recommend me some maintenance items while I'm in there

[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...

Replace your oil filter cap. At your mileage, it's time.

Replace the o-rings on each port of the intake piece.

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. For that matter, if you're gonna work on potential vacuum leaks, replace the intake elbow, it'll crack on you sooner or later. And get a new o-ring for your DISA valve.

That should keep you busy for a day or so. And your X will thank you when you're done!

[stackz]

Originally Posted by luvmy03E53

Replace the o-rings on each port of the intake piece.

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. For that matter, if you're gonna work on potential vacuum leaks, replace the intake elbow, it'll crack on you sooner or later. And get a new o-ring for your DISA valve.

intake piece? what exactly do you mean? the intake manifold? what o-rings specifically?

also, I havent heard of the SAP before, guess I'll research that around lunch today lol.

I had heard you need to replace the DISA valve, do I just need an o-ring or the whole valve?

Also, when I was looking up the CCV on the bmw parts search it came up with two for my engine and I have no idea how to tell which is the correct one for me.

[tmv]

Originally Posted by stackz

intake piece? what exactly do you mean? the intake manifold? what o-rings specifically?

It's the "Air Distribution Piece" Part#5, and the O-ring is #17 (part# 11617502761) While you have it out, blow some air through to clean it.

Originally Posted by stackz

also, I havent heard of the SAP before, guess I'll research that around lunch today lol.

Secondary Air Pump system. Only work for about 90 sec at start up. Many get clogged up. Most of the time it's the valve which eventually lead to the failing pump. It will throw SES.

Originally Posted by stackz

I had heard you need to replace the DISA valve, do I just need an o-ring or the whole valve?

On G.A.S site, they tell you how to test the vacuum on the valve. If it's good, get the (improved) kit from G.A.S as suggested by RB. The flap is made of aluminum and titanium pin. It would last so much longer than the short pin and plastic flap.
German Auto Solutions M54 DISA Repair Kit

Originally Posted by stackz

Also, when I was looking up the CCV on the bmw parts search it came up with two for my engine and I have no idea how to tell which is the correct one for me.

Regular one and cold weather version (add a blanket around the valve)
Either one will work fine. You would be fine with the regular one since you're in SC.

[stackz]

Originally Posted by tmv

Regular one and cold weather version (add a blanket around the valve)
Either one will work fine. You would be fine with the regular one since you're in SC.

does it matter that mine has the cold weather package on it even though I'm in SC?

dont even know if my headlight washers work haha

[tmv]

Originally Posted by stackz

does it matter that mine has the cold weather package on it even though I'm in SC?

dont even know if my headlight washers work haha

They are the same. Just cost more for the "blanket"
There should be the same weather for James Island and ATL area. Both of my old M54 engines are fine with the regular one. Just limit your short trip in cold weather, and take it on the 30min freeway drive once in awhile to burn off the moisture.

[Ricky Bobby]

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!

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

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.

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.

That should keep you busy for a day or so. And your X will thank you when you're done!

See my comments above Gary, you know the M54 pretty damn well I must say so I welcome your feedback!

[luvmy03E53]

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...

[tmv]

Originally Posted by luvmy03E53

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...

Those notes are from RB and he's in NJ

[luvmy03E53]

My bad... too many things going on at once this morning...

And no, RB, I will NOT be driving to the frigid north to help out...