http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-once-all.html

This may provide some useful tips - even if it's a different engine ...

@X-cellent - Great, thanks...NOW I WANT A FREAKING LIFT! OK, I always have, but it's even more evident now. Why did you have to show me that?!

Yes, I saw that thread and I'm reading it now. Thanks for the head's up, I appreciate it!

I've been looking at all the work, and the 4.6 thread really helps. I think from a plan of action perspective I'm going to tear out the intake and do the VPG/CCV first. Once that is done, I'll start tearing apart the timing guides and VANOS.

Hopefully that's a sound plan...any objections?

I've also been lazy about ordering the Bentley manual...that will be on the list as well.

Status update. Tonight I pulled the fuel rail and removed the intake manifold. I took some pics of what I could see. I'm concerned with cylinders 5/6 (I think they're 5/6) due to what appears to be nasty build-up on the intake valves. From what I understand that type of discoloration and gunk shouldn't be anywhere, least of all on the intake. However, it all looks horrible to me. Especially all the oil and junk on the injector, as well as the pics that show it everywhere.

My plan for tomorrow is going to be taking the valve covers off, plugs out, and seeing if I can do a compression test. I want to pull all plugs so if there is crap in there it won't blow. The battery has been disconnected for a few days, and clearly the engine is missing pieces, so I am not sure if I can still use the starter or if I'd need to turn the engine by hand. Fuel is disconnected and everything else so it's not going to run, and I can pull the fuel pump fuse if needed.

My concerns are either the head can be cracked, the head gasket failed, or something major. I don't want to do all this work and replace everything to not fix the problem.

Your PCV/CCV/OSV get up is shot to hell. You've been sucking serious oil into your intake manifold. Chill, keep tearing it apart.

Yeah, it definitely is. Worse than I imagined really. But, I'll keep going and get her fixed!

Question for everyone. Several people here and in my family have suggested a compression test. Great! However, since I've already disconnected the battery and taken the intake and everything off, would I be better to do a leak down test instead? I have a good compressor that can do the pressure, and aside from needing to get each cylinder TDC the leak down test seems like it would give me more info.

Thoughts from everyone?

They are a little different, but the questions you are concerned with - did I crack the head, blow the head gasket, etc, the leak down test will work.

And add injector orings to your shopping list!

I'm not bothered by your valves. Looks like fresh oil from the CCV failure and not years of burned on oil. I bottle of valve/injector cleaner when you get it together will help a lot.