Completed Pan Valley job ('01 6 spd)
It really wasn't that bad. Had a piece of gasket stuck to the block I missed twice. 3rd time's a charm though. Good news is I can now tear down the engine to the intake in less than 30 minutes. If anyone gets stuck, I'd be happy to help!
Wow! Thanks for the great picture! Seems to be a very a common problem for our V8 engines. My back cover also started a vaccum leak not long after the job, just a heads up. Otherwise, enjoy the greatest car bmw has ever built - I miss my e39!
Thanks, I enjoy my car every time I drive... there is something about a car that fits like a glove, does what you tell it to and passes as a "family sedan". I imagine it was either rear intake cover or oil separator valve? I replaced the gaskets & OSV while I was in there. I bought my parts from EAC tuning. They were quite helpful... Which e39 did you like better?
The e39 M5 all the way! It had such luxury ride similar to my e38 740iL yet had enough body motion control to not get upset during quick transitions. It would not be unlike your 540i-6 but with a just a bit more torque and a little quicker throttle response, but essentially the same chassis dynamic and feel. I kept it too much as a garage queen and had completely forgotten to enjoy it and that's why I miss it so much. I promise myself to not make the same mistake with my 996TT that replaces the M5 and so far it's been working out - but I can see another M5 in the future!
Nice! I probably need to do mine ('97 6 speed, 107k miles), but next week is the valve cover gaskets and OSV cover and gasket. I'm sick of those oil leaks.
Oops, forgot to mention I'm having the valve covers blasted and powder coated in the color of the factory paint (which is garbage) while they're off. Should help the gaskets seal better too.
Are you replacing those torx bolts with hex while you are in there on the OSV cover? Irwin sells a 10 mm bolt grip @ Ace if they strip on ya. Good move on the blast & powder. I was debating doing that when I get my wheels done. When I bought the car, 2 were slightly bent, spare also has curb rash, so post repair they needed to be refinished. Couldn't justify the cost of replacing w/ used M3 18's (want gunmetal/dark grey to hide brake dust) & don't have thousands to spend on upgrade to racing wheels. I am barely seeping oil now, so putting off VCG & 22 rings for another day. Those magnesium covers might as well have had no paint the way they flake off... post pics when you get them back!
