[macheff03]

Originally Posted by ctuna

You might want to make sure the VCG actually needs replacement.
And since we know that model year is susceptible to broken VCG bolts.
If you find one you might just want to replace it an torque it to spec
and see if that works first.
Also oil in the the Spark plug wells is and indicator but if you find
it there you are probably going to have to replace the VCG.

I think I will DIY the OFHG and the belt tensioner.

Probably will stay away from the valve cover all together and just let a pro deal with that.

Calling around to get quotes...

[nsjames]

that's probably a wise decision if you're not comfortable with it.

but the drive belt and OFHG are real simple, so save the labor on those.

[macheff03]

Originally Posted by nsjames

that's probably a wise decision if you're not comfortable with it.

but the drive belt and OFHG are real simple, so save the labor on those.

sounds good- I'll plan on that

[k04]

Originally Posted by nsjames

you can't use a torque wrench near it's maximum or minum settings and not get massive deviations from indicated torque.

that's in the spec sheets with every torque wrench.

True, sometimes we just have to learn the hard way😊

[hassmaschine]

I just had the subframe out of our 2008 X5 4.8is for a gasket replacement.

A VCG on an N52 is a breeze in comparison. It's not actually difficult at all. A fun Saturday project in the garage with a buddy and a case of beer.

If you can't or won't DIY, you own the wrong car.

You don't need to recalibrate anything, and if the ESS is dry, leave it alone. The mechanical hypochondriacs here would have you replace the entire car when all it needs is an oil change...

[macheff03]

Well I guess to each his own:

I’m going to do the OFHG and drive belt tensioner and leave the VCG to someone who knows. IMO it’s much more important to put a little more money by having a pro do the things I don’t feel like I could do so it’s at its best.

I’ll keep updates in this thread...

[nsjames]

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

I just had the subframe out of our 2008 X5 4.8is for a gasket replacement.

A VCG on an N52 is a breeze in comparison. It's not actually difficult at all. A fun Saturday project in the garage with a buddy and a case of beer.

If you can't or won't DIY, you own the wrong car.

You don't need to recalibrate anything, and if the ESS is dry, leave it alone. The mechanical hypochondriacs here would have you replace the entire car when all it needs is an oil change...

while I would agree that it's not that big a deal to do the VCG, I sometimes forget that my skill level is far above the average shade tree mechanic's.
It took me 3-4 hours working in the shop and I'd never done the job.

but I also pulled a jeep transmission and replaced it's clutch in 3 hours last week.

so while you and I think this is no big deal because it's just a valve cover, I understand that it may be quite daunting to someone that has never worked on their own vehicle before.

[hassmaschine]

yeah, I get that - that's why I think if you're paying a mechanic $1500 to do a repair on a $4000 car, it's probably the wrong car to own.

[macheff03]

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

yeah, I get that - that's why I think if you're paying a mechanic $1500 to do a repair on a $4000 car, it's probably the wrong car to own.

Part of the reason I want to do it is because I paid quite a bit less than $4,000

[nsjames]

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

yeah, I get that - that's why I think if you're paying a mechanic $1500 to do a repair on a $4000 car, it's probably the wrong car to own.

that might be.

then again, everyone's ot to learn sometime, and generally being broke and needing it done is quite the motivational tool for the average never done it before mechanic.

I once told someone that if anything, owning an old jeep will make you a mechanic.

e90s appear to be the same institution, just with a different headmaster that doesn't speak english.

[Efthreeoh]

I think I started this debate. The only reason I cautioned the OP was because he indicated his level of experience, skill is a different matter entirely. I've done VCG on the N52, and I have a lot of experience wrench turning, especially on BMWs. But I've taken valve covers off of at least 6 or 7 different engines, most of which required periodic valve adjustments of mechanical tappets, so it's familiar territory. With all my experience and a collection of tools from 40 years of wrenching, and no fear, I still managed to break that frickin CCV hose.

I was worried the OP would get in over his head. It's worth paying a professional if you lack the skill, experience, or tool set, if you are delving into unknown territory.

For instance, my GM truck lost 3rd gear in the auto trans. I surely could have pulled the trans easily, I have all the equipment to do it. But I'm lucky I have a shop local to me (I drove up there in 2nd gear ), that ONLY does trans and diff repairs. He quoted me $2,200 (over the phone no less - loved that), and he upgraded the trans with a larger clutch pack, and reworked/upgraded all the valves inside. I could have researched it all, gotten all the parts, nerveously opened up the trans and have at it, or dropped in a rebuilt unit and would have taken a month of weekends to do it.

But the shop was expert at rebuilding transmissions and had it done in 4 days; $2,284. I figured I paid about $600 of my time to him for the removal and replacement of the trans. $600 is about 2.5 of vacation time. It was a no brainier.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by nsjames

that might be.

then again, everyone's ot to learn sometime, and generally being broke and needing it done is quite the motivational tool for the average never done it before mechanic.

I once told someone that if anything, owning an old jeep will make you a mechanic.

e90s appear to be the same institution, just with a different headmaster that doesn't speak english.

Learning on cars far less expensive than BMWs is good. My 2 cents.

[macheff03]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

Learning on cars far less expensive than BMWs is good. My 2 cents.

That’s exactly the reason I’m not doing the VCG because it would end up being more expensive to fix if I mess something up then just spend the $500 or so to just replace it

[hassmaschine]

Originally Posted by nsjames

that might be.

then again, everyone's ot to learn sometime, and generally being broke and needing it done is quite the motivational tool for the average never done it before mechanic.

I once told someone that if anything, owning an old jeep will make you a mechanic.

e90s appear to be the same institution, just with a different headmaster that doesn't speak english.

It's not like I'm a professional though. I've only ever done one N52 valve cover (and only to put in the MILVS, the gasket didn't need replaced). I didn't "know" what to do, I just knew I had to remove enough bolts to get the cover out, and was aware of how to handle the VVT motor.

Same with our X5 I just finished. I didn't "know" how to get the subframe off (and online guides were extremely useless, including the factory shop manuals). I just started taking it apart until I got the job done. Hell, some of the worst parts were removing all those stupid plastic covers and a couple of tiny bolts... all of the "big" stuff was straight forward. :|

Fortunately we have 3 cars so it wasn't like I had to have it done the next day.. I did it over a couple weekends basically, and if I was tired of it I just walked away and came back later.

But if I took it to a shop, that would have been $3,500 in labor (the part was like $10, lol). I didn't spend $3,000 of my own time on it. The X5 is probably only worth $8-9k - $3500 in labor would basically 'total' the vehicle.

Instead, I DIY'd and we bought a new living room set. lol

[macheff03]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

I think I started this debate. The only reason I cautioned the OP was because he indicated his level of experience, skill is a different matter entirely. I've done VCG on the N52, and I have a lot of experience wrench turning, especially on BMWs. But I've taken valve covers off of at least 6 or 7 different engines, most of which required periodic valve adjustments of mechanical tappets, so it's familiar territory. With all my experience and a collection of tools from 40 years of wrenching, and no fear, I still managed to break that frickin CCV hose.

I was worried the OP would get in over his head. It's worth paying a professional if you lack the skill, experience, or tool set, if you are delving into unknown territory.

For instance, my GM truck lost 3rd gear in the auto trans. I surely could have pulled the trans easily, I have all the equipment to do it. But I'm lucky I have a shop local to me (I drove up there in 2nd gear ), that ONLY does trans and diff repairs. He quoted me $2,200 (over the phone no less - loved that), and he upgraded the trans with a larger clutch pack, and reworked/upgraded all the valves inside. I could have researched it all, gotten all the parts, nerveously opened up the trans and have at it, or dropped in a rebuilt unit and would have taken a month of weekends to do it.

But the shop was expert at rebuilding transmissions and had it done in 4 days; $2,284. I figured I paid about $600 of my time to him for the removal and replacement of the trans. $600 is about 2.5 of vacation time. It was a no brainier.

That’s the reason I included my level of skill because yes, it is a common diy, is it common for people of novice skill like me?

Nevertheless thanks for your input

[macheff03]

So after watching some videos about OFHG replacement,

Do I need to drain the oil and coolant in order to do the gasket replacement or could I get away without doing that...

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by macheff03

So after watching some videos about OFHG replacement,

Do I need to drain the oil and coolant in order to do the gasket replacement or could I get away without doing that...

Drain the oil, there is less risk of spilling any oil. But really you just need to remove the residual oil that sits in the housing, so at a minimum, open the oil filter housing and remove the filter and remove the few ounces of oil that reside in the OFH. Drain the coolant for just a few minutes from the radiator drain. You do not need to completely drain the entire system, you just need to lower the coolant level below the head. Drain the coolant into a clean container and you can reuse it.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by macheff03

So after watching some videos about OFHG replacement,

Do I need to drain the oil and coolant in order to do the gasket replacement or could I get away without doing that...

I didn’t drain either. If you unscrew the oil filter cover it will naturally let the oil drain back into the engine

If you do it when the engine is cold you will only lose a couple cups of coolant.

Don’t even disconnect the coolant hose from the oil filter housing just bend it back, clean both surfaces and replace the gasket.

Then top off your coolant reservoir and infuriate the coolant bleed procedure.

If you allow the oil to drain backa nd soak up the excess the cross contamination will be almost nothing.

[macheff03]

Originally Posted by tlow98

I didn’t drain either. If you unscrew the oil filter cover it will naturally let the oil drain back into the engine

If you do it when the engine is cold you will only lose a couple cups of coolant.

Don’t even disconnect the coolant hose from the oil filter housing just bend it back, clean both surfaces and replace the gasket.

Then top off your coolant reservoir and infuriate the coolant bleed procedure.

If you allow the oil to drain backa nd soak up the excess the cross contamination will be almost nothing.

So no draining?

I just got oil changed so kinda a waste plus it’s harder.

I found a video without the draining, I’ll use that one

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by macheff03

So no draining?

I just got oil changed so kinda a waste plus it’s harder.

I found a video without the draining, I’ll use that one

I've done this procedure twice. It adds 20 minutes time to drain the 20 ounces of coolant to drop the level of coolant in the engine below the level of the OFH. The coolant refill and bleed procedure is so easy on the N52 there is no reason not to drain the minimal amount of coolant to assure there no coolant in the OFH when you remove it from the head.

It is also better to disconnect the radiator hose at the OFH so there is no load from the tension of the rubber radiator hose exerts on the OFH body when you are trying to set it back in place on the head and torque it down evenly.

Again, even if you open the oil filter cap and let the oil "drain" back into the block, there is still several ounces of oil trapped in the OFH.

I suggest the resource you use is not some stupid video on u-tube made by some fool who needs the social recognition, but rather the manufacturer's repair instructions that are found on line at newTIS.com. BMW's instructions call for draining the coolant and removing the hoses. But you can ignore what the manufacturer calls for as the correct repair procedure and find yourself in this situation:

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showt...8#post24407528

[ctuna]

Use a turkey baster to remove oil that accumulates in corner
of the filter housing and anything else.