]

Thanks for the info and I will answer the question below. But, back to my original question about what else should I consider doing while it is pulled?

As for the procedure, I have access to Ista+ with full detailed procedures for all of the steps, torques, etc. I have more time than money and my private shop with a lift I can park my car on for a month if needed. I have gone over all of the procedures and I am confident in being able to do the work. I can get a full replacement BMW engine with 2-way shipping included for $4.4K (and 2 year warranty). I currently have the car with a major engine issue and 80K miles. My only options are to replace the entire engine or pull it and repair it just to have it last maybe 20K? No, I will be replacing the motor.

The only think I have found challenging so far is locating part numbers so I can order all of the single use bolts I will need to replace. The procedure has them listed, and most even have the size, but not the part numbers. When looking over the diagrams for parts most of the bolts are not listed (that I can find). It would be nice to find a BMW TSB that lists all of the required parts for an engine swap.

[82eye]

The only think I have found challenging so far is locating part numbers so I can order all of the single use bolts I will need to replace. The procedure has them listed, and most even have the size, but not the part numbers. When looking over the diagrams for parts most of the bolts are not listed (that I can find). It would be nice to find a BMW TSB that lists all of the required parts for an engine swap.

probably be able to pull the part numbers from realoem.

[AsTheWeedTumble]

probably be able to pull the part numbers from realoem.

THANKS! This is exactly what was needed for the parts.

[hotrodjesseb]

I need to replace my N63. Any takers around the Charlotte, NC area?

[bmwdirtracer]

This is not a DIY job; you need to find the best BMW specialist shop you can that will take this on. The only shop I know in the Charlotte area who might do this is EuroEnvy Autowerkes in Concord 704-388-3876. Tell them Chris from German Motors sent you; both our shops support BMWCCA track events, and teach at VIR.