X5 3.0 Oil Filter Housing

[rcelik]

This weekend I'm going to attempt to replace the oil filter housing gasket on my 2004 X5 3.0.
I have seen a lot of links and pictures for the procedure, but one part I am not certain about is if I need to remove the power steering pump before removing the oil filter hosuing? Also is there any work to be done underneath the car?

Does anyone have specific instructions or links for this procedure on a M54 engine?

Thanks

[tmv]

I remember seeing the procedure on bimmerfest.com under E39(1997-2003) subforum. You might be able to search for it over there. 525i and 530i have the same M54 engine as X5 3.0

Edit: I found this thread on a 98 528i, but I think the procedure is pretty much the same. Good Luck!
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=414315

[rcelik]

Thank you TMV.

I think the only difference is that the X5 doesn't have freeze plugs.

[tmv]

[btmed]

Did mine a month or two ago. It is a 2001 3.0. I could not get the pump off and actually got the gasket out cleaning and replaced while holding the assembly up. It was a bit of a pain but worked. A dentist pick made it a little easier to pry out the old hardened gasket. Not a hard job other than that and getting alternator back in. Put the lower bolt in first which made that easier. Search again here I did find good directions with pictures here somewhere. I know the link is on my home computer so I'll send tommorrow when i get home if you still need it.

[imalabil]

The most difficult part on my 2002 3.0 was working around the fan. You can do this job without removing the fan but it is a PITA. If I had it to do over again (which I hope never to do) I would buy the fan removal tool.

The other biggest PITA is putting the belt back on. The tensioner is a torx on my car, and it easily slips. Hopefully you have a simple hex bolt on your car.

Bill

[rcelik]

At last, I changed the oil filter housing gasket on my car. I also changed the AC Belt and main belt. The hardest part was aligning the alternator back in to its spot.

Total time exactly 4 hours.

[jdsilvaca]

Yep, the hard part was getting the bottom Alt bolt back in. Job took about 4 hours. No special tools. I did cut a 16mm deep socket in half to deal with the belt tensioner, so that I would not have to take the fan off. I took the 3 bolts out to remove the power steering pump. No hoses need to come off the pump. Any questions, email me. My 2002 3.0 has about 160K miles on it. Next job will be the PCV valve and crank case vent tubes.

[03blackx5sport]

Awesome info here guys, I almost tackled this last weekend but wussed out after thinking I would have to completely remove the power steering pump, looks like I know what I'll be doing next weekend!!