Oil Separator and Oil Filter Housing Gasket at the same time. Question!

Hey everyone so I need to do both of these items on car and I was wondering for those who have completed the Oil Separator, would it be beneficial for me to start by doing the oil filter housing gasket first and leaving everything unassembled on that job to allow more space when doing the Oil Separator? Or would it not really make a difference either way?
Ive just heard that the OS is difficult to get at and I figured that would help. Any input would be awesome, thanks.

Yes. Do the oil filter housing first as it will give you a ton more room from below and the side to help route the piping and all below the intake.

Yea, wish I did mine while replacing the OFHG instead of waiting a few months.. Job was a huge pain but with much more room it really shouldn't be too bad.

Awesome, thanks guys. I'll let update how it turns out

make sure you remove the alternator. makes things a LOT easier. while its out, replace the voltage regulator and clean out leaves/debris from the ducting

That is how I did mine. A lot more room with the Alt & OFH out of the way.

Originally Posted by E46Mango

make sure you remove the alternator. makes things a LOT easier. while its out, replace the voltage regulator and clean out leaves/debris from the ducting

Always disconnect the battery before you work on the alternator!

Just the negative (ground) cable will do the trick.

Originally Posted by Stinger9

Always disconnect the battery before you work on the alternator!

Just the negative (ground) cable will do the trick.

Excellent point! I did my OFHG a couple of weeks ago and got a nice spark when first attempting to disconnect the alternator cable. Fortunately, I didn't fry anything.

Can you reroute the oil separator out into a easy to access area so you can change it every winter.
It seems that part is a piece of sh1t.

Originally Posted by ixtoxi

Excellent point! I did my OFHG a couple of weeks ago and got a nice spark when first attempting to disconnect the alternator cable. Fortunately, I didn't fry anything.

Lucky man. There is the potential there of 700 metal melting amps to burn your hands or throw sparks at your eyes.

Originally Posted by MercForHire

Can you reroute the oil separator out into a easy to access area so you can change it every winter.
It seems that part is a piece of sh1t.

Don't you want a green planet?

There are some oil separators out there that have insulation on them that helps the slug from building up and the cost is about the same as ones without like came on the car. If you need to do the oil filter housing gasket, start there first, leaving it apart, you will gain extra room and better viewing to do the oil separator and its 4 hoses (you are replacing all 4 of the hoses? Since they are plastic, they usually break when trying to take off and it is easier to get them out if you break them). Make sure when you do this job that you also disconnect the battery ground and insulate it. I have found that you don't need to completely remove the throttle body, just take the bolts out and move it to the side (unless you are planning on cleaning it really good.
A good rule to follow, when ever you are going any repairs on the car that involve electronic/electrical connections, disconnect the battery ground. ixtoxi was lucky that he didn't take out anything when disconnecting the alternator cable with the battery still connected!

OP if you get cold weather ccv (which I did...and then removed the foam from anyway)...be sure to open it up to find the plugged valve. There's a vac hose you'll have...later models don't.

Anyway...+1...the more room you have the easier all work is!

Dmax, do I need to unplug the valve you're talking about? Oh and nice car btw, looks familiar. Do you have black interior too?

Sent from my DROID2 using Bimmer App

You will find a small vac hose plugged into your ccv which presumably is not insulated and thus will be visible right in the front of yours.

Don't forget to plug the hose into your new ccv. You could replace the hose. I didn't...so far, so good...but wish I'd done it.

Anyway, the port is hiding beneath the foam covering on the insulated ccv...just remove the o-rings holding insulation on...remove plug on port...and plug the vac hose in.

No, my interior is as ugly as my green...beige. Though, with my Fern Green tires, things are pulled together pretty tightly!

Alright will do, thanks.

You're not a fan of seafoam green!? People always seem to complement the color. And its so rare!

Update! Did these two items at the same time and the oil separator was a piece of cake. Highly recommend doing these two at the same time. I'm still putting together my Oil filter housing but so far I'm only at 4 and a half hours labor.

Originally Posted by Mctwist77

Update! Did these two items at the same time and the oil separator was a piece of cake. Highly recommend doing these two at the same time. I'm still putting together my Oil filter housing but so far I'm only at 4 and a half hours labor.

Great, if you could put some details; like things to look for or any tips that would be great. I went through the DIYs and confused the **** out of me. May be I just have to try it out and things will turn out easier.

I have to do both too and and not looking forward to it.
More over I have an auto and the I have to go through the fan clutch

Waiting for a floor jack to come, the old one bursted on me so I have to wait till it arrives. Dont want to drop anything under the car and be left stranded. Also having the car raised will be not as bad for my back.

Originally Posted by trj

I went through the DIYs and confused the **** out of me. May be I just have to try it out and things will turn out easier.

I have to do both too and and not looking forward to it.

Also having the car raised will be not as bad for my back.

Did you watch the three DIY's on yourtube from bavauto?

You'll see a big difference on your back with the car raised.

Not as tough as some make out. CVV takes patience. Don't rush the job.

Originally Posted by Stinger9

Did you watch the three DIY's on yourtube from bavauto?

You'll see a big difference on your back with the car raised.

Not as tough as some make out. CVV takes patience. Don't rush the job.

Yah, I have watched those videos and it brings up the confidence.
I am worried about breaking something else while trying to fix something. I have done it many times

I am going to replace the VCG, lower intake boot, water pump pulley and the belts too.
I have never done this kind of job before, so I am a bit nervous about removing everything.
However, I have done the VCG so many times that I can do it with my eyes closed now.

I know I am going to have hell of a tough time, the clamps on the lower intake boots are upside down and the fan clutch nut is really stub born on mine.

Will post an update when I do these things.