BMW N42/N46 Intake Manifold Removal PART #1

A quick DIY intake manifold removal guide for the BMW 316ti E46 Compact with a N42 engine.
Watch intake manifold installation guide in PART #2.
BimmerZen assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. BimmerZen recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of BimmerZen , no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not BimmerZen.

[@constantlyvariable2616]

I know this video is almost two years old, but i want to thank you for uploading it. You explained every detail and showed everything very well. Without your tutorial, i probably would have destroyed half the car while trying to change the CCV. Thank you!

[@ipod686]

Thanks for the video! Just did the CCV on my 318i n42b20 engine, and i have a few comments since i know people are watching so they can change their CCV - When getting the intake manifold of, there is a brakcket it sits on. It is a good idea to remove this so that u have acces to all the CCV lines, and especially the CCV line connected to the dipstick. When the CCV is replaced, be sure to get ALL THE CABLES back out before u put on the manifold again, since i forgot and had to remove it again... And a final comment, i am a novice at doing mechanical work on an e46 but know my way around and engine, and the CCV job took me almost 4 hours because of stuck lines etc. so dont rush it!

[@nikorauca1579]

Ive watched a few mechanics now and you are very good at explaining things this was very helpful thanks my guy

[@RedPillAware]

Best video because it is detailed and precise. Thank you so much.

[@jeffjeff370]

i would like to thank you verry much for youre perfect videos!!! great explanation, perfect cam view nice hd! and most of all great meachanic!!! i orderd al stuff to do my ccv and valve seals! right now i am going to make a removal tool for the valve seals! Thanks!!!

[@tompijnappel7368]

You're a hero mate! Thank you so much. Today I completely finished the CCV replacement. Man, these two bolts underneath are such a pain in the ass. But you made me do/fix it man. You're a legend and I owe you a Warsteiner.

[@BimmerZen]

Great to hear that! 👍

[@MAX-ky2ew]

Hi mate. My car sometimes smoking and burning oil. Some body say it's CCV issue need to replace it. Do you know which part need to replace to stop smoke?

[@elkazheleva9951]

To unscrew this torx bolt you only need to remove the water valve to make room for a small ratchet.The other bolt also needs extra space /remove the plastic panel between the engine bay and the ECU/ to unscrew it. Also,The best way to change the crankshaft sensor on a N42 BMW engine is to remove the inlet manifold. The sensor is located just under the starter motor. BMW recommend changing the two camshaft sensors at the same time, these are easy, right on the front of the cylinder head.

[@williamgreen8712]

Thank you I appreciate. your tutorial I have already replaced before, but it was good to refresh my memory for the next replacement. soon to replace it again.

[@yoyoza55]

Wow best ever AWESOME unbelievable explaining every detail so simple and best of all you done it with 1 HAND 👏 👏 👏

[@Alex-ACAB]

Thanks for the video, you explain everything very clear. I hope my ccv replacement will go well

[@publius4631]

Thanks. Now I can go do my starter motor with confidence 😎

[@nguessanrolandkoffi7230]

Great videos. I remove n42 / n46 any times. Very easy !

[@marcelwullink9313]

Wow great video, just what i'm looking for Tnks!

[@ristosorri301]

thank you for this! helped me a lot today! :) one thing, removing the plus cable from co-drivers side from its place, 19 mm bolt, helps a lot too.

[@N.D.J.S.]

best video, i ve ever seen!! ☺☺🤟🤙👍

[@pandakawaii5957]

Hola. Este es el mejor vídeo que he visto de como desmontar paso a paso la admisión. Extraordinario, es el mejor y mejor y más completo de principio a fin. Agradezco mucho.... Hello. This is the best video I've seen on how to disassemble the admission step by step. Extraordinary, it's the best and best and most complete from start to finish. I thank you very much.

[@timdixon1166]

I am working on an N46 in an E90 320i. I actually found that the hard to reach bolt under the inlet manifold can actually be reached through the engine bay! I had a little home-made tool much like yours. I was able to reach far enough back to undo the bolt. I guess this may only be true of right hand drive cars (Australia) as there is no steering in the way. Still saves jacking the car...

[@FeeeshEP3]

this took me for ever

[@ssbb_builds2090]

Thank you Right, now I can tackle the crank sensor....

[@fudoshin811]

Just an idea to supplement this great video: 1. the hard to reach bolt can be changed for a similar thread/pitch type hex head bolt as it would be easier to access with a wrench as there will be more room. and 2. I have found that disconnecting the main positive cable that goes across the whole installation simplifies access a lot as it is only held by a single nut at the left side,next to the battery. Thanks for the great videos, these had helped me a lot in my DIY-s!

[@BimmerZen]

Good ideas! Maybe it's time for a new updated video:)

[@russiandrivers9986]

I love how easy it is to remove the pollen filter in these cars. If only all were like that.

[@e30_lad_ireland]

Ha, welcome back mate :)

[@Alexadriyaa]

thk for share this video, very inspire for my bmw

[@aor3200]

Very good video! I would disconnect that + cable from shock tower point, it gives you more room to remove intake manifold (remember to disconnect battery from boot first).

[@ss-tt3lb]

It was really easy to understand。ありがとうございます。

[@DameAndThatGame]

I found the intake manifold rests on a bracket, that that bracket has 2 x 13mm bolts and also holds the dip stick/oil return pipe, i find it easier to undo these 2 bolts and remove the intake manifold with the brackets attached, no need to get under the car then, can all be done from above.

[@BimmerZen]

Nice idea! I was thinking about that, but never found a good way to remove it. I will give it a try next time I do this job.

[@NotAnArtpiece0]

Do you have to remove the alternator in order to do this

[@DameAndThatGame]

@@NotAnArtpiece0 no buddy, just airbox

[@raphaelfalsch2706]

I undid the 2 bolts (13mm) but the bracket won't come loose. Any ideas what I do wrong?

[@DameAndThatGame]

@@raphaelfalsch2706 its attached to the inlet manifold still, you need pull them both out together. hence undoung the bolts as opposed to the torx bolts on the inlet manifold itself.

[@fatihayar365]

Very good video thank you 👍🏻👍🏻

[@htconex19062012]

Great video and sorry about the broken tab

[@crisbivolaru819]

very usefull video man thank you !

[@B_T_B]

Brilliant. Thank you.

[@4dr13n07]

Ty mate, I was stuck on the torx bolt near the alternator (I may have fucked up a little, using a T27 instead of T30), I ended up getting both of the torx from the bottom on the vehicle, sneaking between the steering column and the engine.

[@BimmerZen]

Good to know, I will try this next time!

[@azamat6785]

I like 👍 very helpful thank you so much

[@Marinho1980]

You the man I have the exact same car.

[@thewarlordscalling6537]

Thanks a million times

[@TitaniumBMWGarage]

Thanks.

[@den2109049]

Thank you

[@wanmohdshukriwanhusin3090]

Thanks BimmerZen

[@cleanest.e46]

Good Video thanks

[@Woyta]

If you remove plastic plate on driver side at fuses, you will get little bit more space and flex in cables.

[@gst_6377]

Need to do this to inspect the wiring for the vvt

[@masriwahab3297]

Frankly your video is quite long but it's worth watching.

[@milan7760]

Great vid :)

[@leoomassaro]

Hey man! First of all, congratulations for the really amazing explanation and the tips, the best intake manifold video. I’ve had quite a problem with my N46 E90, there's a big coolant leak behind the first bolt of the manifold, any idea where might it me coming from or have you seen this before?? Thanks in advance

[@BimmerZen]

Did you check around the oil cooler and coolant pipe that is bolted on that part of the engine (part 4 here: www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=AT51-EUR-09-2001-E46-BMW-316ti&diagId=11_3193)? There might be a leak there and coolant is leaking down over the manifold...

[@whtgaming2175]

please help!! you done a video on oil filter housing gaskets e46 n42, is there a way to remove the bracket the oil filter housing bolts too ? the threads are bad and i cant get torque on them to tighten oil filter housing?

[@MarkYoungIW]

With a few wobble bars, that really awarkward T35 can actually be undone from under the car by going up just behind the compressor.

[@yuhaz]

great vid thx

[@den2109049]

Спасибо

[@joserosa4656]

Gracias a ti he cambiado losnretenes de valvula. Pero ahora tengo problemas de potencia y fallo combustion de gasolina.

[@BimmerZen]

Hard to help... Did you check: - that everything is connected (MAF sensor, valvetronic connectors, CCV and intake-to-fuel tank breather hose), - codes, - vacuum leaks, - timing

[@fernadofastf1]

Man I need to change the first lambda sensor and the crankshaft sensor you think I will be able to do it my self?

[@gaussman7778]

Please how many time you need to take the first screw of the manifold i keep turn it for 1 hour and doesn't come out i have a n46b18

[@FunkysFactFactory]

Great video! Do you know of this will also create enough space to pull the interior blower? Fighting with it to change, but don't want to remove the whole dashboard! For the 6 cylinders it can be removed straight forward, but the 318 if giving me paint in the @$$

[@BimmerZen]

I have never done it myself, but I took a look at the manual and it does not seem to be too complicated: www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e46-316ti-com/repair-manuals/64-heating-air-conditioning/64-11-heater-controls/OwJj2re (free registration required)

[@sadsausage2224]

Very good video. Just one question, if the crankshaft sensor lies in a oil bath where could it be leaking from?

[@BimmerZen]

I dont know exactly but i think some possible reasons are leaky oring on the sensor, broken or leaky CCV hose connector, residual oil from cleaning the engine, broken sensor or even oil coming down the wire from the ecu. I would start with the oring and inspecting CCV hoses.

[@user-vo1fz5mg9z]

Hi buddy. I did this severel times. And I can sure that These could be helpful. Remove alter. And remove manifold with under bracket by releasing a 13mm bolt instead of filister 2 bolts of manifold and bracket. It is much more easier. Removing 2 filister bolts of under manifold is the hell!!!!

[@user-vo1fz5mg9z]

And always glad to see you hahaha

[@BimmerZen]

Good idea, I'll give it a try next time.

[@AnasSamarra]

What do you mean by remove alter and where is that 13mm bolt located please?

[@BimmerZen]

I think he means its easier to remove the alternator which gives you access to remove the 13mm bolt that connects metal intake manifold bracket and the engine. That way you don't have to remove the two hard to access bolts...

[@AnasSamarra]

BimmerZen thanks alot mate

[@redmagic6676]

Thank you very much for this great video!! Is it recommendable to clean the built out intake manifold in any way? Like in a tub with water and detergent? Or is it a totally bad idea to do this?

[@BimmerZen]

I cleaned out the intake using waterhose and dish soap. I then made sure all the running water was drained and let it dry for a couple of days. I had no issues, but if it is not too bad i would just leave it. It's normal to have a little bit of oil in there from the ccv system.

[@redmagic6676]

@@BimmerZen Man, thank you for the ultrafast response! Ok, so I will leave it as it is. It's a bit oily inside as you wrote but I think it's ok although it's probably 15 years in the car and maybe never taken out before :D. I don't have the time to let it dry and it surely needs some time to dry completely. One more thing. There are two sensors/connector-plugs on the upside of the manifold. I wanted to remove both for eventually cleaning the manifold. The outer one with the big plug got out easy after removing the screws. But the other one, where the ccv hose comes in, is stuck. When I look inside there's some kind of metal holding it. Do I have to just use some more force or is it a bad idea to get it out anyway? It's not so important, since I decided not to clean it but I'm just curious if it can come out without breaking it :D. Najlepša hvala! Keep on creating such great videos! I wish you all the best man!

[@fatihayar365]

hello I would be glad if you help me. I have a vehicle with the same engine code.ccv how can I tell if the valve is intact? There is a fluctuation in speed in my vehicle. I'm sorry for my bad english.

[@user-nm1xe9iz9y]

Всё четко и ясно

[@maestrofragranceschannel8040]

Bravo is very helpful video , is it good to go with aftermarket pcv valve and hoses ?

[@BimmerZen]

Yes, just make sure you buy from a reputable (german) brand like febi bilstein, vaico, trucktec, ... don't buy cheap ebay stuf from china.

[@maestrofragranceschannel8040]

@@BimmerZen unfortunately i purchase from Germany it is koungo® and have three year warranty it cost 40 Euro?? i don't know if it is a good brand

[@BimmerZen]

@@maestrofragranceschannel8040 Sorry, I don't know this brand...

[@totirocks3]

Hi, do you know if this is necessary in order to change the engine temperature sensor? Or is it reachable without taking out the entire manifold?

[@davidevans6280]

did you find out?

[@vincenzotrotto4344]

ti do un consiglio quando smonti i connettori una leggerissima spruzzate di WD 40

[@WayToManyAssassins]

Bimmerzen how many miles do you think an N46 engine will go for, aside from the timing chain?

[@BimmerZen]

Esoteric question:) At around 200.000 km or 15 years all of the major seals need to be replaced due to oil and vacuum leaks: - valve stem seals, - valve cover seals (including Valvetronic sensor flange seal), - vacuum pump seals, - VANOS solenoid seals, - oil pan seal, - oil filter housing seals. Internals like: - plastic chain rail guide, - chain tensioner. External components like: - CCV separator and attached hoses. Another possible issues are: - coils, - valvetronic servo motor - thermostat, - expansion tank, - radiator w/ hoses and temp sensors. After that, the engine should be OK for another 200.000 km if the maintenance was and will be done regulary... Older BMWs are for people who like working on their cars, if you just need to get reliably and cheaply from A to B, you should buy a Mazda or a Toyota:)

[@imsyah]

Hi, does this type of intake system has a swirl or tumble flip mechanism?

[@BimmerZen]

No swirl flaps on these engines.

[@AnasSamarra]

@bimmerzen hey mate i need your help please. I removed all the botls except for the first t30 that can be reached from the little space from above because I realised the bolt’s head is damaged so I removed the alternator and the 13mm bolt hoping that i can remove the intake manifold all together with the metal plate but i still can’t remove it! Is there any other bolt that I should undo?

[@BimmerZen]

Hard to say what the problem is... Is the metal bracket loose? Did you remove all the bolts and unplug the harnesses? Dont forget the two bolts connecting the CCV bracket and manifold...

[@AnasSamarra]

@bimmerzen yea i had to do it another way. I took off the reinforcement plate and then i was able to access the t30 that you unscrewed from top but from underneath 😁

[@AnasSamarra]

BimmerZen and it was much easier cuze the alternator method did not work

[@Thomas-kq8sd]

How long time did this work take?

[@BimmerZen]

It takes about 30 min to remove the manifold, once you know the procedure.

[@urhanyousefi]

Hello My E46 318 ci 2002 Works with 3 cylinders. The engine is healthy. Where does the problem come from?

[@BimmerZen]

Well, that could be from a lot of different reasons... You should first scan the car (DME) with INPA. This will give you more information. Most common issue is a bad ignition coil. You can test this by first determining which cylinder is not working and then switch the coil from another cylinder. If the error moves to the other cylinder then you know that coil is bad. Other causes are: bad spark plug, bad injector, low compression (broken valves, valvetronic, rocker arms), ...

[@kayrams1792]

Is E46 (N42 engine) and E90 (N46 engine) intake manifold compatible? Can I use E90 intake manifold on a E46 N42 engine?

[@BimmerZen]

According to part numbers they are not compatible. E46 N42 and E46 N46 are compatible, but not with E90 N46.

[@viperfan85]

nice video. dont remove it please. thumb up and subscribe for you

[@gaussman7778]

Hello I broke my vaccum hose connector on the air intake. Is it dangerous to drive the car ?

[@BimmerZen]

I don't think it's dangerous, but that hose on the air intake goes to the fuel pressure regulator inside the fuel filter. That controls the fuel pressure during idle. You should repair the nozzle or replace the intake boot.

[@johnarmstrong9395]

I have a 318ci with the n42 engine, I have the p1168 fault code which says fuel rail pressure sensor fault, I can’t find the fuel rail pressure sensor on it, does it have one? I read somewhere that the fuel filter has a pressure regulator on it so I changed it but still got the same problem, any ideas? Thanks for any light you can shed on this

[@BimmerZen]

N42 does not have direct fuel injection and does not have a fuel pressure sensor. The scanner you are using most probably does not support the N42's ME9 ECU and gives you a generic code. I suggest you scan your car with INPA or some other N42 compatible scanner to get more accurate description of your error. I would suspect you have an air/fuel mixture ratio issue and is related to lambda sensors/catalytic converters.

[@johnarmstrong9395]

@@BimmerZen thankyou

[@johnarmstrong9395]

You were right, I changed the pre cat o2 sensor and my EML light went out and hasn’t come back on, happy days

[@johnarmstrong9395]

Could you do a video on changing or removing the injectors on the n42 engine please.

[@htconex19062012]

Use magnets when removing nuts

[@rsobral560]

How do you know if its time to replace the ccv

[@BimmerZen]

Some symptoms, but not all: - high oil consumption (won't separate oil vapours, broken diaphragm) - poor idle (vacuum leak, broken hose) - more than 15 year old (preventative maintenance) Oil consumption of more than 5dcl/1000km is more indicative of bad valve stem seals (blue smoke on pull after idling the engine).

[@rsobral560]

Aaah thanks my car is 2003 model, i dont notice any problem except for oil consumption but i will fix the vacuum pump seal first, i dont drive the car much anymore, but man this car has forced me to become a mechanic since in south africa parts are expensive for bmw so I do most maintenance myself except when it came to doing the timing chain its beyond my expertise, but i was hoping my pcv valve is not damaged and i can clean it out for now and put it back as I dont have issues with it yet crossing my fingers but if i take it out and its too bad i will have to replace it, unfortunately when the car gets to this age many things start to go, so far , i did the timing chain , radiator, gearbox service and brakes, new batery, and i rebuilt the alternator just a week ago , new bearings and voltage regulator and alternator pulley, i replaced the lower control arms and then rack ends and tie rod ends. So yeah and I only put 70 000km on the car since buying it at 150 000km now its on 215 000. Its been quite a journey i love the car when its driving right, but just too much headaches in the long run so will probably sell soon. I always change oil from 5000 to 7000km since having it. But yeah I'm no longer working so need to get something that requires less maintenance, ​@@BimmerZen

[@CODPLAYER13100]

Where would I put a turbo on this?

[@BimmerZen]

It's not worth it. They are almost impossible to mod. Just buy an e46 with m54 engine and put a supercharger on it.

[@CODPLAYER13100]

BimmerZen but I’ve got a good deal on it before I knew all this so I wanna make it work haha

[@BimmerZen]

@@CODPLAYER13100 Well, if this is not your only car, then it would be an interesting project:) Good luck

[@jarnovandergoes3163]

Does it have egr

[@BimmerZen]

No.

[@lesegopatricktshikororo6609]

Hi guys, I am rebuilding a 318ti compact e46, if any one has it, please send me a fuse box diagram

[@BimmerZen]

Just google "bmw e46 318i fuse box diagram". You will get plenty of results.

[@fifoud4232]

Hi, this little vaccum hose right there kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3OaaKyhq8ton6s is missing in my car. Can you say me what it's for? I bet its connected to the Fuel pressure regulator within the fuel filter?

[@BimmerZen]

Yes, this vacuum hose is connected to the fuel pressure regulator. What model is your car?

[@fifoud4232]

@@BimmerZen Thanks for your help. It's very appreciated. My car is a E46 compact 316ti 2003.

[@BimmerZen]

@@fifoud4232 Month of production? What model engine do you have? From what I can see all engine models in Compact (N40, N42, N45, N46) have vacuum operated fuel pressure so the hose should be there... Check if it's broken off... I'm certain this would cause issues.

[@fifoud4232]

@@BimmerZen It's january 2003 and it's a n42b18 engine. I will put the car and jack stands and check this. I think this will cause a bad fuel pressure when idle. It should also cause vaccum leak but i didn't feel it when i tried to obstruct the hole with my finger.

[@BimmerZen]

@@fifoud4232 Fuel pressure will be to high which puts additional strain on the fuel system. Definitively replace the hose:)

[@vsboss155]

anyone notice the blue underwear?

[@johnpapajohn149]

Maybe the most idiot design in this bmw engine. You have to do this in order to do various repairs (crankshaft sensor, ccv, starter motor, knock sensors)