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DIY: M54 engine disassembly

113K views 27 replies 26 participants last post by  Arthur530SE 
#1 · (Edited)
Links to parts of the project

Disection of an Idle Control Valve
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=1043323

Versatile Torque Wrench
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=14300427#post14300427

Crankshaft
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=14278286#post14278286

Pistons and Conrods
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=14278249#post14278249

Hydraulic LIfters
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=14251457#post14251457

Rear Crankshaft Oil and Seal
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=14238223#post14238223

Timing Chain Cover
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=14238211#post14238211

Vibration Damper, Front Crankshaft Oil Seal
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=14238204#post14238204

Oil Pan and Pump
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=14238195#post14238195

Valves
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=14235440#post14235440

Coolant Pump and Thermostat
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=14230966#post14230966

Head
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=14230928#post14230928

Timing Tools 1
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=14115793#post14115793

Timing Tools 2
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=14115822#post14115822

Camshafts
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=14098020#post14098020

Engine Timing
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=14097982#post14097982

Vanos
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=14082281#post14082281

Idle Control Valve (ICV)
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=901978

Throttle
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=901968

Intake Manifold
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=901967

Knock Sensors
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=901979

Oil Separator
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=901972

Valve Cover
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=901980

Oil Filter Housing
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=900804

Fuel Injection Rail
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=14036694#post14036694

Power Steering Pump
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=899351

Starter Motor
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=899366


Hi all, I'm about to start a project.

I'm currently living overseas, and the plan is to stay here for the next couple of years. My beloved 330 convertible is in storage back home, and I'm going a bit crazy not getting my hands dirty.

I have read my Bentley manual for both my car and my wife's over and over just to keep myself busy, but I just need to get my hands on something.

So I've bought myself something to play with.

I stumbled across an old M54 engine (2.5L). My plan is to pull it to bits. It came with a few accessories, which I plan to pull to pieces as well.

In the past when I did any work to my car, I'd take a bunch of photos and write all over them in photoshop so if I ever had to do it again, I would have some instructions.

I'm planning to do the same thing with this engine.

So what do I want to do?
1.Find out how it all works.
2.Pull it apart and put it back together numerous times so that I can find out which way I think is the best way to do it.
3.See if I can come up with some alternatives to the numerous BMW tools that are required to do the job.

My intentions are not to steal anyone else's glory by taking their ideas as mine. Obviously there is a mountain of information on this site and others that is fantastic.
A lot of it I have read and have no idea where to find it again. So I just want to create bunch of photos and notes for later.

If people are interested I'm going to put it all up here.

This is going to take some time so don't expect the crankshaft out in a month. I'm expecting it to take at least a year, if not more. When I finish a particular job, I'll post it up.

Below are a couple of initial photos I took of it with components marked. This may be of some help to some who are just starting to work on their E46.

What is obvious to me is that working on an engine that is on an engine stand is much easier than one that is in a car's engine bay. That being said, some of what I might write as being the way to do it may be bollocks because of the issues when the engine is installed. Feedback will be appreciated. Also, I'm sure I'll be asking for some help along the way. Thanks in advance.

Finally, just for clarity, I'm not going to talk driver/passenger side. I'm an Australian, and I drive from the right hand seat, so things would get confusing very quickly. Also right/left depends on where you are looking from. I'll just speak about the intake side, and exhaust side.







 

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#22 ·
E46 M54 Novice DIyourselfer.....Need info.

I am a member here and seen your material and explanations. Great works. ...Well I am doing some maintenance to my Main Valve Unit and vacuum lines and hoses. It is all unplugged and manifold taken completely off. Well before I start the reverse procedures I am nervous that I may forget to connect the electrical or vacuum lines wrong. Got any drawings or info that may help me to recall these especially at the main components such as throttle, under the intake unit etc. Anything helps and I did read your list.
 
#24 · (Edited)
... Got any drawings or info that may help me to recall these especially at the main components such as throttle, under the intake unit etc. ...
paulezap14,
Welcome to doing it yourself. You'll need the Bentley manual and the TIS--available on ebay for less than $20. That will cover most of you drawings you request. There's lots of DIY help here. Ask specific questions and you'll get plenty. Start by figuring out what the name of the components are your are working and then searching for a procedure. You'll find plenty of good descriptions.

And update your profile with car, year and model. Add your location too. You don't have tell us where you live but it helps to know if you're driving in snow and ice or the desert.

Good luck!
 
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