323ci head removal-Any special tools needed

Did the money shift last fall. I found a place that sells a rebuilt head for 700 but i want to check the pistons before i go buy a head. are there any special tools to take everthing off the heads. the rebuild place wants a core but doesn't care about bent valves. Also what is the best repair manual to get for these. I have a lot of experience with nissan z cars but not BMW. What is the best way to check/clear codes. My buddies snap-on "eksos" scanner didn't work and the service engine light is on and it si definately in limp mode.

I have the same car.
What I've read is there are a couple locking tools to lock the crank or cams in position as well as a cam removal tool of some kind. The cams are hollow and can fracture if the followers/spring tension is uneven when letting up on the bolts.
I have seen a DIY which demonstrated cam removal w/o a tool. Evenly and slowly is the way. I'am not sure if the person was rotating the engine with the front crank/pulley bolt... in which case, if they were... locking tools wouldn't be used. I wish to think that almost everything is possible with sense, a manual and complete, basic toolset. The vibration damper, as well as cams, must be marked in some fashion to aid in assembly at TDC. Naturally, you'll have to deal with the chain tensioner also.
You can tell... I've not done this job on this engine.

The manual is the Bentley (pub. co.) work manual. They can be purchased from various vendors/supporters of the site, probably. Sometimes found in the "for sale" area. You should look into the Search function on this site, too. Most all you need is there... somewhere, with pics! There is a list of codes somewhere also.

Limp mode may be... cam position sensors, fuel inj. faults, intake air sensor...
others can add more... Some systems need replacement at certain mileages to prevent problems.

Some lights/systems reset when the battery is disconnected... some cleared by the dealer or independant bmw specialist shop. A tool "Peake?" can read some stuff and reset some stuff, but not all. Good battery voltage is definately something critical to good/proper operation!

Depending if yours is an early or late build, (round many-pin connector under the hood sticking up...) it may be possible to short some pins and reset something. Search... for info.

The Factory Service Manual: http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html...T_ID=B301/B305

The only manual you will need for your 323. I buy a FSM for all vehicles that I own!

Did the money shift last fall. I found a place that sells a rebuilt head for 700 but i want to check the pistons before i go buy a head. are there any special tools to take everthing off the heads. the rebuild place wants a core but doesn't care about bent valves.

Does the head come with the cams in place and everything? You'll need the vanos tools and some other stuff. It is not a simple install based on skimming the Bentley manual. I believe someone posted a DIY, search around.

Also what is the best repair manual to get for these.

Bentley Manual. Check amazon.com

I have a lot of experience with nissan z cars but not BMW. What is the best way to check/clear codes. My buddies snap-on "eksos" scanner didn't work and the service engine light is on and it si definately in limp mode.

Check this out - http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...ighlight=peake

no it just comes with the valves/springs hence the cheap price. its adding up to 1400 with buying the tools. a couple of salvage yards in philly are selling good motors for 1500. might be easier that way. Going to do leak down this weekend.