E70 X5 Motor mount question

[randrews15]

As my X5 is approaching 70k miles, I've been contemplating on doing the motor mounts as more preventative maintenance since they are likely getting worn. As I searched the forums I haven't found any posts about people doing them. I am curious if anyone has attempted or has accomplished this tasks. From a quick glance in the engine bay it doesn't look terrible, but I could be wrong. My X5 is a late 2013 build which may make a difference.

[Mistercamp]

Engine?

[randrews15]

Originally Posted by Mistercamp

Engine?

N55.

[Mistercamp]

M57 over here. Sorry

[JDAURIA]

I would suggest doing them, it cant hurt. I've been meaning to do mine for last few months but haven't found time. I have a 35d and can definitely feel some vibration through the cabin due to engine mounts being worn. I did attempt to do them once a couple months ago but didn't have enough time or clearance. Some people have said its straightforward, and others have said its a PITA. I am with the latter from just inspecting it.

[Mistercamp]

Not a fun job on the 35d, especially if you still have dpf. Def started and stopped a couple times before actually doing it. Tight spaces, guessing where the bolts are, having engineer up and down. Had to drop the subframe, kept it in place with the bolts turned in 1-2 turns. Again, don't know how much of this applies to N55.

[ecoBMW]

I'm not aware if the OP ended up replacing the motor mounts on their N55, I just replaced mine when replacing the oil pan gasket and found the rubber bottom of the right passenger side motor mount completely split with barely any fluid left inside. I figured this was most likely the cause of the vibration I was having when stopped at a red light with my foot on the brake and in Drive waiting for the light to change. However, the vibration problem actually became worse. Does anyone know what might be causing this vibration problem if the motor mounts were replaced and should be ruled out of the equation?

[ecoBMW]

Update: problem solved, the vibration is gone. While replacing the oil pan gasket I also replaced the front right axle. The brand new GKN axle was the culprit. My indy diagnosed the problem and found the axle was defective. Luckily I still had the original BMW axle and it was swapped back in and all the vibration issues disappeared.

[randrews15]

Originally Posted by ecoBMW

I'm not aware if the OP ended up replacing the motor mounts on their N55, I just replaced mine when replacing the oil pan gasket and found the rubber bottom of the right passenger side motor mount completely split with barely any fluid left inside. I figured this was most likely the cause of the vibration I was having when stopped at a red light with my foot on the brake and in Drive waiting for the light to change. However, the vibration problem actually became worse. Does anyone know what might be causing this vibration problem if the motor mounts were replaced and should be ruled out of the equation?

I did actually replace them shortly after posting. I have since gotten rid of the X5 for a newer one. As far as your vibration problem, I’d be curious as to how it’s running. Do you have a vacuum leak? The reason why I ask is that you indicated it’s while your foot is on the brake at a light that you experience the vibration. It maybe a stretch but maybe worth looking into. I’d also be curious as the the condition of the steering rack bushings.

[svho]

Originally Posted by randrews15

I did actually replace them shortly after posting. I have since gotten rid of the X5 for a newer one. As far as your vibration problem, I’d be curious as to how it’s running. Do you have a vacuum leak? The reason why I ask is that you indicated it’s while your foot is on the brake at a light that you experience the vibration. It maybe a stretch but maybe worth looking into. I’d also be curious as the the condition of the steering rack bushings.

How hard was the job? I have a 2009 X5 with the NA 6cyc.

My car has 90k miles and when I drive over a bump, I can hear a clunk sound on the driver side below/near the wheel well. I could be axle, control arms, etc.

[randrews15]

Originally Posted by svho

How hard was the job? I have a 2009 X5 with the NA 6cyc.

My car has 90k miles and when I drive over a bump, I can hear a clunk sound on the driver side below/near the wheel well. I could be axle, control arms, etc.

I would check the front tension strut first. If you’ve never replaced them you’re likely overdue to change them out. If you X5 has X drive, then the passenger side mount is an absolute PIA. The passenger side will require the axle to be removed and the out put cover for the differential on that side to be removed to access the last bolt for the engine mount bracket. If you don’t have X drive then it’s likely much easier. However, at 90k miles and now control arm bushing replaced, then they are likely suspect to me or the struts.

[Spaceme1117]

Originally Posted by randrews15

I would check the front tension strut first. If you’ve never replaced them you’re likely overdue to change them out. If you X5 has X drive, then the passenger side mount is an absolute PIA. The passenger side will require the axle to be removed and the out put cover for the differential on that side to be removed to access the last bolt for the engine mount bracket. If you don’t have X drive then it’s likely much easier. However, at 90k miles and now control arm bushing replaced, then they are likely suspect to me or the struts.

I am contemplating replacing the motor mounts in my 2013 I just purchased. Are there any special tools that I would need? Any tips or advice?

The 2013 X5 I purchased is in extremely good condition even with 116K miles.

[randrews15]

Originally Posted by Spaceme1117

I am contemplating replacing the motor mounts in my 2013 I just purchased. Are there any special tools that I would need? Any tips or advice?

The 2013 X5 I purchased is in extremely good condition even with 116K miles.

Is it X-Drive? If it is you’ll need to pull the passenger side axle. You’ll need the special tool to pull the axle in through the hub.

[Spaceme1117]

Originally Posted by randrews15

Is it X-Drive? If it is you’ll need to pull the passenger side axle. You’ll need the special tool to pull the axle in through the hub.

Do you have a part number for the tool or link for this?

I likely will hold off on this for a while but I like to gather as much information before hand as I can.

I just did a front and rear diff fluid change, trans fluid and pan/filter, and the transfer case fluid change.

I changed the transfer case/trans mount as well. Bought the mount just in case and glad I did. The original mount was completely sheered.

Everything else mechanically looks great. I am actually quite shocked at how good and nearly new looking everything is.

[Spaceme1117]

So was reading a post in the F15 forum about replacing engine mounts. There is a write up where a person used an engine hoist to raise the engine using the lift point on the engine. They removed the down pipe to have enough room and clearance. Then unbolted the top nuts from the mounts, lifted the engine up and was then able to get the mounts out and new ones in. No subframe dropping, pulling out front axles, or removing suspension components.

The F15 is the next generation of the X5 after the E70 and uses the same chassis and wheel base. Engine mounts are the exact part number.

Thoughts on removing engine mounts this way?

Here is the forum thread I was reading: https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1847221&page=2

[randrews15]

Originally Posted by Spaceme1117

So was reading a post in the F15 forum about replacing engine mounts. There is a write up where a person used an engine hoist to raise the engine using the lift point on the engine. They removed the down pipe to have enough room and clearance. Then unbolted the top nuts from the mounts, lifted the engine up and was then able to get the mounts out and new ones in. No subframe dropping, pulling out front axles, or removing suspension components.

The F15 is the next generation of the X5 after the E70 and uses the same chassis and wheel base. Engine mounts are the exact part number.

Thoughts on removing engine mounts this way?

Here is the forum thread I was reading: https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1847221&page=2

That seems like a lot of work, but it could be a work around if you don’t want to pull the axle on a Xdrive model. I would just buy the axle nut and the tool to pull the axle through the hub when done. You would also need some hardware as you’d have to remove some control arms. I supported my engine from the bottom with a jack and a block of wood. I guess it all depends on which approach you want to take.

[Spaceme1117]

Originally Posted by randrews15

That seems like a lot of work, but it could be a work around if you don’t want to pull the axle on a Xdrive model. I would just buy the axle nut and the tool to pull the axle through the hub when done. You would also need some hardware as you’d have to remove some control arms. I supported my engine from the bottom with a jack and a block of wood. I guess it all depends on which approach you want to take.

I was thinking it would be less work. I have an engine hoist. Removing the exhaust midpipe and the cat converter are a bit of work but to me not as bad as having to remove the axles, the engine mount brackets from the engine, any of the suspension parts. If indeed it can be done this way.

[jbash87]

Originally Posted by Spaceme1117

I was thinking it would be less work. I have an engine hoist. Removing the exhaust midpipe and the cat converter are a bit of work but to me not as bad as having to remove the axles, the engine mount brackets from the engine, any of the suspension parts. If indeed it can be done this way.

I have done it this way on many BMWs and other brands. This is also the way TIS suggests. You may have to drop the subframe slightly if you can't get enough tilt out of the engine, but this is not a big deal when you're already under the car to do mounts. In fact, I'd rather lower the subframe than mess with exhaust hardware that may or may not be corrosion-welded together.