I just started the same thing. I'm doing valley pan and CCV rebuild too. I just bought the tools to do it all. For some reason I can see in the future doing this repair again. Check out German Auto Solutions for the timing kit. I feel like there is less margin for error with that kit. It's also not a Chinese knockoff. As for the vanos just went with beisan systems and bought the press. You will also need a 27MM socket for the crank bolt and the crank holding tool. I was able to get a blue point 3/4 inch impact after the radiator was removed so no holder was needed. You will need the usuall BMW tools like fan remover and a good set of torx bits as well.
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...09c007a2ed.jpg

As you can see this is as far as I have gotten. All bolts I've taken out are labeled in a ziplock back and stuck to a pice of cardboard(keeps them out of the way).

I have an excel file with all the parts breakdown and prices through ECS for all parts needed if you would like a copy. All in i have about $800 in hard parts...not including tools. Thaat is for BMW CCV, valey pan and all orings and seals to do all repairs to chains. Tools I have about $1000 into.

As far a BMW parts I used oem when it comes to the guides and special parts but went aftermarket for seals and orings and such.

If you won't be starting for a while we could work out a plan to rent all the tools needed to do timing chains after I am finished with them. I have to use them first lol.


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Yes, please.

If you run into any questions this might be handy, the BMW direct tech data site.....

https://www.bmwtis.com/

I have not decided on a start date. I am not as prepared as I want to be. I checked for error codes last night and there weren't any. I also did the stethoscope check and everything sounds normal.

I may be interested in renting the special tools. I will check with you when I decide to dive in. Thanks for the offer.

I would love to have a copy of your excel file for reference. That would be extremely useful in this prep process. I will send a PM.

I have been looking at kits for the same reason. I hate it when a project stops until a $.30 part comes from Germany. My plan for parts is the same and other stuff wise to do at the same time if for no other reason than peace of mind.

I am pushing the limits of the driveline so I am going to start with changing fluids in the difs, TC and transmission. Last night I got everything laid out to change the chain tensioner to the revised version. Since the roads are icy and we have snow coming tonight I won't be going out anyway.

My daughter who is a motorhead and extremely organized will be doing the parts labeling and laying them out in order of disassembly for the timing chain and vanos project. She is also great at researching.

What I would like to find is a DIY that lists all areas where mistakes are most often made and what to do to prevent them from happening. I am going to try to find a BMW tech that is familiar with this project and see if they are interested in doing some moonlighting during the assembly. I have some talented friends that will help but they are all 3 series based or haven't done this particular project.

On projects like this I am both half full and half empty. I plan for the worst and don't start until I am confident it will go well.

If you want another set of eyes on this job and I'm back from FL, shoot me a PM and I'm there Brian.

That's the best way to go at it. Take your time. Another good read it the vanos oring procedure on beisan web sight. German auto solutions also has good instructions on how to time the engine using their kit. It is only their kit but gives you a good idea on how it works.

I am just starting mine and the weather hasn't been habitable (Wisconsin) but hope to make some headway soon.

Another way to check the health of the engine is to pull the lower pan. $10 gasket and it is all accessible from the bottom without removing anything. Drop the pan and see if there are any plastic shrapnel from the guides. A good time to check oil pump bolts too.


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Here are some technical documents that might help you. I also sent them to your email but I figured I'd post them here for anyone else who is interested.

Sorry guys. The other two documents (the most important) are to large to upload here. I'll try hosting them and putting up a link tomorrow.

A couple of random tips -

Now that you have the cooling system hoses off, its pretty easy to remove the top plastic trim and lift the radiator out. The transmission cooler is held in with some clips, you can separate that from the back of the radiator without leaking tranny fluid (it would leak coolant, but you have drained that). Gives you tons more room.

I noticed you hadn't put any marks on the black/blue black/white vacuum tubing. I didn't either than struggled to get them put back correctly (I removed the full intake, also). If that is the original vacuum tubing, its a good time to replace it... The plastic vacuum accumulator (looks like a like cylinder) and the the black/white vacuum check valve should be marked with a direction to save this confusion.

I think chivas is speaking about his particular X5's Previous Owner (not Original Poster!)
I am going to do my Vanos soon, and i will pick up my stuff from Biesan, Ive spoken with him on the phone, Great guy, lots of good advice!