This is the wrong engine linked. The trans does not have to come out.

I just did mine 2002 4.4, the intake has to come off. there is a sheet metal plate with a gasket about the size of the intake itself, the rear of the gasket leaks. The part is cheap but it's an all weekend job. Their is also a crossover metal tube that runs down the center, while that doesn't leak replace the o-rings in that as well.

The valve covers stay on but again you have to remove the entire intake manifold. Also on the back of the manifold while it's off change the PCV valve, they always leak...BMW called something else.

I've got the exact same problem with mine! 2005 4.4. I'll be watching this thread for sure.


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X5Only, you are following my footsteps! I purchased 2005 4.4 with 113000 miles and the first thing I did is the dreaded alternator bracket oil leak fix and while I was under the car I noticed coolant dripping overnight from the exactly same spot as on your pictures! In my case I traced the source to the back of the valley pan – use an inspection mirror and powerful flashlight and you’ll be able to see back of the valley pan without removing any parts. I was planning a cooling system refresh anyway, so I did swap water pump, thermostat, radiator hoses, etc. Also, I installed collapsible coolant transfer pipe (under the valley pan), but it was unjustified in my case – the old pipe and seals both proved to be in the very good shape. I don’t know service history of your car, but based on the age / mileage I would do valley pan only. There’s plenty of DIY for this job on multiple BMW forums, so I will not go into details here. I think if you do choose to replace just a valley pan, you can do the job in a few hours with ~$150 for parts. To do just a valley pan, you will need:
Valley pan, Intake manifold gaskets, valvetronic motors seals (O-rings), short coolant pipe between water pump and valley pan and antifreeze if needed. Also I installed new valley pan bolts.
The job is not that difficult for the average DIYer and does not require any special tools. Be careful with breather hoses and other plastic parts. Please do not hesitate to ask questions – this forum is one of the best resources available to BMW DIY community. Good luck.

There is a back coolant cover on the N62 engine, accessible only by removing transmission, however when it is leaking, the leak clearly coming from the bottom of the bell housing. Judging from the pictures – it is likely from the valley pan. Don’t forget to start with the basic items like heater hoses at the firewall. If can’t pinpoint the exact source, cold pressure test will be the logical next step.

Really? He has 2005 4.4 so it's definitely an N62 engine, not the M62 you have in your 2002 4.4. :stickpoke

Axgordon, time has beared you out!!!! What broke the camel's back is that there is now also a heavy leak from the weep hole. I've taken the plunge and doing what you've listed plus the upper timing covers and every possible gaskets while in there. BMW parts ordered from bmwminipartstore at great prices.

This is an old post but a new post came in my email. Knowing what I know now...I have the same car.

When you take the intake manifold off you really should replace the valve cover gaskets too...they will be leaking.

So while you have the intake off and the valve covers take off the timing cover. You will probably see a piece of plastic missing off your timing chain guides like I did. They break due to age not mileage. So I replaced all of them.

Don't wait for the guides to break off and you start hearing the noise.

Bought mine for $6,000 with 85k put 8k into it :) check all your suspension parts too.

Same song verse 160

Hey Rockit - I think you are mistaking m62tu and n62 engines. They were significantly different. The chain guides are not a common failure on n62 engines, but changing the valve covers is much more involved and costly procedure. The n62 valve covers usually last much longer before they need replacement. In most cases with n62, if there just slight seepage from the valve / timing covers - just leave them alone!

X5only - did you decide on the collapsible pipe brand? Are you planning to replace water pump?

X5only - did you consider “BimmerFix” solution? I heard people reporting good results using this simple fix. At least you valet will feel much better!;)