recommend me some maintenance items while I'm in there

stackz · #1 01-08-2014, 03:06 PM

Ok so my wife is taking a business trip at the end of february and I'm going to tear into my 01 3.0 x5 as its got 139k on it now and I want to fix a couple oil leaks.

I've already done the serpentine belt and plugs.

I intend to do the valve cover gasket and the oil filter housing o-ring/gasket thingy.

while I've got it torn down whats some other things I should seriously think about just going on ahead and replacing? I keep reading about the ccv but no clue if I should just leave it be or swap it out since I'll have the engine torn down.

gonna inspect the front cv boots once it warms back up and replace those if need be as well.

I'm also tearing out the seats/center console so I can pull the carpet out and let it dry properly after I reseal the vapor barrier on the right rear door. anything else to look to do inside while I have it all torn out? while the interior is out I'm putting in a double din head unit with backup camera and going to wire in a factory sub to an aftermarket amp.

I'm also pulling the back brakes back apart as I didnt add enough antisqueal and they chirp ever so slightly in stop/go traffic and it just eats me up

hunds02 · #2 01-08-2014, 03:44 PM

Not really sure what to recommend, but I have similar mileage 142k.
What is the vapor barrier? Is that the door gasket? I only ask because I recently installed a new head unit and I routed cables under the pad which is under the carpet. I noticed this "pad" was wet, sort of like a wet sponge. Not super wet, I tried squeezing it to see if water would accumulate on my hands but it did not. But it was wet to the touch.

What head unit are you putting in? I just installed the AVIN head unit and I am very satisfied with it. Good luck with your maintenance work!

luvmy03E53 · #3 01-08-2014, 05:33 PM

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 · #4 01-09-2014, 09:31 AM

Quote:

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 · #5 01-09-2014, 09:40 AM

Quote:

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.

Quote:

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.

Quote:

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

Quote:

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 · #6 01-09-2014, 09:55 AM

Quote:

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

Ricky Bobby · #7 01-09-2014, 10:22 AM

Quote:

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 · #8 01-09-2014, 10:53 AM

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 · #9 01-09-2014, 11:02 AM

Quote:

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

Ricky Bobby · #10 01-08-2014, 08:16 PM

If the valve cover gasket is off it only takes about an extra hour or so to remove the vanos and do the seals on it while it's out. Your mileage is getting up there.

Have you ever replaced the disa? If not I would buy the German auto solutions rebuild kit and install it then too, while doing the lower intake boot