BMW E46 M56 Valve Cover Installation DIY

You can find this cover, gasket, wiring harness set if you search on eBay for "M56 Valve Cover": goo.gl/RjjMjz
E46 Valve Cover Gasket Replacement: • BMW 330i 325i E46 Valv...
E46 Common Repair Steps: • BMW 330i 325i E46 Comm...
Neiko Wire Stripper & Crimpers: amzn.to/2nbne7T
Channellock Diagonal Cutters: amzn.to/2FalEdZ
Stanley Fatmax Pocket Screwdriver: amzn.to/2E65ZNh
Terminal Release Tool Kit: amzn.to/2DxwB8U
Blue Heat Shrink Butt Connectors: amzn.to/2GbwilT
Neiko Long Allen 3/8" drive Set: amzn.to/2DxGvHE
E46 CCV Kit (to get the fittings from): amzn.to/2DKuGRI
The part number for the M56 valve cover to intake manifold hose is: 11157513756
And you can buy it here: amzn.to/2FffpWq
MS42/MS43 pinouts for 9 pin connector X60005 (coils that bolt into cover):
Pin 1: Coil 3, black/yellow
Pin 2: Coil 2, black/red
Pin 3: Coil 1, black/white
Pin 4: not used
Pin 5: Ground, brown, thick
Pin 6: Ground, brown
Pin 7: Coil 6, black/purple
Pin 8: Coil 5, black/green
Pin 9: Coil 4, black/blue
MS45 pinouts for 9 pin connector X60005 (coils that push into cover):
Pin 1: Coil 5, black/green
Pin 2: not used
Pin 3: not used
Pin 4: Coil 3, black/yellow
Pin 5: Ground, brown, thick
Pin 6: Coil 1, black/white
Pin 7: Coil 2, black/red
Pin 8: Coil 4, black/blue
Pin 9: Coil 6, black/purple
My mailing address for correspondence or swag of any kind is on my about page.
This video is for entertainment purposes only. 50sKid assumes no liability for any repairs or modifications performed by the viewer as a result of the information contained in this video.

[@Casey_Schmidt]

For anyone's information: I did this modification on my July 2002 E39 with the 2.5 liter M54 a few weeks ago. I ended up having to buy a whole new wiring harness with the updated coil connectors because I wasn't able to get a used one that I thought was passable. The new harness was around $110 off of ECS Tuning. I also had to purchase the new gasket of course. The new E39 harness came with the ground resistor already in the harness. I remember Nathan from Nathan's DIY Garage had to add this to his harness to prevent any CEL's. I have put about 500 miles on my car so far with no leaks of any kind and no CEL's. Everything went very smoothly with the install. Thank you 50's Kid for the info on this topic.

[@DasNewman]

How did you illuminated the INPA ignition resistance codes (I have 7 total in mem). I used my original E39 ignition harness with the resistor intact and swapped out the M56 (E46) pencil coil connectors on my E39 harness.

[@wheatonna]

In 2023 we can get direct replacement M54 valve covers made out of aluminum. Chinese, of course, but people seem pretty happy with them. And only about $160. I'm still tempted to go the M56 route, however, because of the improved CCV system.

[@sneuf5794]

Hi. Thanks for posting this. The valve cover on my ‘03 e46 325 was leaking so I went hunting for replacement at the local pull part. Could find a plastics replacement but scored a metal one from a ‘03 325i! I was running out of of affordable options so really glad you posted this. I have push-on coils and you mentioned the harness are about the same. I took the new harness and the smaller connector wasn’t an exact fit so i de-pinned and swapped. So now i have the new harness and metal cover but the car wont start. Went back and compared the block adapter wire layout and sure enough it was different. De-pinned and re-pinned to match my old one and the car started! Thanks for this.

[@Ernesto-te7oj]

Just finished my swap!!! Very happy so far. I did upgrade my hose lines to heavy duty from a local hydraulic hose company. I wish there was a easy way to post pictures. Thanks for you videos 50skid and Nathan's DIY Garage !!!!

[@bjsisouvong313]

Dude thank you so much on all the videos! You’ve helped me with my car so much! Keep up the good work!

[@albertomolina4220]

Really appreciate all your videos. Thanks to you I’ve rebuilt my cylinder head on my 04 525i 👍🏾. You make it look easy enough to try just about anything. DIY all the way now lol

[@artray114]

Highly appreciated, been your student for the past 2years. Keep going hard!👊🏿

[@nomadcarpentry]

You're a frickin' legend mate. Lots of respect for what you do! helping all of us newbie e46 owners. Your knowledgeable advise, demonstration, and instruction has helped me along with 1000's of people tremendously. Even though I'm mechanically inclined; watching your videos before I start any project on my e46 is bliss. Thank you thank you thank you. Great work, thank you

[@bigwill6492]

Great video you explained everything with detail especially about the wiring i would love to do the same to my E46! Do you sell these kits the value cover with the harness already pinned?

[@kevinkamishin5869]

This video was perfect and i'm sold, got any sets available?

[@STAY-GOLD-VINYL]

Never owned a BMW or worked on one but knowledge can be used! Thanks dude!

[@JeSuisBacon]

Jason, thoughts on M56 to a catch can, then back to manifold? I have a radium catch can at the moment, and I'm satisfied with it, but considering the M56 cover as well in addition to. Thoughts?

[@quadbuds5192]

Hey man, great video and great channel! Do you have any of these kits available?

[@mariosandoval2779]

First of All thank you for all your videos, helped me so much.. I have two e46's, a 2003 325i, and a 2000 328ci. The 328ci has a M52 engine, will this upgraded valve cover fit on this car? Secondly, where can I purchase your upgrade Kit? thank you.

[@andreiput9492]

perfect vid jason. I am so glad you are a perfectionist.

[@drewdavis239]

Fwiw. I got my pencil packs and harness off of a 525. ( The 5 series used ms43 when the e46 went to ms45. ) They came with the correct pin outs already. Just had to swap the clip for power and ground. ( good news! I'm in the middle of a manual/ turbo/ m52 to m54 swap in a e39it. ) a.k.a. if I was looking for a harness to match my metal valve cover , I would look for and or order a 2004/ 2005 525 harness.

[@sammy64178]

530 as well?

[@adrianodossantos5467]

Awesome video man; does this swap affect oil consumption in any way

[@MrVallie02]

Great videos, will this value cover work, if you have the e36 intake manifold setup?

[@PRAGEETHKARUNADHEERA]

Hey mate, thanks for the great video. I want to get one of those work lights with magnet.

[@johnpaulgarrido1496]

Hey thank u so much for all the help u been giving out for free I was wondering if there’s any way we can contact each other I looked for u on eBay for the aluminum valve cover but didn’t find u was wondering how much they going for with the gasket I have everything else it just plastic and warped and me to upgrade please if u can contact me

[@robertth7918]

Do you happen to have a valve cover for sale? Great video by the way!

[@MichaelAMangone]

Does this reduce vacuum pressure or make the vacuum pressure modifications impossible? If either are true, wouldn't oil leaks from the piston oil rings increase?

[@chadfoust6942]

Thanks for another great video! Hopefully I didn't miss this but is it possible or necessary to do the 02 pilot mod with the valve cover upgrade?

[@stevegoosney676]

Good question! 02 pilot mod reduces oil consumption, I'd also like to know that answer.. does Jason respond to questions? I don't see him responding...

[@idickers]

Cool conversion. If I have the older style m54 with the bolt-on coils, are later style m54 or m56 coils plug and play, or do they need to have their connectors adapted to the old-style m54 electrical harness?

[@Over9000Gingers]

idickers you need a newer harness. My 2005 coil and harness connectors are completely different than what you have

[@Ernesto-te7oj]

It’s been 5 days now driving on my swap!! It runs perfect! No issues😁

[@Ernesto-te7oj]

It’s been a few weeks now and running great!!!!

[@Ernesto-te7oj]

07/29/18 Running great!!!!!!!

[@stevegoosney676]

So is this better than dealing with the original plastic one? I've owned my 2002 bmw 325i since oct 27, 2018.... thank God I found the 5skid here, it had oil leaks everywhere, maybe even the trans... so haven't driven it much, too busy laying under it... hate that burnt oil smell, so when I'm done want it gone.... your thoughts? Thanks!

[@stevegoosney676]

Also I'm in Canada, it will be almost $800 to do it...

[@nickgough8881]

Thanks for this video. Just picked up a 04 330ci and NEED to get rid of these vacuum issues. Anyway your still selling these kits and if so how much would really like to support you and your channel.

[@Switchsneakes]

Where’s the eBay link to buy?

[@georgepaleologos7828]

Hey 50s kid I heard in the video u sell a whole coversion kit for e46 to m56 valve cover

[@riverkcarolina]

Are you aware of a gasket kit set for the M56 valve cover baffles? I took mine apart to clean it and they disintegrated. I put it back together with RTV but the bolts are shanked to accommodate for the gasket material. I used washers to space them out.

[@stevegoosney676]

Hi 50s kid, I purchased a 2002 325i, was thinking of replacing the ccv system, it runs fine, just some of the pipes have been silicone back together.... what's better? Replacing it or putting this m56 valve cover on it? You mentioned that you now sell them, how much? Do you ship to bc Canada? What about your video don't buy an e46 with an m56 engine? Something has changed? Also my local auto wreckers have newer valve covers, from 2004... but he says they are still m54.... so would this be the same as what I have? Thanks Steve

[@jasoncrouch8080]

Hey Jason, Thanks for the video. I am trouble shooting some wiring issues and cannot find a source for pinnouts and DME MS 45.1 wiring diagrams for my 204 325i M56 SULEV. Can you help me with a viable source for the schematics? Thanks, Jason

[@webboss1354]

Are these valve covers now in high demand because of this video? I don't think I'll have much luck finding one here in Kansas. Appears these were sent to California, New York, Massachusetts , and Vermont (according to Wikipedia).

[@AfshinHaghgoo]

Hi, thanks for the video, where do you provide the kits?

[@Forged_RSV4]

So you still sell this package? I’m a little late to the party haha. What’s your eBay tag?

[@LochyP]

Doesn't seem like he does. I can't find one from him.

[@adriangutierrez9582]

Been on your channel here and there. You should do some videos on the ZF E90 automatic transmissions. There are a lot of guys out there that have 335i with these automatics and I’d think you would get some more viewers.

[@matthewesterbrook6119]

Hey man so did you have to use the two side ground cables that are on the valve cover. The silver flat cables.

[@Someothername2134]

Curious which method you think is best for CVV replacement on E46: catch can+PCV, M56 per this video, German Auto Solutions CVV.

[@cherezuzin]

Great video - thank you very much for an idea and for information! Have you ever installed this cover to e39?

[@frankholmes5431]

Look at the top comment, some have. There is also a video online of someone who did

[@cherezuzin]

@@frankholmes5431 Thank you! I already did it, installed to e39 about two months ago.

[@frankholmes5431]

@@cherezuzin how did it go?

[@cherezuzin]

@@frankholmes5431 it's not any troubles like here in video . I just afraid for plastic beauty cover because it made just for e46 and e39' s air intakes to air-conditioner don't let to install it on the top of valve cover. But its let to install also beauti Cover of M56, no necessary to cut some corners or something like that.

[@gregggarvy458]

Hey brother!! Sorry if it has already been answered as I have not looked at any of the comments how much for one of your m56 valve cover conversion kits? Thank you!

[@shawnmeredith6838]

Hey all. I'm upgrading the valve cover on my 2001 325xi (screw-in coils with rectangular electrical connector) with a similar valve cover with the new style press-in coils. To cut down on soldering, I purchased a coil pack harness from a newer E46 that has the triangular coil electrical connectors. I re-pinned the 9-pin connector as shown in the video and changed the coil power connector. I've got the car running but am now getting ZSR (resistor) codes and ignition codes for all six cylinders. The car runs just fine. I suspect that the MS45-style harness I bought doesn't have the ZSR resistor that connects all coil ground (brown) wires and routes to ground. Should I transfer the resistor from the old harness to the new one and tie the grounds together into a single connector rather than the two ring eyes that are on the MS45 harness?

[@chrtopherscinta2153]

you said you sell a valve cover kit i plan on grabbing one from a yard but i have a question my o2 wires have fried and melted together do i need to change the whole engine wiring harness or how woud u go about doing this ??/

[@sebastianarreguin4585]

I know this is super old, but how do you get your cover clean? Do you use engine degreaser or something?

[@ivan-jr5gg]

Is there a torque spec for the little bolts that hold the ccv channel covers on it? and did u use thread locker?

[@JohnFaire]

Thanks for doing this video. Always appreciate your effort to keep information clear. You mentioned something about ms43 extra ground. I have an ms43, do I need to worry about this, find another way to ground it? Also, how did you get the valve cover so clean. Could do a video on just that. Thanks again, and keep up the hard work

[@AIhacker101]

did you figure out the ground situation

[@JohnFaire]

@@AIhacker101 A bit... So, it's not needed to have the engine run. But, the ms43 computer will trip a code, just letting us know something has changed. It does not bother anything to just have this code left on. It will not show on the dash, only with a scan tool.

[@AIhacker101]

@@JohnFaire okay cool thank you for letting me know, i have everything to do the swap but was confused on that part

[@HackOPSTools]

Hey just wondering if your still running this m56 metal valve cover and anything different on the oil return line?

[@stylerunner2959]

Could you run the m56 VC with a catch can? Reason I ask is because I already have one installed and my VC recently cracked

[@thefoetoid]

Are you still selling these kits by chance? Need to replace my broken plastic cover on my '03 with the push in coils and would rather go this route.

[@evemariedumais1461]

Hi! I went to have a look in eBay and found those kits but would much rather buy on off you since you clean them up and everything. my e46 is a 2002 325ix so it should be a direct fit. So how do I go about ordering directly from you?

[@mitavitt]

I'm looking to do this modification and perhaps try to bypass the old CCV system completely. However, how would you deal with the M52TU engine, which has the vacuum hose going from the fuel filter to the CCV port. Would you leave this vacuum hose in place, try to route it elsewhere, or remove and plug the ports?

[@Kreiwulf]

Following.. looking for the same answer

[@Manja479]

Is it possible to do the ignition harness swap without switching the valve cover?

[@mirzanazeer5246]

Hey 50sKid, are you still selling this kit together with the beauty cover? I have a 2001 330ci with a serious valve cover leak. Let me know thanks!

[@natejo91]

If i have an E46 with the M56, can I swap in an M54 engine and bring over the valve cover, fuel rail etc from the M56 onto the M54 and effectively turn the M54 into an M56?

[@OgXKush1000]

Hi there 50’s kid I just got a m56 cover from my junk yard but it’s filthy how do I properly clean it and is there anyways that the Ccv installed can get clogged in any way ? Smelt like burnt oil when I pulled it off .

[@ricroc7553]

I am currently working on myE39 M54 and was wondering if this valve cover will work with a M50 intake manifold??? Ive been told that it wont but i dont see why it wouldnt work

[@jessemccardjr8524]

What is the torque specs for the VC to the Cylinder Head? Should we use the same torque as the same as the OEM bolts?

[@Adrian-sw3nv]

Hello 50sKid! Amazing videos, I have a quick question for you, I am getting the vacuum leak code, I started getting this right after the m56 valve cover upgrade, it’s not any of my intake components, the only thing that it could be is the ccv in the valve cover, I want to ask, is that possible? That maybe the diaphragm is cracked/torn and the intake is taking too much air from there? I did notice a small amount of oil in the covers hose. Please advise. Thanks again!!

[@frankholmes5431]

Did you ever get this sorted? It’s probably the coil harness.

[@Adrian-sw3nv]

I did, it was one of the nipples on the back of the intake, they have rubber caps that decay and produce vacuum leaks, I did remove the ccv cap and it was not the diaphragm. Good luck!

[@javierpanameno7005]

Hi, I need your help ... I have seen almost all of his videos about the BMW ... I have a 325 I e46 m56 engine ... I have lost power and white smoke by escape, they tell me that the CCV is bad that I have it what to change ... what do you think?

[@JohnFaire]

Wait. So, the "older" style bolt on coil packs with the ms43 ecu, have an extra ground wire on pin 6, right. So, the wiring harness from the m56 won't work if we just re-pin the connector because we need that extra ground on pin 6 that only exists in the ms43 harness. If this is true, then we have to transplant the entire "older" ms43 harness onto the newer plastic enclosure from the m56 so that we can properly mount the harness to the M56 cover using the two bolts that fit with the m56 minting style. Or, do we just not even need that extra ground, so we can just run the re-pined m56 harness as is?

[@JohnFaire]

When I tried to clean under the panel for the CCV Baffle, I broke the gasket that seals this panel to inside of the valve cover. What can I use to Re-Seal the gasket? Any help would be greatly appreciate. Thank you

[@3out907]

Jason, do you have any of these kits for sale?

[@miguel6140]

Where can I get more information on buying a valve cover from you ?

[@Kreiwulf]

I am considering doing this switch with the ccv delete but I was wondering what to do with the Fuel Pressure Regulator line that is connected to the ccv? I can't seem to find a video on a ccv delete that explains what to do with this line.

[@PRAGEETHKARUNADHEERA]

Finally ordered all the parts I need for the M56 valve cover conversion. Waiting for them to arrive from US. It's taking months due to COVID. Aaaarrrgh!

[@JohnFaire]

I'm having trouble with this swap on my ms43 M54B30. The pin 6 has a ground that goes to a resistor inside the ms43 wiring harness at the coils connected somehow to either all of the 4 grounds or some of them... Could I just repin the original ms43 harness to transfer the triangle coil female plugs to accept the newer style coils, take the 2, of 4, extra ground wires on the original harness, and bolt them to the M56 cover using the extra ground bolts that hold down the middle portion of the M54 valve cover?

[@VicDamoneJr82]

how long does it take to do both the valve cover and crankcase valve

[@steadicraft]

Hey how do i order an M56 Metal Valve Cover kit from you for my e46?

[@javarithms]

Jason you still selling this kit?

[@psstzing]

back in 2017 you said not to use this valve cover; curious what made you change your mind?

[@noshit3407]

Those plates with the torx bolts are they serviceable? I bought one on ebay and they removed the baffles and rtv them shut. Is there a way i can get just the plate covers ?

[@ConcreteJungle7]

Great info 👍👍👍

[@ryankelly2828]

Where do you sell your kit?

[@cristianalejandroayontzint6018]

Hello, I'm having a problem with this swap. My car starts and drives well, but I get 7 DTCs stating a failure in Ignition activation in all 6 coils, Did you have this issue?

[@frankholmes5431]

Solution?

[@michaelstaeps9473]

Thank you for all your videos. I have learned a lot from you. my question is when installing value cover gaskets do you install them dry or with oring lub.

[@michaelstaeps9473]

Hey i never got an answer from you.

[@justinstatenn6791]

In your description about which pin setup is with which dme but I have the push on coils but I'm a ms43

[@goose9238]

Hey Jason, do you have any of these m56 kits now? Thanks! Goose

[@solo1racing]

Hello, I have 2004 bmw e60 525i. Will the m56 valve cover work on it and does it require spinning? Any tips for the procedure?

[@50sKid]

+solo1racing if it has the m54 engine, yes

[@Ernesto-te7oj]

Is the crank case venting through the m56 valve cover? I just deleted my ccv on my 2004 e46. Thanks Ernie

[@Ernesto-te7oj]

I will cap off dipstick tube and feed vac into intake manifold like Stock setup with m56 cover. Seems like a great solution. Just wondering how the crank case vents? Thanks Ernie

[@joelrugg]

Do you still sell these valve covers my e46 came with new style coil packs

[@wayneisaacs2434]

Hey mate. Are you able to source a valve cover and shop to Australia?

[@zdeneklanik9594]

Is it okay to use second hand 1 my is leaking bad but I was told I can't use second hand 1 and bmw sales new ones for lot

[@derekbutton_320i]

Are you still selling the valve cover kits? I have an 03 330ci that I would like to do the conversion on.

[@mike.135i]

id buy this, can i do it with my m52tu? do you sell a m52tu conversion kit? i have some blow-by on my and can see like oil residue near the back of the engine will i need a new valve cover gasket kit? this is by far the best video u have done keep it up :)

[@50sKid]

+M. Hayes yes this will work on the m52tu exactly the same as shown in this video, you just have to splice the correct power harness

[@raymankisser]

50sKid Does the connector pin the same as the M54 on the M52TU? Can I just follow your video?

[@Mike-ve3vb]

Hey 50s kids is the m56 vc straight plug and play if you have pencil style coils ?

[@so7055]

Thanks for the vid

[@assyerick88]

I recently bought an E46 325ci coupe not knowing it came with an M56 engine. I live in Houston Tx so after doing some research i found it very odd that my car was designed and sold in specific states with specific emission standards not including Texas. How this E46 ended up here ill probably never know but i guess my question is since the part stores in my area basically only sale M54 parts, can i put M54 parts on my M56? like catalityc converters for example.

[@BmwMe-uh9sy]

yes

[@ncneeds]

Do you have one for sale now? My e39 M54 valve cover is being a pain

[@kimokatsaros2292]

You said u sell a kit? Where can I buy this kit for the m56 conversion

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

Oh happy days! I just sat down with a cup of tea! Cheers :)

[@jaycortes6797]

Where do I buy his m56 valve cover kit ??? I need one asap. My ccv needs to be replaced

[@elinterior3736]

Can you just but splice the pins connector if you don't have the tool to take out pin

[@AsKmEeEh]

Howdy was wondering if you still selling these ?

[@johnkaing98]

Do you know where I can purchase a CCV cap for the m56 valve cover? I purchased a valve cover but the CCV was missing.

[@vadimk5828]

www.ebay.com/itm/283734486141

[@huen101]

@50kids Thanks for your wonderful video. So I have upgraded from ms42/ms43 coils that bolt into cover to "coils that push into cover", But I received a few fault codes from obd II as follows : 01 activation, ignition cylinder 2 02 activation, ignition cylinder 4 1D activation, ignition cylinder 1 D2 error, ignition current measurement at more than 2 cylinders 1F activation, ignition cylinder 5 1E activation, ignition cylinder 3 03 activation, ignition cylinder 6 The fault codes above still come back after I cleared, it was fine when I first upgraded,but the car seems to be loss power after a short drive and has very strong gas smell. I thought it would be the old spark plugs that cause the issues, So I replaced them with new set already but the car performance still remains unchaged. Any help or input could be really appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[@50sKid]

I do believe the wiring harness pin outs are different. Might want to look into some wiring diagrams

[@shadricksimms]

What year should I look for

[@markperez6195]

How much for the M56 valve cover conversion kit?

[@HackOPSTools]

If you already have the push in style coils, then you can just transfer the metal brackets from one harness to another, without having to depin

[@mrearly2]

Thank you!! Your comment saved me from a lot of B.S.; I hadn't thought of simply switching the clipped-on brackets to my harness.

[@black328is]

I've got the m54, build date 10/02 with the push in coils. I've got the harness for the m56 cover, is that just plug and play, or do I have to re-wire or zip-tie the m54 harness to the m56 valve cover?

[@50sKid]

plug and play but you'll also have to let it flap in the breeze because it won't bolt onto the new cover

[@black328is]

Now I'm confused, are you saying the M56 harness is plug and play on the M54 or I have to keep M54 harness and not be able attach it properly?

[@gknight42069]

I would like to buy your kit, I am unable to find it on eBay

[@TheThumperhunter101]

I know I'm a bit late to the party and I'm not gonna be butthurt off I don't get a reply, but do you have website for your shop?? Would love to check it out

[@geovannytorres2591]

How would this work with the m50 manifold swap