Originally Posted by luvmy03E53
Do yourself and your X a HUGE favor, and replace the CCV and all its hoses while you have the oil filter housing off. You can thank me later... Haven't done it yet it my mileage (71k) but I'm sure I'll get to it someday, no mayo on my oil cap so that's good!
Your mileage isn't too high, but I'd still recommend replacing the CCV and hoses. Don't know if you're making lots of short trips, but if you are (I was) the sludge will accumulate in the CCV and hoses and eventually cause a problem.

Replace your oil filter cap. At your mileage, it's time. Replacing it this weekend with my oil change. Cap too!

Replace the o-rings on each port of the intake piece. Gary do I just pop the beauty covers off the engine and then pull up on the intake piece? I'd like to replace these O-rings for peace of mind although this is first I'm hearing about them.
If I recall correctly, there are 3 or 4 Torx screws that hold the intake distribution piece to the intake manifold. After removing these screws, gently pry the piece up and off the manifold. The o-rings may give a little resistance, but it'll eventually come off. Clean the openings in the distribution piece with a clean shop towel. Cut the o-rings off the distribution piece, and when you put the new o-rings on, cover them with a light coat of vaseline so they'll go back into the manifold easier.

Take the cabin filter housing off, and use the extra space you now have to replace the vacuum line that runs from your SAP around the back of the head. Pic of it Gary? Regular vacuum line replacement works ok? For that matter, if you're gonna work on potential vacuum leaks, replace the intake elbow, it'll crack on you sooner or later. Have one on my shelf waiting to swap in. And get a new o-ring for your DISA valve. Did that last year.
Regular vacuum line works OK, as long as it's the right diameter. I don't recall that diameter, but a search over on Bimmerfest should yield that. Bimmerfest and E46fanatics are both great sources of info for our beloved M52 engines. I have several links of good M54 info, but unfortunately I can't get them up here at the moment.
Regarding the DISA, some say the G.A.S. kit is the best solution, others say just get a new DISA. I'm going with the mil-spec o-ring from G.A.S myself as a first step (it's only $12), then I'll most likely go with a new DISA and mil-spec o-ring later this spring.

Hope this helps! Good luck, and let us know if you need anything further. BTW, too bad you're in James Island. If you were in the Upstate, I could come over and help...

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2003 E53 3.0i
DOB 10/15/2002
Sienna red, Savannah Beige Dakota leather
Type FA53, Engine M54B30

2018 G02 30i
DOB 4/21/18
Black Sapphire Metallic / Canberra Beige Vermasca leather
Engine B46O