[C5 X7] Questions about engines

[the-termin8r]

Hi all,

My X7 has an RHF engine (DW10BTED4) which has served it well, but I'm looking for something with more oomph. Naturally that means I've been stalking the net for an X7 with either a 3L diesel or a 2.2L refresh (4HL / DW12C). Everything I've seen has either been super sketchy or in dreadful condition (or both). With all the digging I've been doing I'm leaning more towards finding a 4HL as opposed to a V6. That's where my questions come in. And, yes, I realise these are stupid and super impractical.

1. Is the manual gearbox on a DW10BTED4 the same as the manual gearbox on a DW12BTED4 (pre-refresh 2L vs pre-ref 2.2L)?
2. How does a a 2.2L pre-refresh differ from a 2.2L refresh? I.e. DW12BTED4 vs DW12C. Is it just mapping or are they physically different
3. If the pre and post refresh 2.2s are physically the same in terms of form factor, would it be possible to mate the manual gearbox of the DW12BTED to the DW12C as the 12C only came as an auto?
4. If it is possible, would the gearbox and clutch be able to handle the extra power and torque?
5. All of the above is to ask, how feasible would it be to swap the DW10BTED4 in mine for a DW12C without touching the transmission? Would it just be as simple as ripping one engine out, bolting the new one in and re-prog-ing the ECUs or does it need all new ECUs and a new/different cooling system?
6. If it's all possible, what sort of legal red tape would I get trapped in trying to get it insured and road legal?
7. If none of the above works, how sensible would it be to just get a car with a DW12BTED4 and have it remapped to similar specs as a DW12C? Would the reliability fall off a cliff completely? Will the rest of the car be able to handle it?

Thanks.

[GiveMeABreak]

I think you made a typo in your first sentence, as the RHF is a DW10BTED4. The more powerful replacement for the DW10BTED4 was the DT10CTED4 that had lots of modifications including 163 BHP over the 138 or 140 BHP versions of the DW10BTED4.

1) Yes 6 Speed Gearbox was the same
2) There are differences between the 4HL (DW12C) and 4HT (DW12BTED4) engines apart from power - there aren't too many details available, but I know the timing belt operations are entirely different. Also the DW12C is a later Euro 5 compliant engine, whereas the earlier 4HT is only Euro 4 so this may have car tax implications. The engine speed at max torque is different too - 1500 v 2000 RPM.
3) I suspect not, as it's not only the gearbox, but the clutch and flywheel that will not be compatible for this engine power, nor other factors like the Engine ECU and other systems.
4) See above
5) No, see above - completely different control systems, sensors and engine management.
6) Not really doable IMO, given everything that is different, the vehicle no longer would meet the certification is was awarded
7) Remapping is your choice, but again, insurance notification needed. I suspect the usual 20% gain.

[the-termin8r]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I did mean the DW10 in my first sentence, typo fixed. I also figured as much in terms of feasibility. Oh well, was worth a shot. lol