All in - pulling the 4.6 engine and trans to fix oil leaks once and for all

[OptimusPriM5]

Subscribed...this is gonna be an Epic rebuild from that parts list.

[romeokc10]

My 2002 4.6is engine look just like the OP's engine, always wet in the bottom front. So where do the oil leaks come from on the E53 V-8 engines?

[jsoto]

I did mine chain when the timing cover leak got from a drip to drops on the garage floor.

Do you have a leak on the big PS hose running across the engine. I did that 2X. The 1st time was somewhere around 80K or so. The 2nd replacement hose went bad in less than 1.5 years

[stunt]

Was able to spend a little time after work getting some stuff done.

Pulled exhaust mid section. This was much easier than I thought. None of the bolts were frozen and the section just came right out.



I wasn't sure what the rear mufflers were going to do, but they just stayed put.



Shot at the belly with the exhaust gone.



Another angle



Here's the fuel line disconnected and plugged



Got the engine support bar and test fitted it. I wish it was longer so that it would rest on the fenders instead of the valleys. There's not really enough room to fit the engine balance bar in there the way it is now.

I'll play with it some more once I get all the wires pulled off the top of the engine.



Updated parts list. I think I have all the part numbers now except for misc O-rings and replacement bolts.

• Timing Chain Guides: Deflection Rail 11311741777, Guide Rail 11311745406, Chain Tensioner Rail 11311741236, Chain Tensioner Rod 11317531813, O-ring 11421713597
• Upper timing case cover gaskets 11141741532, 11141741533
• Upper timing case gasket ring 11141736758
• Upper timing case O-rings 12141748398
• Lower timing case cover gasket set 11141436978
• Lower timing case Dowels (2) 11121726242
• Vanos Seals Beisan Systems M62TU kit
• Intake Manifold Gasket (4) 11611433328
• Front Manifold Gasket (Intake to Manifold) 11611729727
• Rear Manifold Gasket (CCV to Manifold) 11611729728
• Rear Coolant manifold gasket (2) 11531731833
• Water Pump Rear Pipe O-rings 11531710048, 11531710055
• Valley Pan Gasket 11141742042
• Oil Seperator 11151705237
• Oil Return Hose 11151438302
• Oil Return Hose 11157560068
• Vent hose 11157556837
• Vent hose 11157556838
• Check/Replace Engine Mounts (2) 22116770793
• Lubricate steering knuckle
• Clean drain tube

[e30cabrio]

Very nice progress!

[BigBlack48is]

Stunt... if you lived closer to me I would stop by and lend you a hand!!

Awesome thread!! I hope the fixes go as smooth as the teardown

[stunt]

Thanks BigBlack! Keeping fingers crossed the tear down will continue to go smooth, and the replacement of parts!

Went ahead and priced the parts. Mostly from realoem, but also checked eBay vendors where there was a significant savings. Here are my findings thus far:

[jsoto]

Not sure how much shipping is when all said and one, but in my experience, ordering from a BMW parts vendor - one stop shop with shipping, always seemed the most least expensive instead of piecemealing from multiple sources.

[Ricky Bobby]

I don't recommend buying parts on ebay because there are so many good non-ebay vendors who sell genuine parts.

You're in VA, why not trying to order from an online BMW parts store? Tischer BMW (www.getbmwparts.com) is in Maryland, you could try them, I've ordered from them before and they have great CS.

I have had GREAT success ordering from www.thebmwpartstore.com, a dealership in Ohio. For pricing they tend to be a few bucks cheaper than Tischer, and fair shipping price too.

[OptimusPriM5]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

I don't recommend buying parts on ebay because there are so many good non-ebay vendors who sell genuine parts.

You're in VA, why not trying to order from an online BMW parts store? Tischer BMW (www.getbmwparts.com) is in Maryland, you could try them, I've ordered from them before and they have great CS.

I have had GREAT success ordering from www.thebmwpartstore.com, a dealership in Ohio. For pricing they tend to be a few bucks cheaper than Tischer, and fair shipping price too.

I have found BMW of Fairfax to be a bit cheaper when ordered online too and have better parts availability.

Stunt - If you need something and BMW Fairfax has it i'd have no issue picking it up and delivering it and turning some wrenches or if you prefer opening the beers