So, I take the X into a shop a couple of days ago to take care of the Thrust arm bushings, and do an allignment. No problem there. I know the manager, and tell him of the coolant situation I'm having. I ask him if they can pressure test the system, and keep an eye on it while they do the job.
He claimed that there was coolant appearing at the bell housing, but ALSO some leaking at the front of the engine (he suspected around the timing cover). <sigh!> I haven't noted anything from the front yet, but will pull stuff apart and get under it for a closer look tomorrow. Admitedly, this place was mostly a tire shop, and he suggested going to a dealer, or Indy more familiar with these vehicles.
I've just finished putting together a "shopping cart" of all the parts I need for the V Pan job (in addition to VC gaskets, and plugs). I'd really like to get this issue put to rest. There is a cool video on YouTube of a guy replacing the VPG on a 544 in time lapse:
99 BMW E39 540i 544i ValleyPan job in 10 Minutes - YouTube
My question is: it looks like he is putting thread lock on the bolts to the valley pan. I don't recall hearing this mentioned before, so is this an advisable idea or not? Also any ideas of a leak that might be originating around the timing cover?
TIA