Nicely done Mike

Always a tough call on a swap/rebuild/re-engine.

My better half is eyeballing an XC60 for when her X3 dies, but Im hoping to get the last 2 of 6 out of college before having to do that.

New BMW post 2006 will kill you on service unless you DIY EVERYTHING!

Water pump - electronically controlled $350

I have the 2004 X3. Agree that BMW service at the dealer can by bank drying. Then again so are Volvos. The X3 is a fairly easy car to work on and the parts are fairly cheap as the motor is used in countless BMWs. I prefer the M54 over the newer N motors. M54 is old school design but very robust - en...

There is a one way clutch on the alternator that reduces shock at lower engine speeds where each engine rotation has some significant speed changes. The alternator is driven through a rubber cuff connected to the driving cog on the engine. The intake manifold is removed to get to the alternator for ...

Well done Paul You are driving a $60,000 luxury car on a $8000 cost, and you could probably get most all of it back if you chose, MVS Readers , I wanted to quote this comment from ABSCATE . (From November of last year) He is 100% correct I could sell my S80 and it wouldn't have been a terribly expe...