CAR NINJA! X5 Engine Swap

[@RealRickCox]

I just realized... it's been exactly 1 year since I picked up my car from German Motor Works after Jonny rebuilt the valve guide seals on the N63. It was burning oil and leaking from the oil return lines. So glad I had them do my car and not someone else!

[@jamestabor587]

How much did he charge you if you don’t mind me asking? I’m curious as to how much that would cost as opposed to a n63 engine swap? Any help would be greatly appreciated

[@RealRickCox]

@@jamestabor587 It was just under $3,000.... but that was before inflation. I wouldn't be surprised if Jonny has had to raise his rates. Even if that's the case, he was STILL more than $1,500 cheaper than the lowest price I got here in Utah.

[@jamestabor587]

@@RealRickCox wow thank you so much. Yes and I’m guessing that’s of course just to do the job. I mean a $3700-$3900 engine plus a lot of gaskets, and new coolant hoses and lines or sensors. I’d say if it all cost less than $7000 you made out big time.

[@mikimiki195]

Do you still have car how had it been running since ?

[@RealRickCox]

@@mikimiki195 Been running GREAT. Almost 200k miles on it now (was around 150k when I took it to Jonny). I'm getting close to upgrading to something else... just not sure what yet. :)

[@wisama7091]

I like watching how great of a mentor Johnny is to the other mechanics. You can tell he really knows his stuff and is willing to teach.

[@toy200sx]

That's a great boss. It's not an easy job.

[@kerrylewis2581]

That looked EXPENSIVE! Some serious shop hours in that swap

[@Christoph-sd3zi]

Somebody must really like that X5 because if it was me it would be taken to the junkyard.

[@chun2s]

Like 12,000

[@dawicked2k8]

I bet it was cheaper just to get a different car

[@BmwMe-uh9sy]

@@chun2s 8

[@daveyswinton1187]

We have about $40k extras in one and no, it wouldn't be cheaper.

[@stevenwreyford4570]

Jonny - a great admirer of your work, patience, people skills and knowledge - please put mileage of cars that you work on in description....

[@georgeanddaddecker7563]

That table is awesome. You guys make it look so easy with that tool.

[@motmcd]

That lifting strap setup made it like I was watching a 70’s horror slasher movie. Suspense was killing me haha. Great video!

[@sat_sonic]

with all the fancy tools I was surprised that they did not have the one for the engine hoist that actually pivots to help you mate the transmission

[@cpgsxr]

How is that x5 even worth the money spent I just witnessed? The a lot off parts and labor. Wow. Love your videos

[@jenkinsjohn15]

A new x5 starts at $60k and looks kinda boring imo. Now he's got a brand new engine in his good looking x5 that he likes! probably for less than $10k.

[@doomsday9973]

if you dont have 60+K for a new one what they did is still FAR cheaper.

[@benjamindobson7351]

There really isn’t much competition for these things. What else can you spend less then 10k on, that has a pretty reliable (if maintained) turbo inline 6, gas or diesel, with a 8hp that is awesome, awd and a optional 3rd row. Keep in mind, these sit in the 5 series car chassis, so it drives and handles more like a car, then anything else in its class. These make great daily’s. Definitely with it.

[@rotaryboots]

Literally just completed this job on an E70 and an F25 a couple months earlier. Was having a hard time justifying the purchase of a similar engine table until I had the engine for the F25 out and on the floor in less than a couple hours. Keep up the good videos. -Simplicity Automotive in Montana.

[@tony66au]

Thats X5 rebuilt Core long block is a way better idea than a wrecker motor, You get your hands all over the replacement when you swap the accessories over instead of trusting that someone else has done it correctly plus you get to refresh anything that's not up to Par. In my opinion its now better than factory :-) Love it!

[@troyjollimore4100]

Depends on who does the core rebuild...

[@andrewthomason3857]

Enjoyed the longer form video. Wouldn’t want them all to be like this, but the jobs you had going on here were worth the extra time.

[@yhird]

It's always fascinating to watch true professionals at work. Great video.

[@philb707]

I love cars but I don't have the patience to do this everyday for a living. Respect to Car Ninja & the team. Y'all the real MVPs

[@johnshellenberg1383]

If you've seen the footage of the Rufford Ford in the UK where people drive into water that's covered a roadway, you'll see most BMW drivers go in full speed, wash the water over the hood, and hydrolock their engines. Viewing this you think "why would they do that?" Then you realize that every BMW is about to throw a rod bearing or a timing chain anyway, so perhaps insurance pays if you hydrolock it on a road? Might be a great strategy when you think about it.

[@ville85]

And most BMWs have air intake quite low in the front, and with turbo engines the intercooler(s) are located very low. So it doesn't even need to be very deep water where you can cause hydrolock to your BMW, or to any other normal car.

[@zeroyon4562]

Ha I’ve wondered that, and I’ve also wondered whether insurance even covers damage from driving through there? Surely they’d cotton on to those shenanigans pretty fast.

[@dawicked2k8]

I highly doubt insurance will cover it, and even if they did they would just raise your premium so high it you would end up paying it anyway

[@pkt1213]

I love this engine table. It reminds me of a professional version of what I did with a motorcycle jack in college.

[@petercantremember253]

WOW the X5 bill will be HUUUUGE!!! good job guys

[@Uncle-Duncan-Shack]

Funny how a successful business is one that invests in it's people, as you do. I enjoyed watching this, I am an enthusiast, hence me being here. And, happy new year to you all. Kind regards, South Africa

[@jimmcculloch3786]

Thank you Jonny for a brilliant, as usual, video to start the New Year :)

[@GrowthGuided]

Yes!!! Please do lots of videos on the e70 x5. 3.0 N52 engine please and thank you

[@ricky_ricardo]

Every time I see the Car Ninja using that engine table all I can see is dollar signs in his eyes 😆

[@Mikea6972]

Ninja! You are the master! I wish I had you local. I'd be your #1 customer... Keep up the great work!

[@markday5797]

Starting out the Newyear with an engine swop. cool.

[@callitagain]

That engine lift strap triggered me for the whole video. It looked like it was going to give way the whole time. Great work guys!

[@mopedman8220]

same

[@geoffgreenhalgh3553]

@@mopedman8220 Yes, that blue sling looked very flimsy. It would have a SWL on it so I think they knew it would be ok.

[@TheRichardc88]

When I heard rod bearing failure I honestly expected you to pull an n63... lol. Breaks my heart a little to see a dead n55. Mine was solid even at 128k. Oil changes are your friend. The second, third and forth owners seem to throw away the maintenance schedule after one trip to the dealer.

[@ForTehNguyen]

its especially more important on these turbo engines, just dont have the longer change intervals of an NA since the turbos are harder on the oil. Maybe this engine burned oil too which added to the problem

[@TanCalHan]

You say 128k like that’s a lot

[@TheRichardc88]

@@TanCalHan Unfortunately in the world of BMW engines like the N55, N63 and N20 anything over 120k in good working order is a rare find. By then they might be on their 3,4 or 5th owner and severely lacking upkeep. These are definately not cars that will keep on trucking with neglect. Valve cover leaks, oil filter housing leaks, timing chain failures, direct injection issues, electric water pump failure, vanos issues, wastegate issues, valve stem seals, high pressure fuel pump failure and rod bearing failure all plague these 3 engines. just to name a few...

[@TanCalHan]

@@TheRichardc88 jeez

[@fohatadri]

Oil pickup is known weak point on N55. It leaks internaly. Needs changing after many miles. Probably one of the reasons why N55 bottom end is not as reliable as N54.

[@johnbarrett8723]

Skill, technique, knowledge, and dedication.

[@Kenny6253]

14:08- That's the eccentric shaft motor with integrated position sensors. Not for timing, but for variable valve lift. Vanos actuators and solenoids for the timing manipulation.

[@romeoalphafoxtrot9517]

What a flippin nightmare! I wonder how many miles that X5 had on it?

[@br549rdr]

Great job as usual with all around video quality 💪. I agree with others that strap was on the small side 🤣 really enjoy your videos guys!!

[@gordythecreator]

Ninja's explanation of the "vanos reset" procedure @17:00 was perfect. I'd like2chill with the maniac who DESIGNS these engines. Engineers are fun

[@aq043]

I wish after all that, you would show “the money shot,” the engine start! I want to hear it running for the first time after repair.

[@died4us590]

Me to, and a test drive, because I feel like I got left hanging. I know they haven't been filming for a super long time to know what the people want. Good video though, God bless.

[@rickgalla3377]

Johnny great job, you have a great team, I know there learning everyday, priceless experience , thank u from nyc

[@motheolebelo]

Love the long video guys Keep up the good work and your knowledge on BMW motors is out of this world.

[@zxtenn]

WOW, what a lot of work, certainly not like engine swapping a 350 in a 69 Chevy

[@stevemonkey6666]

😍 for the lifting table

[@joemartinez5405]

Anyone that can make heads or tails out of that complex mass of metal, plastic and wires is a genius

[@phillippowis7398]

Happy New Year from the UK.

[@hockeygeek21]

You had a lot of faith in that little ratchet strap.. 😂

[@pauldavies6037]

The owner must love that X5 God knows what a BWM main dealer would charge for those repairs

[@LondonCarnaval]

I wish I have Johnny's knowledge. He is an expert and down to earth, humble... 👍👍👍👏👏👏👊👊👊💪💪✌❤🍀☘

[@advandermeer740]

The mechanic is sighing, but Jonny is laughing all the way to the bank.

[@RealRickCox]

And that's the hydraulic table that makes this kind of work so much easier. I'm pretty sure that's what Jonny had to use to rebuild my N63.

[@peterlai9018]

What happened to your N63? Did it require machining of the block, head and crank surfaces?

[@RealRickCox]

@@peterlai9018 The N63 motors are notoriously bad. There was a huge class action lawsuit over the problem with burning oil due to the valve seals. I really don't know exactly what Jonny did to fix the problem. I know he pulled the motor out and rebuilt the top end. Now, it doesn't burn a drop of oil.

[@peterlai9018]

​@@RealRickCox Thank goodness the replacement valve stem seals work! Imagine the replacement fails again.

[@wotrulke5868]

Full of admiration for you guys 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@neilperry2224]

The bare block is known as a 'short block' here in the UK, I don't know if you use the same description? But a pain in the as to build up from one engine to another.

[@VC-Toronto]

Out of the crate it looks to have the head already installed, so would be a long block. Same terminology. As the car already has oil pan, rocker covers, etc, no need to supply those unless the customer wants to pay for those items. 9 times out of 10 they would want to take those off anyway just to take a look inside to verify torque and just make sure everything looks good.

[@derekbk9093]

Awesome video and love the longer format

[@jamesogara2219]

Great videography as per SOP

[@james5274]

LOVE the longer videos guys

[@finn.hermansen]

Another great video. Thanks 👍

[@yodasbff3395]

That strap on the engine hoist is probably close to its breaking point, a little bit scary. 👍

[@mopedman8220]

thats an accident waiting to happen

[@tam1381]

I think you will find that the breaking stain of the strap is plenty strong enough.

[@PatrickJago]

Wanted to hear it start

[@Ram14250]

No! You cut too early! Wanted to hear it run!

[@markdremann4980]

Incredible work & fascinating technical skill!! Great guys too! Excellent video quality - So keep ‘em coming!! …..but I’m just gonna say it……and I know this will piss people off…..just buy a Lexus and you won’t have these costly issues. I know -it’s not nearly as fun-but it doesn’t have nearly the headaches or cost of ownership!!!

[@reganmahoney8264]

I cannot imagine the book time on that job. Three mechanics on one car.

[@rwd323]

Have you ever removed an engine from a car like this? I have, and I can tell you it is much safer and you are much less like to break expensive components with more eyes on the job

[@ozarkliving7263]

How could it be worth dropping in a new motor? How many miles when it failed? What was the overall cost? Year of the X5?

[@troyjollimore4100]

Well, considering your X5 would be worth not a LOT for parts... compared to the cost of a brand new one... If you wanted to maintain that standard of SUV, or had gotten attached to it, probably worth the extra $10k or so.

[@einfelder8262]

I keep wondering if the torque converter was bolted up after the gearbox went on, haha.

[@mikenixon4637]

The camera and editing is superlative also!

[@jdmgm6765]

Great Work Guys.

[@mikenixon4637]

Great work ethic, guys.

[@martinnaylor]

Great video of an engine swap,hopefully a start up one next. But I was cringing watching the new motor hanging from the little strap.😳

[@dbdigital5880]

Awesome work 👏👏What did this complete job cost the customer in the end?

[@kiwizz2177]

I always wonder why you guys don’t use a workbench on wheels you can pull up to the car you’re working on. Instead of putting parts all over the ground to work on , just put them on a cart or something similar ! Saves your back as well on the long term. That’s what I would do anyway.

[@Justkevin377]

BMW will keep Johnny In business for awhile

[@partalien9862]

blue ROLOC discs are good too! polish the edges eh!!

[@AncientAudiophile]

I don't know how expensive the lifting table is, but surely worth of that.

[@VC-Toronto]

If I remember correctly, it's $5K.

[@philbrutsche8928]

@@VC-Toronto And worth EVERY penny

[@almaiz6177]

Hey jon when are you gonna bring in the mustang??

[@sammikhail3837]

Wow!! So complex. Hats off to the Ninja and crew for the expertise. I'm thinking that electric vehicles will be much easier to repair and maintain. No timing. No fluids. Fewer moving parts. Thoughts?

[@einfelder8262]

800 Volts.

[@philbrutsche8928]

Electric cars absolutely have fluids, just fewer fluids. I would expect to do a coolant change on it every so many miles, just like on an ICE car.

[@troyjollimore4100]

@@philbrutsche8928 Not necessarily. Coolant in an ICE motor can be subjected to blowby and oil leaks from various gaskets. Not so with electric. Just stays a closed system...

[@Christoph-sd3zi]

I think that's the push with EVs by manufacturers- the emissions requirements on gasoline autos makes designing and building them a nightmare- not to mention so much more warranty work.

[@philbrutsche8928]

@@Christoph-sd3zi I think there's more to it than that. Much simpler, naturally-aspirated port-injection engines pass emissions just fine; part of this is very much a horsepower race among manufacturers. Auto manufacturers would do better with simpler hybrid designs. Don't forget that auto manufacturers loose money on warranty repairs

[@landmonkey22]

HAZET TOOLS ARE THE BEST! GREETINGS FROM GERMANY!

[@chrissmithz314]

12:42 No NOS.... A frappuccino and gatorade?! Who is this imposter?! Unless they're sponsoring Jon now, I mean, the labels are pointed right at the camera. Way to go Jon!

[@admranger]

By the varnish on that engine, I'd say it may have been a victim of BMWs looooooooooong oil change intervals. I know it's expensive, but I have a personal rule to replace any wear items when an engine came out. Belt(s), water pump, idlers, spark plugs, PS reservoir (internal filter), oil filter housing gasket, hoses, engine and transmission mounts, etc. Depending on mileage, I'd consider the knock sensors and coils as well as the thrust arms of the suspension. Of course, I'm doing my own work and buying my own parts, so there's that.

[@raaah]

Is it smart to reuse old sensors? Plus the labor to have a mechanic remove the old sensor @$150hr plus, when you buy the new sensor for around the same price and not worry about putting it altogether and 2 months from now that old sensor dies

[@troyjollimore4100]

They weren't expecting to have needed it, so it probably would have taken time to order one in. In that case, the chance of a new sensor being DOA compared to the original sensor dying would be pretty much 50/50.

[@175dell]

The customer probably sold a kidney to have the engine replaced in the first place. Probably why they didn't replace a lot of things that would have been way easier to replace out of the car.

[@HypocriticYT]

Must have been completed 5 days since this video!! WaZ zup?

[@ilukatube1972]

Have to ask how much it must cost to do that job with X5 ..they must really love that car...

[@Lightdog555]

My guess is they have a extended warranty

[@johnfrench9608]

Throw a set of ends in it. Emery the crank. Oil flush. Jobs a goodun.

[@Alex-rj6sv]

another day for Jonny 👍

[@hunglow1308]

I wish there was more n20 engine videos.

[@haithemelforjani2297]

Guys in BMW X5 E70 6 cylinders engines which one is more reliable and easy to fix N52 or N55? Thank you

[@patricwell8335]

Bmw x5 3.0 due to my lack of space to drop the subframe to replace engine. I been thinking really hard. By removing the converters and the passenger engine bracket. Do you think that will.give me enough room to pull the engine upward

[@jhors7777]

Thank-you for posting this video. I really enjoy your channel. Do you have any thoughts on how long I should keep my 2017 BMW X5 with 80,000 miles? I keep up all maintenance but don't want to have excessive bills after the 100K warranty runs out. My understanding is 2017 was a good year but, given your experiences, I am wondering if it makes sense to get rid of it at some mileage threshold and cut my potential losses.

[@175dell]

I'd say it depends on how you drive it and if you do your own work and how often you change the oil. I'd say if you do your own work, keep it. If you change your oil more frequently than the BMW OCI, keep it. If you don't do either, could be some future expenses coming your way around 100k. It looks like you do some longer distance drives. Highway miles are way gentler than city. Source, I own a 193k mile 2013 335i. The PO drove 100k miles in 3 years on the highway, seemed to drive it gently. I do my own work and a 5k OCI. It's been reliable but I've don't a lot of work, the previous owner didn't do.

[@jhors7777]

@@175dell 175dell ~ I really appreciate your response very much. Thank-you. The details you provided are very helpful to me!

[@manganvbg90]

Asking ninja for advice. Is the E89 z4 a good car? :D

[@petersmith7140]

makes me wonder if its worth the cost to swap that motor on the x5, why not drop the pan in the car, replace those 2 rod bearings and ship it to the auction?

[@DEEuroworks]

That table is something

[@michaelsmutnick]

Forget the engine... "while you are in there...." replacement of hoses and hard to reach sensors etc should be replaced would cost a fortune!

[@nasnas9336]

You should always mention which years and size motor it has

[@shoman24v]

N55 spun a rod bearing. Not common, but not unheard of. Wonder why?

[@troloc8860]

I just did the engine swap on a n62 everything was working when I park the car to begin the swap and now I'm getting a no crank no start I'll check the starter and it turns but when I push the button on the inside of the car I get nothing it's new wiring new alternator and I can't figure out what the problem is

[@jimmcculloch3786]

BTW, who's is the music in the background ? Thank you :)

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Thanks guy's...😃👀👍

[@philbrutsche8928]

I would love to know if there is a good aftermarket timing chain + guide rail kit for the M60 & M62 that - more or less - permanently fixes that particular problem. I know that OE kits are available from FCP Euro but I would expect them to have the same problem as the OE parts from the 1990s

[@DannysGarage]

I mean, when it's properly done you can expect at least 150k miles out of it... most people don't drive enough to kill the guides a second time around, so for all intents and purposes it is a permanent solution. Many other cars with timing chains wear out their chains and guides too, so it's not just a BMW thing.

[@philbrutsche8928]

@@DannysGarage Soooo....... you could make the argument that it's a maintenance item, just like a timing belt, and do the water pump at the same time!

[@rserton]

When you do an engine swap like this, is it necessary or appropriate to do anything with the odometer of the car?

[@ArKritz84]

No, but if there's any paperwork/warranty info on the rebuilt engine, it'd make sense to leave it in the car for the next owner. That information may include the mileage of the rebuilt engine, but as it's rebuilt, it doesn't really matter.

[@jackhaskins6855]

The miles on the car doesn't change. Therefore the odometer is not affected. The customer will keep documentation of the engine install and at what mileage it was done.

[@175dell]

Unfortunately no, a high mileage car with a new engine is still a high mileage car. It may help the resale a little though.

[@blue_oval5553]

Car Ninja Johnny is mah Ninja 👴

[@HypocriticYT]

If you want cooler weather it’s 0F where I am. Don’t even want to start my truck

[@driversl]

How many miles? My 2013 X5 got me sweating now.

[@markhernandez2460]

I’m only commenting to reassure you, but I’m at 160k on my 2012 X5. Luckily the first owner and I are good about service intervals. Though I’ve completely neglected the suspension, be careful with those strut bushings!

[@hansjansen5224]

What is the reason for replacing the valve cover with a new one instead of using the one from the original engine?

[@troyjollimore4100]

Original was plastic.

[@hansjansen5224]

@@troyjollimore4100 My understanding is that they are all plastic. Including the new one they bought. Typical BMW, replace the entire valve cover for some $500 plus install to fix a valve gasket leak.

[@troyjollimore4100]

@@hansjansen5224 "If you have the money to buy the car..." :P I thought they said they were replacement metal ones, when they unboxed them, but I can't remember. I know there are metal ones made for some from the aftermarket.

[@175dell]

I'd like to know where he got that engine and how much it costed. I'm not in need of one but would love to have a source.

[@zoezoe610]

what is your lifting strap rated for, looks a little light for what you are doing. Good vid though.

[@Matt_from_Florida]

I wonder why they didn't put the serpentine belt on before bolting the engine in the car.

[@Justkevin377]

Why did you not put spark plugs if you having to reinstall them

[@josephluk8445]

Using the same logic on engine swap, how realistic it is to swap a diesel engine into X7, which there is no diesel X7 available in the US?

[@HypocriticYT]

I’d want pans and covers on that engine, never know what debris might fall inside that later damages bearings

[@paleghost]

Intake manifold too

[@Motorsportsgeek]

10 cans of brake clean is cheaper

[@patbenoit2862]

Where are you located? I have a X5 diesel that needs a motor.

[@paulmcb9070]

BMW owners - putting the Car Ninja's kids through college for years...

[@vsboy2577]

Mechanics are smart people