Should be the same. I think i actually have the N motor as well. I had ordered parts as if I was doing the job on my 2001 740il - and they had different parts. The OSV was different and a few other things. But the job itself is the same, just the trimmings.
The OSV, for instance, is on the back of the intake, so its smart to replace that if you havent already at this point in ownership.
The rest is mainly gaskets. Off the top of my head..
Valve cover gaskets and gromets
Upper timing chain gaskets (L) (R)
Lower timing chain cover gasket (1)
Alt gasket (1)
Vanos solenoid gaskets (2)
Intake gasket set
Lower Oil Pan Gasket (you will expose the front half of the upper oil pan
gasket when you pull the lower timing chain cover, I used a bead of RTV on it to seal as the gasket is metal)
Crank Seal. (theres no time like now, since you have the cover off)
You should go ahead and replace your spark plugs too, since you are in there it just makes sense.
Take a piece of cardboard and trace out the front timing chain covers, when you remove the bolts, stick them in the cardboard so you know EXACTLY where each came from as they are different lenghts. One on the driver side is recessed a little but, so use the 1/4 drive and 10mm on that, the 1/2 is too thick and will just spin.
You may want to replace your sway bar bushings too. In order to get to everything, I pulled my skid plate off. Its 6 bolts and the sway bar is held on by those.
Its a great time to replace old water hoses too. I replaced a few of mine, id rather do it before they go and leave me on the side of the road waiting on a hose from Germany. :-)
The Harmonic Balance is very tight, so 4 hands will make that easier. Also, on mine one of the bolts on the cam itself was tighter than the Jesus bolt on the harmonic balance.
Simply, just take your time and be organized with your bolts and gaskets. A little planning goes miles.
Im sure I'll be doing this job on my 740il at some point. I just hope it's awhile, I need a break. I have mod fever and a thin wallet! Yay BMW! LOL
