BMW E46 Exhaust Manifolds Install & First Engine Start Up! DIY

[@peverheart]

Your series is the most comprehensive instructional series in existence for the E46. You have allowed me to take on a used E46 and resto it to great condition for a 17 yr. old BMW. Thank you so much for your dedicated documentation.

[@igorchaves1232]

Excellent job man! Recently bought a 2002 E46 330i Mtech2, and it had a lot of things to do, in brazil things are waaaaayyy harder to find and we live in another financial reality, things are much more expensive and our money is worth less, your videos really helped me a lot! Almost finishing my DIY rebuild, planning to do the first start on next few weeks! Thanks a lot for al this, its inspiring!!!

[@nickk5218]

CONGRATS ! :D

[@allusernamestaken01]

That engine is so clean! I can't stop looking at it.

[@gavinbaumanis6078]

Congrats Jason - Well done! I have learnt a ridiculous amount from your videos! I especially appreciate the way you leave your mistakes in and explain what went wrong - or how you have subsequently found a better way to do something. Great job and thanks for sharing it all with the rest of us! I am sure the editing took just as long as the project!

[@markholian3506]

Top job from start to finish in HD with perfect sound and as Andreas said without a lift! One committed guy to the public cause - well done you!!!

[@thomaskrejci5237]

Hey buddy, used your videos for my head swap this weekend....thanks for making them. Gonna put my 2 cents in on few of them to make things easier for others. .... Don't remove exhaust manifolds. Leave them on head, install them before head install (you will need assistance from someone for minutes, but save yourself hours. Use INPA to clear all adaptations before first start.

[@dzidzaichidumba5435]

Thank you for inspiring and helping me to do a similar job on my 2001 E46 325i. Didnt start because we missed TDC with the VANOS rebuild, we used three dots on the camshaft instead on the line. Took it apart again and she is running fine, I cannot thank you enough.

[@vviiper]

Another awesome video 50sKid! I've been watching since the first video. Glad it all went back together and ran good! I could tell by the big ass smile on your face at the end of the video that you were pleased with the result!

[@4192362]

Great job, been a pleasure to watch this m54 series. Certainly given me the confidence to work more on my car. 2001 330Ci

[@josevelazquez4966]

Great job! Thank you for documenting your rebuild journey, it was very insightful and informative. Now you made me want to rebuild my M52TU!

[@uvolniavka1]

Great work and excellent videos.The M54 rebuild project series is exceptionally detailed and informative.Thank you.

[@ashaw7545]

as a flat rate euro tech, myself and the other techs find it alot easier and quicker to just leave the headers on the head until it is out the car, dissamble it when sending it to the machine shop and put them back on right before installing the head it saves hours on the job!

[@50sKid]

Oh God yeah, for sure that is the way to do it. I used a hoist in the junkyard to pull off the head that I ended up using in this build (out of a 530 E39). Do you guys use a hoist to reinstall it in the shop?

[@ashaw7545]

50sKid were suppose to but... we usually just get another person to pick up on each side of the head and pull it straight up and out. I think by the books it calls for 25 pay hours per Mitchell (our shop management system) but we do it in about 16 hours not counting the machine shop. keep up the excellent work though! you save me so much time on training newbies everytime they start asking me questions I send them straight to your videos. we get ALOT of E36,E46,E39 etc. and I've reviewed alot of your videos and I must say you are extremely accurate and explain everything perfectly!

[@Xixu.co.6]

I tried to do it this way on my e46 and even with 3 people we couldn't get the head to come up with the manifolds attached. Maybe with the ac line removed it would have worked but it was only 20 minutes to take them off so it wasn't worth it to discharge the ac.

[@ashaw7545]

V.Vega you didn't do something right because I've never had to disconnect the ac lines to pull the head out, and with 3 people u shouldn't have any problems with it, ive done At least 20+ headgasket on m52/m54 engines and ive never once had a problem doing it this way

[@Xixu.co.6]

I'm not sure man it would only move an inch or so. Once the manifolds were off it came out without a problem.

[@drew32]

Awesome stuff... definitely inspired many e46 owners to tackle this job i am sure!

[@StockTurboN20]

I just bought my first E46 it’s been kind of a hassle when I got it the first thing I did is pull the motor it’s getting completely rebuilt it’s been about year since I’ve driven her and I miss it

[@garrettgiuffre7298]

That Milwaukee wrench is hacks and I wish I had known how much I needed this long ago

[@Andy242455]

respect! Everything without a lift :-)

[@paty3aq42]

The best videos about BMW engine so far! I Learned a lot with You! A lot of good tips and tricks. You showed Us everything that is related with Our lovely E46's! Thank You so much! Very appreciated. GOOD JOB

[@lKingRichardl]

What an awesome series. Nice work!

[@TheFuqmonkey]

Congratulations on a hugely successful rebuild. I wish I could afford to get my 2001 330 Ci rebuilt. I'm nowhere near savvy enough to attempt it myself. Great series! Thanks for imparting lots of knowledge as well as the want not to do items. Cheers

[@cylonred8902]

My local indy BMW specialist talked to me about the issue with E46's having a warped valve cover and that it is very common. He said they need to add one more bolt to the valve cover to prevent the warp-age (can't remember the placement of the bolt but I think it was on the front) near the vanos.

[@50sKid]

I doubt an extra bolt would really prevent it from twisting or bowing, though. I'm starting to doubt that it even matters if it's bowed, because the bolts do clamp it back down straight. I think it's the cheap aftermarket gaskets that cause all the leak problems. I still have my warped valve cover and I'm gonna do a test in the future.

[@dannyfraser21]

Gotta say the videos you make for people are really well made and obviously loads of thought put in to them ive fully enjoyed watching this project from the Hillarious pick up of the car with your Wife ;-) haha to this point here its hard to find very well made and recorded video such as this with good explanaitions in between and also highlighting mistakes made and lessons learned so Thank You From me for taking good time and effort to do them gonna watch the rest of this m54 build and see what else you have done nightly documentary material for me haha

[@JackRR15]

Congrats man! You must feel so proud haha, was a big job!

[@rayahmed9011]

Great job mate... Starting n finishing that type of work of effort... But great job, great videos, looking forward to your next project as series 👍👍👍

[@sandilesira8764]

Thank you for showing us your work,it has been helpful to as I’m looking on buying an e46 325i

[@e46silverbullet62]

for automatic transmission with a conventional torque converter the wheels will still spin in neutral due to the rotating energy stored in the trans fluid which still causes the wheels to move. try grabbing one wheel or setting it on the ground. if the car doesnt move then it is in neutral.

[@MEXICANGOKU21]

wow... i promes my self not to cry....😫😫😭😭😭😭 great job... actually your videos are "helping"(gave me courage) me out with to do my 330ci rebuild....lol (just upper engine) thank u.... u r videos are really awesome.....😎😎😎😎😎😎

[@MTMnet2008]

Great job and video! Next project, replace Auto with Manual Transmission:)

[@atobsky]

please love from nigeria

[@fde4683]

and then turbocharged it

[@og-0110]

Respect! Greets from Holland!

[@speed2333]

Congratulation, great job, thanks for sharing with us all the knowledge and info for this job.

[@wjohnsonism]

Great series. Now that's it's been rebuilt, may I suggest setting up a auto transmission to manual swap donation site so we can help you get everything you need for a manual swap? There's very little information and/or videos on the subject, and from what I can tell there is fair amount of interest in swapping them out. Plus, I couldn't think of a better DIY'er than yourself to go through it step by step.

[@50sKid]

Problem is I really like having an automatic transmission! I know people are interested in the swap and I'm thinking maybe I will make a video asking if anyone in my area would like to do the swap on theirs.

[@willischan3969]

Bravo....enjoy watching your DIY videos....

[@minordc]

Love your channel I'm a big fan. I've asked for your help a few months ago and you were kind enough to reply regarding a transmission issue I was having. You asked to check a cable on my transmission and you were kind of right, but now I need your help once again. Could you make a video or advice me how I could do it myself, but I need to change my neutral safety switch sensor on my transmission. Thank you once again.

[@johnlindley8323]

great series, iv'e learnt so much watching your videos, great work. (subscribed)

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

*hitting "like" before I even watch it*......

[@Tool0GT92]

Great work man, I'm impressed

[@jamesmadott7561]

Impressive! Great job!

[@JoseRivera-bt3zk]

46:51 is that ticking noise just a normal sound that m54 engines make? Because my 2004 325i with over 140k makes that same noise when it’s idling.

[@gehmirnichtaufdienuesse6820]

Thumbs up and fingers crossed. Let us know about oil consumption some time. RESPECT, MAN!

[@50sKid]

No more oil consumption

[@johnaramirez1816]

Outstanding!

[@alonsohm1077]

First of all thanks for all these videos, even though I am not a mechanic it helps me to understand enough about possible damages in my car. Maybe it's a rookie question, but what type of oil did you use in the engine? Since you have new head gasket in place you stick to Castrol Edge 5w30 full Synthetic? My car had overheating issues, but no leaks so far, however I was told to better use 10w40 Semi-Synthetic to avoid damage the head gasket as the car has up to 170.000 miles on it.

[@50sKid]

I use a full synthetic 5w30 made by Kendall. Any 5w30 synthetic that meets API-N spec will do the job. Whoever told you to use a semi-synthetic was incorrect. Also, no oil will prevent damage to the head gasket over another oil.

[@tonycopelyn8730]

Thank you for your indepth videos I was able to model your actions and rebuilt my engine...I am having problems with oil consumption...1L/700 miles...Using Autozone Rental Engine Compresssion Tester... CYL: 1 2 3 4 5 6 Cold: 90 60 60 60 60 60 Warm: 90 80 90 80 80 80 Car not smoking....no oil spots on ground (not leaking oil)....spark plugs are clean... Car runs well...no check engine lights...no stalling..no misfires... Facts: car losing oil; compression low and consistent on all cylinders...strange engine knock at ifle and lower RPM.. Conclusion: issue with piston rings...I think I shaved to much material from compression and oil ring...should not have touched the rings?

[@sfgandersson1919]

Great jobb from Sweden

[@rodolforajha6902]

Perfecto!!! Excelente!!! Tendría que traducirse al español y sería lo máximo. Gracias!!!

[@mikelm7398]

Great video, but the exhaust was a hard work! Thank you very much

[@danielphan9170]

Just wondering, did you redo a compression test after all said and done just to see the improvement vs original #'s? Appreciate if you share the #'s. Excellent videos as always. Each and every video from your channel is helpful. Thank You!

[@natetransitions8379]

17:58 dang look how clean! 0_0

[@mcycleserv]

with the rings I did mention in one of my remarks that chrome rings go with cast iron bores and cast iron rings go with chrome bores ...if they are wrong it does make a mess of the bore ..time will tell...

[@ndn2589]

thats gotta be a great feeling good job

[@InternationalBusiness]

Nice work..

[@MazalicaMario]

Great job and thank you for awesome videos :D

[@IsmailRidi]

Awesome Job man! Quick Question: I am swapping the engine, meaning i have the head and the valve cover already on the block, is it possible to bolt the exhaust manifold on before installing the whole engine? or would it block are make it harder to align the block with the transmission?

[@50sKid]

No you can get it aligned--you just align the transmission to the engine and not the other way around.

[@IsmailRidi]

Well i didn't disconnect and drop the transmission and am trying not to at this point. So I guess they will go in after :)

[@rafaelfuentes9919]

awesome job bro

[@mcycleserv]

with your valve cover I heard that the M56 will fit and it replaces the CCV assy ..might look into this if your replacing yours... all you have to do is plug off one of the Vacuum inlets on the vacuum inlet assy and then replace with the genuine breather hose

[@50sKid]

Yeah I actually have one. It's a little more complicated than that. For instance, you need different coils. The CCV system is also built into the valve cover so you need to delete the stock system and supply full vacuum to the cover from the intake manifold. The cover I have is full of 150k miles worth of gunk as well. I'm thinking about taking it apart in a video and cleaning it up, seeing what's up with the internals. I would not be able to use the same engine covers that I have now--you have to use the M56 ones and the mounts for that are part of its fuel rail, which is different than the M54 fuel rail. So, like I said, not so easy.

[@mcycleserv]

thanks for the info ..it was just a thought ..only heard it could be done but never tried ..I think I did read this on the e46 forum some time ago when I was replacing CCV hose

[@poomstyles8283]

Hiya mate, I've been in touch before over my e39, I now have the e61 530d and I know you don't do videos on these or diesel engines, but I'm wondering what your method would be to clean, or to start the engine regen process on the DPF? They're a pain but rather than whip it out and clean it or replace it, I'm hoping you have a better technique. ps your videos have helped me out tons already, keep it up :)

[@tonycopelyn8730]

I followed your videos...they were great...Car started but I had check engine light; referencing 28E7 camshaft bank1 stiff....I have 1500miles on rebuild and still using 1L of oil/1000 miles (even after switching to M52 oil rings)...any suugestions on error code and oil consumption? Are you experiencing less oil use? Thanks

[@ByronMolette]

I hate people. How could you possibly dislike these videos??

[@tonycopelyn8730]

I followed your videos...they were great...I have 1500miles on rebuild and still using 1L of oil/1000 miles (even after switching to M52 oil rings)...any suggestions on error code and oil consumption? Are you experiencing less oil use? Thanks

[@n-2-stroke489]

Thanks for your great Videos... what do you think on the qualitiy of these pistons? Best greethings from Germany.

[@23thebull]

great job

[@quiksr20]

So when throwing the head back on, Is it easier to attach the exhaust manifolds to the head off the car and drop in as a whole assy or is there not enough room? I know It gets tight I know by those AC lines.. Just trying to find the easiest way to deal with the million header bolts lol.

[@nickk5218]

Honestly, you can squeeze em in , my team and I got the short one in. Long one is the pain in the ass if you choose not to put them on before dropping.

[@Spatticus]

Hey, was this the last video? I would have liked to see you run this engine in with some driving examples. Having just had my VQ35DE rebuilt on my 350z running in techniques vary massively. Enjoyed watching your build, did an awesome job

[@TheLobesrm]

i honestly wish you were my mechanic. you are my go to guy for anything m54 related as i own a 02 325ci, phenomenal job sir. also, how much do you think i should pay for a job like this? head and valve gasket?

[@Raptorman5174]

Good Job, in for the AC video

[@aminmombini6882]

thanks for your effort and video.what is the next project?

[@50sKid]

Front wheel bearings, brakes, and my friend has an older E46 with the infamous subframe tearout. So that will be coming up. I have other cars that I've been working on since finishing this so I'll be mixing it up, but still trying to release E46 videos as well.

[@seanfyodorovich5230]

Great job! Are you using a break-in oil? When will you change the oil for the first time?

[@50sKid]

Not using a break-in oil. My thoughts are: if you didn't have to do when you first bought the car, you don't have to do it now.

[@isrealperez9069]

Good job what was the torque for the manifold

[@nickk5218]

If it's anyone I'm going to recommend, it'll be you. THANKS 50SKID ! :D

[@tonycopelyn8730]

Did this repair eliminate your oil consumption issue? Thanks

[@e36racer44]

That exhaust manifold was a bitch! Great video I'm about to start an M44 strip down and rebuild

[@tonycopelyn8730]

Any suggestions regarding previous post?

[@JohnIsett]

Thanks for all the hard work, Jason. Convinced me to never try this myself! Well done! (By any chance did you shoot this on April 1 and your car was just playing an April Fool's joke with the fuel pump fuse? :-P)

[@50sKid]

Haha, nah I shot this back in February actually. I didn't know it would get released so close to Apr 1st!

[@edwinnyabadza201]

On this vehicle, but right hand drive, where is the ambient Temp sensor located??

[@tonycopelyn8730]

How many miles to break in engine...and what about oil chnges after rebuild?

[@tonycopelyn8730]

I followed your videos...they were great...Car started but I had check engine light; referencing 28E7 camshaft bank1 stiff....I have 1500miles on rebuild and still using 1L of oil/1000 miles (even after switching to M52 oil rings)...any sugestions on error code and oil consumption? Are you experiencing less oil use? Thanks

[@tonycopelyn8730]

I disassembled the vanos and using timing tools I redid the timing procedure. I may have installed one of the rings backwards....not sure but resolved exhaust camshaft stiff/mechanical issue...But excessive oil use persists...why

[@Dan-my6oe]

Did those lifters ever quiet down? If so did you do the lifter bleed procedure or did they quiet down after driving it for a while?

[@50sKid]

Yes all I had to do was go for a drive. Sitting there idling isn't enough pressure to fill them.

[@sebastianbotez2364]

50sKid Hi, do you need to drive it hard or just normal drive ?

[@hermanlai1978]

50sKid Hi my name bobbyherman form honk kong one question how to solve the smoking issue /stop smoking

[@ndn2589]

hey what do you have for a daily driver

[@chrisjohnson7264]

I’ve installed headers on my car 3 times, and they smoke every time, idk why, even when I installed the same pair twice in a day

[@jamesbrown4401]

no gasket on the exhaust manifold ??

[@ndn2589]

so do the lifters eventually stop making noise

[@50sKid]

yes after a drive

[@patrikskype]

I have to admit that you are super cool, super inspirative and very well informed about this job. Please could you share with us your literature and other sources of knowledge? I will really appreciate this :)

[@50sKid]

Thanks! My main book for this was: amzn.to/2ocrNRo

[@banguyen9851]

I need to replace the #2 and #4 pistons because they were melted when engine was overheated. Can I replace them without remove the engine from the car? Do I have to remove the front chain guide compartment? Thanks for your videos.

[@50sKid]

You don't have to pull the engine block, no. Just pull the head off, pull the pan off, pull the timing cover, unbolt the conrod cap, remove, replace. I just made that sound easy but it will be a lot of work.

[@banguyen9851]

Thank you. I learned a lot and enjoyed your videos. The engine parts are so clean.

[@mikhailmurashov7463]

At 39:57, you mention to not forget to reconnect the ground for the engine. Can you please elaborate on the location of that ground cable and where on the frame of the car does it connect? Thank you!

[@50sKid]

The ground cable is bolted to the side of the right engine mount and it runs to the frame. You can't miss it.

[@mikhailmurashov7463]

Okay, thank you very much. I ll check it out. The reason I asked is that I have a 04 e46 330i ZHP and it has very random misfires (once in several months) in multiple cylinders (1,3,5) during cold start on rainy or very humid weather. After I give it a little bit of gas and drive around, everything disappears and the car performs fine. I checked spark plugs, coils, fuel, etc. The only thing that makes sense at this point is an electrical issue. Cleaned off the ground wires for the coils, that did not solve it. Talked to some mechanics, they told me to look over all the ground wires for the engine and clean them off and apply some dielectric grease on them. Hopefully that will solve the problem. Do you have any additional ideas or comments? =)

[@TedSchoenling]

Normal job 'eh? Thanks for this series. maybe one day I'll do this for fun.. but perhaps on a cheaper car/engine!

[@50sKid]

Heh, somehow I still have one.

[@vladimirortiz1923]

congratulations.. great Job . Watching all of your videos make a lot easier to understand how BMW works, I personally own a M54 engine and your CVV replacement is awesome made it piece of cake . I have to said not issues and I didn't remove the intake, I am an aircraft maintenance tech and the quality of your work is very similar to our specs on how we repair and maintain commercial airplanes taking the time to find the torque specs and be so clean on your work is outstanding no like typical car mechanics! as a question ? how much money realistic have your expended in your can ? watching all of your videos is kind a say why no buy a newer cheaper BMW? also your video quality taking the time to focus the camera and get better shoot angles outstanding A+. as I said it before and congratulations should open a paypal account and have people make a donation for of your work and instructional videos I know! but a lot of people with your videos have saved tons of money on repair and visits to the shop. think a about it? and last I would love to see you now taking the next challenge of work on the N54 ( maybe turbo) very little videos and 100 % failure of this engine with the twin turbo installed.

[@50sKid]

Thanks a lot. Yeah I've spent some money but it's all for the channel, by the channel. I do have a patreon account but I suppose I will have to go back and edit all those old videos to put the link in at the end. Perhaps in the future I will be able to pick up an N54 and do some repairs on it and then sell it on.

[@tonycopelyn8730]

I followed this series snd tore down and rebuilt my engine...I was unsuccessful with installing timeserts...I didn't realize that the block had already had failed timesers and ended up mucking up my block...I had to find another block and that was also an experience because it did not have any bearing caps and ultimately had to have engine line bored so my caps would fit block and allow crankshaft to spin...Almost finished...engine in car...drive train attached...need to put intake and ac back in....MY QUESTION.. how do I go about breaking it in and seating piston rings?

[@50sKid]

Same way as when these cars were new. Take it easy, don’t go over 4K rpm, vary your engine speed often

[@tonycopelyn8730]

50sKid thxs....for how many miles? And should first oil change occur?

[@JohnFaire]

What junk yard do you go to? LKQ? Looking for one in Southern California

[@50sKid]

Yep LKQ. I'm getting recognized there now by you guys, which is always cool lol

[@JohnFaire]

i like whilmington, long beach area, for selection. dont know if they carry any e46s though. ill have to look again. thx

[@tonycopelyn8730]

How many miles driven to break in engine...how many miles for first/second oil changr(s)? Thxs

[@50sKid]

Eh, same as when the car is new. Don't go over 4000 rpms for the first 1500 miles or so. Vary your engine speed. I did a normal oil change interval: 7500 miles.

[@tonycopelyn8730]

Has anyone heard if this project resolved his oil consumption problem or wss this a big waste of time?

[@50sKid]

Tony Copelyn yes it resolved my problem

[@tonycopelyn8730]

@@50sKid thxs

[@SandwichFresh]

Cooooooool :D #lotofwork

[@anthonywinrow6504]

Is my trani gone

[@chiralhome]

I HOPE THAT U R SETTING A TREND FOR VIDEO QUALITY ON U TUBE U R NOT JUST ANOTHER PERSON TRYING TO GET YOUR FACE ALL UP IN THE CAMERA... OBVIOUSLY U GOTTA BE IN THE VIDEO .... I'M JUST SAYING U DON'T TREAT IT LIKE A 20 MINUTE IN-LOVE-WIT-YOURSELF SELFIE

[@mohabiraq1]

1st :) love your videos.

[@biancasaucado]

Why can we see you driving the car boss, may we see you driving please ?

[@50sKid]

The problem is the car isn't registered yet. I will do that once I get it straightened out.

[@voitano73]

No gloves = thumb injury

[@elenaescort5085]

Omg no hate and I respect your job but you forget everything! I wish my mechanic won't be like this 🙈

[@Djjoey503]

Fix my car please

[@تمتعبحياتك-ض3م]

.

[@thecaddygrasscutter]

sorry for being negative but ive been a technician for nearly 30yr and i wouldn't let this guy put fuel in my car !!!

[@50sKid]

thecaddygrasscutter lol I gotta admit I'm 3 years on KZbin you're the first to tell me that. What are your reasons?

[@thecaddygrasscutter]

50sKid ok maybe my comment wash a little harsh, in my opinion you make quite a few school boy errors, ie the main bearings fiasco, and the front bank exhaust manifold fitting, as i was watching i was cringing waiting for the studs to snap, i dont agree wi the modern use of all these battery/air tools and the starting of a bolt with them is a definite no no !! To be fair you did say that you shouldn't of been doing it, one thing i do credit you for though is that you don't edit your mistakes out so fair play for that, you show it all in real time. To end i also don't agree with your standardised comment about torque settings being relevant to thread size !! Yes your correct you would never tighten a 6mm bolt to massive torque but in my opinion the torque settings are more related to what the bolts job is !! And if you've ever worked on anything Japanese you will know what I mean, they tend to use more 1mm thread pitch wether it be 6,8,10 or 12mm bolts and there tight as f**k !! Anyway hope I didn't offend, its only an opinion !!

[@aros007z]

Hi there, me being a 30 year tech, you can put gas in my car anytime! You are a great teacher, explainer on all things that mattered, sure People can try to get too technical, let them make their own videos I love yours....keep em coming! You help a lot of people.

[@based1781]

great job