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

Hey guys,

Figured I'd start a thread to document pulling my 4.6 engine and transmission to fix my engine oil leaks and transmission issues and ask questions along the way as they arise.

I purchased the truck about 1 year ago with 134k on the clock. It now has 137k on it. That's right, it has been down for most of the last year for various repairs. I have done the following repair/maintenance over the last 12 months:

• Replaced valve cover gaskets and grommets
• Replaced spark plugs
• Replaced filters (air, oil, fuel, transmission, cabin)
• Replaced engine oil twice
• Replaced differential oil (front and rear)
• Replaced transmission oil
• Replaced transfer case oil
• Drilled out oil pan drain plug and installed TimeSert and new plug
• Replaced radiator
• Replaced water pump and thermostat
• Replaced all coolant hoses
• Replaced transmission coolant bypass valve
• Replaced accessory belts

I also did various cosmetic things, like replaced front and rear lights and side markers, as well as installing an aftermarket stereo with Zapco amps, so I really want to keep this X5 for the long haul.

Anyway, I stated prepping for removing the engine this weekend. I have the Bentley manual and have pretty much been using that as my guide.

I did find it next to impossible to remove the rear bolt on the power steering pump. In order to get to it, I have to remove the alternator cooling duct, and in order to remove it, I have to pull the bumper cover and bumper. At this point, I think I just might remove the rest of the front clip for easier access.

Here are some pics of the progress from this weekend:

http://www.cstone.net/~dk/x5enginepull-01.JPG

Here's a shot of what has been removed so far. I need to make some more room... Lol. Also, the red arrow is pointing to the stiffening plate. All that oil is just from driving it around 500 miles.

http://www.cstone.net/~dk/x5enginepull-02.JPG

Shot from the front

http://www.cstone.net/~dk/x5enginepull-03.JPG

Shot from below. It doesn't really show how bad the oil leak issue is, but you can get an idea.

http://www.cstone.net/~dk/x5enginepull-04.JPG

Another shot from below showing the power steering pump resting on the front cross member.

http://www.cstone.net/~dk/x5enginepull-05.JPG

Once I get the engine out, what should I inspect/replace? I'm going to do the timing chain guides for sure as they are definitely due at 137k!

I'm hoping I can reuse my valve cover gaskets as they have only been on for just over 2k miles.

Other than the oil leaks, engine is running strong, so I wonder if it is worth the trouble to pull the heads?

With the engine out, I pretty much want to do everything I can to ensure it will run good for at least another 100k with no leaks or other surprises if I can.

Nice garage and lift.

WOW!

I wish i had access to that kind of set up, I'd do all my work.

Good luck!

wow,
best of luck!

While you have the engine out: timing tensioner, Vanos seals replaced, check valley pan gasket, gasket for intake manifold, front and rear gaskets (intake to manifold, CCV to manifold) You can re-use the VCG but I would put new ones in there.
Wish I have access to a lift. Any plan on removing the brake caliper cover?

Why would you want to pull the heads?
If you are doing the timing chain guides, I'd replace the VANOS seals also.
Replace these:
Valley Pan Gasket
CCV hoses and oil separator, plus clean the drain tube
Rear coolant manifold gaskets (seen this often on E38 and E39, so should apply to X5 as well)
Lubricate your steering knuckle
Engine mounts?

Appreciate the feedback and complements on the garage! So here's what I got so far:

• Timing Chain Guides
• Timing Tensioner
• Vanos Seals
• Intake Manifold Gasket
• Front Manifold Gasket (Intake to Manifold)
• Rear Manifold Gasket (CCV to Manifold)
• Rear coolant manifold gasket - is this the same as CCV to Manifold Gasket?
• Valley Pan Gasket
• CCV hoses
• Oil Seperator
• Replace VCGs
• Lubricate steering knuckle
• Check/Replace Engine Mounts
• Clean drain tube

I'll leave the heads on then.

And yes, I will pull those cheesy brake caliber covers. They are left overs from the previous owner.

Nice progress in the year you've had it.

Your list looks solid, I'm guessing front and rear suspension parts are solid? Ball joints, thrust arms, wishbones, etc front and rear look good? Rear airbags are original or replaced already (if original I would check condition of rubber and perhaps replacement Arnott preventatively at $200 for pair). Front/rear shocks in good shape?

Didn't want to add to your list but your engine list looks SOLID! I like your Depo's.

Rear coolant manifold. Gaskets are item #2 in picture. This is on the back of the engine. http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...36&hg=11&fg=35
http://realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/d/j/8.png
Removing it will make it so much easier to replace the hoses that connect the oil separator to the drain pipe. Oh, which aren't on your list yet.
Add to list, oil separator - drain pipe hoses. Everything on this page needs to be cleaned or replaced. RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.6is Crankcase-Ventilation/oil separator
http://realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/t/x/61.png

Where in VA? I'd love to watch someone who knows what they are doing to learn from on these things.