VANOS/CCV and Cooling Overhaul All-in-One

I'm going to be doing a CCV install coming up in a few days with new Besian VANOS Seals and Valve/Bolt gaskets. I was also doing and a complete cooling overhaul while I was in there since my thermostat is shot. I've got a White 325i Touring w/98k miles on it. I bought the kits from Tischer for this so it looks like all the necessary parts are there. I ordered a spare set of VANOS bolts too because I hear they are fragile and a serpentine belt but no pulleys. I saw that I'd probably want to get a new water-pump pulley if anything. Anything else? To top it off I got a set of chrome gauge rings as a final tangible gift to me to enjoy after its all done, tho I don't know what to expect from this car once it has a properly working VANOS unit.

Any tips on the what order I should tackle all of this? Not a problem if the car is down for two or three days . I'm hopeful that I can get in and do it in a day and a half.

Oh I got some new NGK plugs, I can get them for $43 local from Advanced Auto so I didn't mention those, about $825 in parts total (including some Axiss Metal Master Pads). I hate to contemplate having this done at the dealer.

If you have 2 drop lights,
use both of them.
Extra light is good.
It makes the job
more fun.
Good luck.
Bob K
PS
take pictures!

You have a new gasket for the vanos? Crush washers for the vanos oil line? RTV for half moons and gap between vanos and head?

If so, have fun!

Doug

pictures ! and write your experience to help others.....the good and the bad.....the high's and the low's

Sounds like a good job to tackle

I did my cooling system and vanos at the same time. I started with the cooling system and before I put the fan back on did the vanos.

use ziploc bags and label them with every nut and bolt and keep the bags in separate bins for each job. It helped me a lot especially if you take a day or two off and come back to it.

I appreciate the tips. Really good points about the lighting.

Got the parts in today, so I am checking over everything. Picked up my workstation /benches in the garage to get ready this afternoon. I did forget the VANOS gasket but the dealership is getting one in tomorrow for me. Paid 40$ for a water pump pulley.. 25$ if I had gotten it from Tischer. I hate that kind of crap.

So, I should be ready to roll. Question on the RTV. I have the Red HighTemp silicon already, do I need the RTV sealant? Whats the best way to apply it?