Need input concerning timing guide replacement
 

It's time to replace the timing guides, rebuild the 2 vanos and replace all the stuff that I should while it is apart. I have read several threads, googled it and watched some youtube videos.

I have the following questions:

Which DIY instructions have you successfully used. Is there a useful video?

Have you rented rather than purchased the special tool kit needed? If so, where from?

It sounds like there a lots of opportunities to do or fail to do something that will require taking it apart again to correct? What do you think is the best way to avoid the land mines?

I would use BMW parts. Is there a better quality alternative?

Thanks in advance

Just use BMW parts. They're not too expensive and they were made for the motor. Get it all done and replace everything that you take off (except timing covers, ect.) but anything rubber or plastic replace. My guides and seals were done around 106k.

Bimmer Tool Rental has been good. I did the Beisan Vanos rebuild at the same time I did my timing parts. Rented the tools from Bimmer Tool Rental, bought the seals directly from Beisan. There is a great diy on the Beisan website

I intend to do both. I have gone through the Beisan pictures. I am hoping there is a video that I can use in conjunction with a DIY like that. I would like to read other DIYs for comparison.

The one thing I had to go back and replace was the two cross over water pipes. They were slightly corroded, so I polished them up and put them back (new seals and such), but they started leaking the next cold snap. It is still a chore on the 4.4 M62, but not nearly as bad as on the N62. Bought new ones and had no more leaks.

There was one odd assembly instruction (it pays to read ahead...) - from a slightly foggy memory, it was that the front covers have some wiggle room when you bolt them up, and like to sit high if you don't pay attention - so you aren't supposed to tighten them the last bit until later in the process to make sure they aren't standing proud and interfereing with the valve cover.

Sub to this. I just don't trust the previous owner's mechanic seeing how he couldn't even put a belt in correctly and left tools IN some pockets found in the engine bay.

Not sure I understand your point but I bought my E53 new.

Subscribed to this. I'm planning on doing the same and want to hear some pointers even though PO said it was done but...

If you mean original poster, that is me and I have not done the job. I am gathering information about the task.

Brian, let me know if you're looking into swapping out the OE radiator during the TC guide swap. I have a brand new double boxed OEM Behr unit sitting in my garage. PM me if you're interested.