I couldn't get close to that stupid bolt on the dipstick. The dispstick actually isn't as in the way as you would think. Kind of an irritation, but getting the cover out and back in was still easy with the dipstick there. I did learn that some PO cross-threaded the oil pan drain bolt. So I'll be ordering another one of those. Oh, and I found out that I got the wrong lower oil pan gasket from ECS Tuning. Kind of irritating, but probably all my fault. It's for an M62...just not OUR M62. Grrr...but since I have to get a new oil pan anyway, no biggie.

I didn't touch the A/C compressor at all. Didn't unbolt anything, didn't touch it. Just went around it for the bolts and the timing chain tensioner.

I can't answer the crankshaft seal. I forgot about that until I had the crankshaft bolt back in...ooops.

The torx bolt on the exhaust cam is left hand thread and is torqued to 92ft lb. The intake is 81ft lb. You will need the 27mm wrench and a long breaker bar. DO NOT use the cam blocks to hold the cams when taking the bolts on and off. You really need to review the Besian instructions.

@CapeX5 - Yeah, I wasn't using the cam blocks that way. I just had an adjustable wrench instead of an actual 27MM. I did see Beisan specifically warned not to use the blocks for that purpose.

I was still disappointed in the blocks though. I expected them to hold the cams better, even with the blocks tightened down around the cam nut at the back they shifted more than I expected.

Also, for anyone reading, if you need to get the nut on the back of the alternator for the lower timing cover then do yourself a favor and get a ratcheting and swiveled box end wrench. I picked up a set at Sears when I was getting other tools and it made get the bolt back on SO much easier. A real lifesaver.

.

Thanks! Also means that you are actually ahead of me....:drinking:

How you making out man

OK, sorry I've been gone for so long. Two jobs, buying a house, anniversary cruise, and working on this thing while living with in-laws has been quite the chore.

Um...I want to burn this thing to the ground. I'll catch everyone up.

I somehow completely destroyed the new VPG. Put everything back together, then as I was putting coolant in it it started leaking from the VPG like an open bottle. Well crappers. However, at this point I went on a cruise to the Bahamas for my anniversary.

The FIL decided to help take it back apart while I was gone. I appreciate it, but he managed to snap off the nipple on the CCV that I had just replaced. So, I need to order a new CCV. Suck. Also, my first attempt at the VPG using gasket maker failed. Second attempt (with a lot more gasket maker) seems to have worked. However, now it's leaking quite well from the front of the larger cross-pipe in the water pump. It's a brand new water pump, so I'm not sure what to do here. Do the pipes only go in one way?

However, I was able to patch things and get it started and out of the garage. Smoked like a pig and isn't running quite right, but I think everything is hooked back up right, except the CCV. I blocked the broken nipple and the hose, so I was hoping that would be ok to get it out of the garage...

Anyway...thoughts on the water cross-pipe? Unlucky with a bad o-ring in the new water pump? It's a Meyle unit from FCP.

For the valley pan Gasket I use the OE gasket with some permatex ultra on it. Never had a leak on the 4 M62 engines that I replaced these gaskets. I am not sure what is happening with the water pump and o rings that you mention. If the pipes go back in the same order with new o-rings on them should be good.

Well a mix of congratulations and holy shit that sucks.

Don't give up - take your time, definitely don't cut corners. Once you're finished, the sense of accomplishment and confidence you'll go another 100K+ will be worth it. I guarantee it!

Take a break, but don't abandon the project :) Hope you have another vehicle to drive, that makes all the difference. I learned a long time ago, if I wanted to wrench on my cars, it's important to have a plan B to get to the parts store, work, etc. ....now I have a plan c, d and e but that's another story.

Yeah you nailed it when you mentioned that you have to have a plan B and others when is comes to wrenching on your BMW. My wife always gets the newest car in the household which is normally 2-3 years from new but whenever service on her vehicle arises she looks forward to jumping in the 540iT or the M5. I on the other hand cycle through my BMWs when I drive and then there is the company car.

I am doing the valve cover gaskets, timing cover, valley pan gasket, cooling overhaul,engine mount, ac compressor (bearing noise on the compressor), etc. So my X is down for the next week to two weeks. When its done though and done right its a beautiful thing and the part I look forward to. Stay engaged and don't give up.