Time to address some issues - Are these beyond shade tree mechanic status?

[Best4x4xFAR]

So our X5 is rolling up close to the 200,000 mile mark. And the oil leaks are getting pretty bad (It is going though almost 2 quarts of oil per tank of gas now)..

• Oil Filter housing gasket - Assuming this is the main source of the leak, given its frequent occurrence (unassuming I just need to do the gasket and not replace the whole oil filter housing?)
• Valve Cover Gasket (I'm seeing oil on the exhaust heat shield)..
• Oil Pan Gasket (I hear this on is a real pain because of the drive axle, and not having a lift is going to make it a pain as well? Could likely put this one off for awhile.)
• Thermostat/Water Pump/Hoses/Accessory Drive belt and tensioner..
• Coolant Overflow Tank..
• Air Injection Pump (loud high pitched whine for 15-20 seconds on start-up in cold weather)..
• O2 Sensors (this doesn't look too bad?)

Anything beyond driveway mechanic status? I've turned wrenches for years, on various cars, and I've tackled several things over the years, but I am no trained mechanic by any stretch..

Any advice for me before I start ordering parts

Or should I be asking about good Indy shops in Baltimore area?

[Overboost]

In my honest opinion

• Oil Filter housing gasket - Assuming this is the main source of the leak, given its frequent occurrence (unassuming I just need to do the gasket and not replace the whole oil filter housing?)
  Easy
• Valve Cover Gasket (I'm seeing oil on the exhaust heat shield)..
  Easy
• Oil Pan Gasket (I hear this on is a real pain because of the drive axle, and not having a lift is going to make it a pain as well? Could likely put this one off for awhile.)
  Difficult
• Thermostat/Water Pump/Hoses/Accessory Drive belt and tensioner..
  Easy
• Coolant Overflow Tank..
  Easy
• Air Injection Pump (loud high pitched whine for 15-20 seconds on start-up in cold weather)..
  Easy
• O2 Sensors (this doesn't look too bad?)
  Easy

[upallnight]

Hopefully you have a garage to be doing all this work, because now is not the time to be doing all this work outside.

The oil filter housing gasket requires the following removal of the alternator,
removal of the front cooling fan is also required so that you can get to the bolts to remove the alternator. You can use the special tool to hold the cooling fan clutch or used a hammer to try and remove the fan blade. I have the special tool so I use that but people have success as well as failure using the big hammer.

Once the alternator is removed, you can easily remove the oil filter housing. Keep track of all the bolts locations since all the bolts are not the same sizes. If the o-ring gasket is stuck to the oil filter housing, a heat gun or Nadia's hair dryer is used to heat the brittle gasket material so you can remove it easily. Clean all the oil mess of the block and re-install.

GL

[Calipsoe]

If your doing the oil filter housing gasket you might as well replace the Crank Case Ventilation system. You will have plenty of room to access it with the alternator and oil filter housing out of the way.

Buy the tools to remove the fan clutch. They are cheap and will save you time and frustration. https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-Fan-Clu...oAAOSw0hlZHdXT

[Best4x4xFAR]

Originally Posted by upallnight

Hopefully you have a garage to be doing all this work, because now is not the time to be doing all this work outside.

LOL It's teasing me right now, 68 degrees and sunny, but its supposed to be back to 45 degrees this weekend

I do have a garage, but it means putting my baby (sorry the X5 is the daily driver in my household, not the weekend toy) out in the weather, which is fine as long as its not raining and nasty..

Originally Posted by Calipsoe

If your doing the oil filter housing gasket you might as well replace the Crank Case Ventilation system. You will have plenty of room to access it with the alternator and oil filter housing out of the way.

Hmmm, maybe I will add that to the list, going to be a long weekend..

Originally Posted by Calipsoe

Buy the tools to remove the fan clutch. They are cheap and will save you time and frustration. https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-Fan-Clu...oAAOSw0hlZHdXT

Thanks for the link, that is about 1/3 the cost of the ones I had seen on Amazon!

Thanks for the responses all, any further input is welcomed as well. I think I found some pretty good videos on the OFH Gasket and Thermostat replacements as well..

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by Best4x4xFAR

LOL It's teasing me right now, 68 degrees and sunny, but its supposed to be back to 45 degrees this weekend

I do have a garage, but it means putting my baby (sorry the X5 is the daily driver in my household, not the weekend toy) out in the weather, which is fine as long as its not raining and nasty..



Hmmm, maybe I will add that to the list, going to be a long weekend..



Thanks for the link, that is about 1/3 the cost of the ones I had seen on Amazon!

Thanks for the responses all, any further input is welcomed as well. I think I found some pretty good videos on the OFH Gasket and Thermostat replacements as well..

LOL, I do understand. The X5 is just a truck but the two Lotus are my toys and they have been in the garage since I owned them. The Porsche and G35 is in the other two car garage of the townhouse that we purchase for the wifey mom and dad. They don't drive and as part of the deal for me to purchase the townhouse I got the two cars garage.

[amancuso]

Originally Posted by Calipsoe

If your doing the oil filter housing gasket you might as well replace the Crank Case Ventilation system. You will have plenty of room to access it with the alternator and oil filter housing out of the way.

Buy the tools to remove the fan clutch. They are cheap and will save you time and frustration. https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-Fan-Clu...oAAOSw0hlZHdXT

Definitely this, I think it could be playing a big part in your oil loss/consumption.

[Best4x4xFAR]

Originally Posted by amancuso

Definitely this, I think it could be playing a big part in your oil loss/consumption.

Recommend this whole kit? https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-comprehensive-pcv-breather-system-kit-11617533400kt6 - $195.99

For that matter, anyone have good experiences with the 'kits' put together by FCP Euro? Complete? Decent Deals, or overpriced?

Oil Filter housing Gasket Kit - $70.99
Valve Cover Gasket Kit - $ 81.99
Thermostat/WaterPump and hoses - $217.99
Accessory Drive Belt Kit - $155.99

[amancuso]

Originally Posted by Best4x4xFAR

Recommend this whole kit? https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...11617533400kt6

sure. When I did mine on our old 330i, I had to piece the kit together. This should make it easier for you.

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by Best4x4xFAR

Recommend this whole kit? https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-comprehensive-pcv-breather-system-kit-11617533400kt6 - $195.99

For that matter, anyone have good experiences with the 'kits' put together by FCP Euro? Complete? Decent Deals, or overpriced?

Oil Filter housing Gasket Kit - $70.99
Valve Cover Gasket Kit - $ 81.99
Thermostat/WaterPump and hoses - $217.99
Accessory Drive Belt Kit - $155.99

I bought the kit from FCP and found it to be quite complete.