BMW 330i 325i E46 Oil Filter Housing Gasket Change DIY

[@bogusienombre355]

2023: been watching for 8 yrs.?! Yes. Have had my 46er for 6 years or so. This is a great channel for resources in the future. This is the first shot I've seen someone put the clutch fan in. Bravo. Please keep going with the e46's. They are so helpful to the next group who has low milage cars. All this will be our turn next. Thank you for the hundreds of hours you have dedicated to this. I so appreciate it.

[@NorthernChev]

ATTENTION VIEWERS: He got super, SUPER lucky with his gasket coming out easily with a pick. You will most likely NOT be so lucky. These are usually so hardened that they will require some heavy digging and picking to get them out, and yours will most likely break into 20 pieces. That being said, I recommend you take the extra step of removing the power steering pump off the bottom of the filter housing BEFORE you take the housing bolts out. It's super simple and only adds a few minutes to the job, but will make removing that brittle gasket SO much easier. It also has the added benefit of allowing you to properly clean the housing. No power steering hoses need to be removed to do this.

[@NorthernChev]

My guess is, his car has had that gasket replaced before as they almost NEVER come out that easily.

[@startingtech3900]

Not necessary got mine out easy

[@NorthernChev]

@@startingtech3900Yes, if yours has been replaced at some point in the cars history it will come out easily. Most have not.

[@ashby9674]

Thanks for the reply all I wanted to know is if I had to disconnect PS lines so thank you 🙏🏻

[@Soul_Reaper]

I finally felt ready to tackle this job that I have neglected for so long. One thing I loved about your videos is that you covered everything in detail to include the necessary tools you need for this. I finished in about 5 hours, mostly because I kept getting side-tracked, and now I get to wait until tomorrow to check for leaks. Thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos, I have learned so much from them, keep them coming!

[@chkhenderson]

And I thought the Bavarian auto videos were good. THIS IS fantastic, I believe I can handle this job now! You were spot on in describing how much is left out in DIY videos. You are very thorough I thank you so very much ! I felt like an apprentice today.

[@50sKid]

Charles Henderson Glad you're ready to give it a go now!

[@Mrbfgray]

50sKid This seems like a bigger pain in the butt than most repairs you've shown here....I guess it will help a little that I'll have other things out of the way already as I intend to do several things in one go. Thanks!

[@patwil6427]

I agree, Jason’s BMW videos would be the most detailed that is available.

[@kaliimc]

Just completed this. Took 5 1/2 hours but included the oil change and cleanup of leaked oil too. Only issues were the AC tensioner bolt, stripped it but found a new one , and replacing the fan shroud and fan. Thank you for taking the time out of your schedule (aka: life) to help others! Next project is never before replaced thermostat and waterpump. Mileage is about 87,000.

[@M3goon]

Literally cursing and swearing trying to get the alternator back in and came across this video. The alternator top tip!!!!! Jason you’re a lifesaver!

[@lukeking6067]

Just want you to know you are a stud! If I'm doing a job on my car I pretty much exclusively use your videos. The big scary jobs aren't that big and scary when I can just follow your videos. Really appreciate all the time you take to document the proper procedure, you have helped me keep my favorite car running strong.

[@Supraifyification]

Your videos are so amazing, just like you said so many other people just record and say "i just did this and that" while they never show any of what they have done. For an absolute amateur like myself ive managed to tackle many jobs on my E46 and saved thousands thanks to your step by step videos!

[@Old_Man_Los]

Studied your video a few times and just today I finally got it done (about 3.5 hrs). You Sir, are an Angel! Thank You.

[@davidg.9942]

I cannot thank you enough !!!! Another excellent tutorial !!!! A job ''for pro's with tons of specialty tools" dismantled & explained to very basics that can be accomplished by DIY-s. You are my HERO, especially when I was quoted over $1900 by independent shop with over 27 years of experience in BMW & Mercedes ONLY to change my power steering hoses. FCP euro got complete refresh kit + tool to remove pressure hoses for about $300,,,, BUT, the catch was the freaking mechanic showed me transmission hoses going to the small cooler at the front all dripping in oil- he pointed them to me as power steering hoses. After watching your Power Steering video I realized the drip came from the top where the $30 return hose is attach to the container. Did not even replaced it, just cut off about 1/2'' of the hose put new clamp and problem solved. That mechanic deserves new Shop Banner : " 27 years of Successfully RIPPING OFF BMW & Mercedes Owners" THANK YOU AGAIN !!!!! If YOU are ever in South Florida let me know--- You have a nice Dinner on me !!!!!

[@joelgarcia6307]

So after watching this video about 15 times I was able to tackle this job today..took a total of about 4 hrs and a lot of that was cleaning all the oil that had gunked up on the engine..this video helped so much. Mine is a bit easier, I have an electric fan so taking it out is a breeze( no special tools). Thanx brother u saved me chunk of change

[@50sKid]

Joel Garcia Excellent, glad it helped you out!

[@joelgarcia6307]

Hey bud, after doing this task everything was going great till this morning.. All of a sudden my turn signals, steering wheel controls and climate control are going crazy all on their own... Do u think anything in this task could have cause this? I disconnected the neg on battery before I started project.. I am going crazy with this. I just got home from work so I'm gonna plug my obd reader to see if I can find something but if you have any advice I'd greatly appreciate it

[@50sKid]

Joel Garcia Check your battery voltage. In my experience when that starts to drop things go wonky.

[@joelgarcia6307]

Exactly what one of the guys on the BMW forum just told me..thanx for your response, will update tomorrow. I have a load tester at work.

[@lukasjavorka5924]

4h as well but lost 1h to raise my lowered car on ramps ☺️

[@jeffreyoseguera4779]

i did this job myself thanks to u sir , u specified all the tools needed and gave a COMPLETE walk through , also cherry on top is that i couldn't take out my fan with the provided "special" tool so i watched a video on how to take them out a different way and it was yours as well , THANK YOU🙏

[@sugar1756]

There were at least 3 other videos on replacing this gasket. Yours was by far the most accurate, to the point and helpful. Your explanation of the positioning sleeve on the lower alternator bolt dispelled the fears and frustrations of other videos. Thanks for this great video. And Patient Zero...don't be a woose. It just takes time & patients. I'm 68 years old & if I can do it I'm sure you can ;-)))

[@chadriddle3517]

Jason , I’ve never needed to do this until now and of coarse you never let me down ! A perfect step by step guide best one out there

[@unitedstatesofmordor]

Your videos should be a standard option on every used BMW. Indispensable! Thanks again for another excellent video.

[@OscarMartinez-er5om]

Hey there 50’s kid . Never have I done a commmet , however you’ve totally earned it . To somebody who has never own a car or work on a car you made me feel that I could do it by following your steps and wow I did had a little clicking noise when I was done but that was cause I left one oil hose that connects to ccv line from the engine and after hooking that up everything was fine an went on to getting the car to temperature and all is well thank you soo much an thanks for the recent video I just loved the feeling on saving a lot of money . Thanks again from Las Vegas

[@myxipitlik2]

Great tip on how to remove the alternator, a lot of DIY videos out there does not really show all the steps in detail and these are the once that make the job tougher trying to figure out how to remove the parts. Your videos has helped me a lot on my DIYs. Thanks!

[@XxAlexanderProxx]

I was told new BMWs are more difficult to work on, but it looks to me like the new models have the pump more accessible. This video showed me how to do some other things at the same time. Planning to get a BMW after graduation next year, and I will not be giving Stealership all my money. Thank you for the videos.

[@ve2430]

This bmw is over 20 years old. What are you talking about buddy. 15 years at the time of your post

[@Jean-vr7vj]

@@ve2430 Which raises the question: why are YOU here? How did you end up watching this video and reading the comments too?

[@bidenisgod6978]

Doing this next week on my E60 530i. 257k miles. Runs like a top. Just likes to make a oily mess 🤣

[@Nuke21]

Truly thank you for this video. I could not find this oil leak to save my life. I had no idea BMW had a gasket here. I'm tackling this tomorrow and I know for sure my leak will finally be done.

[@colinmoore68]

Excellent as always. This helped me go the deepest I have ever been in car repairs - thank you. I was very worried with the leaking until I discovered your video. I also had a leak and managed to replace the Vanos oil line, couple of pulleys and belts while down below. I was new to servicing a BMW and very grateful to learn from a true expert.

[@hindflight]

One telltale sign to look for with OFHG leakage is oil pooling on the waffle-like pattern on top of the engine block on the driver's side. It can easily be seen by removing the airbox. Since there's alot of pressure in the OFH, these leaks can leak pretty profusely.

[@Bmwpnpc]

One of the better DIY videos out there; nicely done! Easy to follow, great visibility, and appreciate the time you took in putting this together. Looking forward to your future videos, as well. Great work!

[@venerated]

I love your videos. You make it possible for me to maintain my car. I love you!

[@50sKid]

+venerated Thank you so much, glad you find them helpful.

[@davenova850]

Just replaced the oil filter housing gasket on my 2001 325i. Put everything back together; it starts and idles fine but if I step on the gas pedal quickly it cuts out (1 second delay) then revs up. Didn't do it before the repair. I disconnected the back part of the hose (the front part of the hose leads to the vanos). Could it be that or something else?

[@kieranwhoriskey7270]

The vanos shouldnt cause a problem like that. Did you disconnect and part of the CCV? Also did you make sure and plug the MAF back in? Are there any engine codes?

[@chiralhome]

I KNOW EH.... ME TOO ! I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY HE DOESN'T HAVE A SHITLOAD OF SUBSCRIBERS

[@vandijk1698]

You dear sir are a gift to us e46 owners. Started working on my e46 estate myself. It's a high mileage (225k) my 2000 320i (M54 engine) estate. she's always been manintained to spec. She's geting tired but she still looks good (from a distance) and still drives and sounds like she's supposed to. So I figured, the only way to keep her on the road for a couple more years is if I start doing the work myself. Had my mechainic do a lot of work to her last year and the year before so I was expecting to have a smooth entrance into BMW maintenance. I put her on Jack stands, removed the cover and oil everywhere! So after succesfully fighting the urge to put her up for sale I regain control and found you! (first found the iCP video where you're looking at a man doing stuff without seeing what he's doing, their other vids are good though, also own a Volvo S60 and I've rebuild the entire supsension on that with the help of their vids) Your video about common BMW problems was a trip down memory lane because I remember my mechanic had already told me all about them, in the past ten years, usualy just before he gave me the number... Thanks to you I was able to diagnose the problem correctly and fixed it within a couple of hours. Had my phone with this vid on the intake manifold! You do a fantastic job, been watching a lot of your vids and they give me the courage to keep going, because the oil pan seems to be next.... Thanks!

[@talonpilot]

Just completed this DIY based on your video; it was spot on and very informative! Made doing the job very easy (so much so, I felt like I must have forgot something because it went so smoothly)! Thanks for the video, helped me diagnose the common oil leak and fix in no time.

[@skunkedagain]

That’s why your vids are the best. You don’t talk about what you did, you show what you’re doing and why. Thank you!

[@JCru2]

Amazing! You didn't have to take off the powering steering pump that was attached to the oil filter housing. It opened up like a clamshell where the oil gasket was much easier to get to. Nicely done. Great tips.

[@JCru2]

I left my oil in. I just took the oil cap off and took off the oil FILTER cap off, so the oil just rested on the bottom engine bay. Hardly no oil leakage. Thank you for the step by step. Lots of KZbin so leave a lot out.

[@50sKid]

+JCruzify1 Yeah I have a note about not having to drain the oil in the description, but I'm getting the idea that not many people read the description so I'll see if I can add an annotation to the video! Thx.

[@startingtech3900]

@@50sKidmine needed replacement anyway

[@lupike3015]

Excellent video... love the fact that you went step by step and didn't leave (much) out. I think there was only two steps that were excluded and you explained or used onscreen comments to cover them. I have only two additions I would include... the first is the crush washers for the Vanos... they are crush washers. They are a single use item. ALWAYS replace them. The only other addition is the belts and oil. I would have opted to replace them as-well since you were already in there... belts are really inexpensive, so seems a no-brainer... oil for an e53 (my vehicle) is nearly a bill, so I may have foregone that, but would still have considered it. Short of my critique, it is a GREAT video. I love what you are doing with this series, so keep it up!

[@meensbeans]

I noticed in the few videos I've seen so far, they're not profanity-laced, which is what I'm used to hearing when my dad, who had his own auto repair shop for 30 years specializing in German cars, would do when working on bimmers. LOL. Unless you've edited out all the profanities/frustrating moments. Thanks for making such comprehensive videos that even a layman like me can understand!

[@JoseRivera-ym3wj]

I was told by E46 Owners Club to check your videos. I started to do this job already before watching this video. While I did some extra steps and ommited other, I got the housing out. Need a thorough cleaning, because previous job had the gasket and RTV silicone sealant. This jib was to change the gasket and oil pressure switch, but I happened to stumble on a coolant leak above the housing. So another thing to get fixed. Thank you for this video. I'm sure to see your other videos. My 325i does need some TLC. I'm sure they will help me get it in top shape.

[@gerrycooper56]

Just replaced the housing gasket following your video. Absolutely correct it was a Pita to remove the old gasket. It came out in about 20 pieces! The alternator removal was particularly helpful with tapping the bolt - thanks.

[@기술자-f8m]

it has been 4 years since i owned e46 325i and i started watching your video. it has been great.

[@XORBob]

Hey 50sKid - I want to thank you for posting this. It was so helpful in fixing my leak. I changed the OH Gasket and the Vanos line coming off the housing. Total cost: $125 (approx $2500 quoted by Irvine BMW.) At first I was worried it didn't work. When I got it all back together, I still got oil drips for a few days. It turns out it was residual oil. Now my garage floor is dry again! Thanks, man.

[@PathosRx]

$2500 is criminal. This is $600 by most stealerships.

[@mackcummy4976]

@@PathosRx What? Here in Canada the BMW dealer wanted about $800 for both, still expensive. I just got a new VANOS line made for $22 and a gasket and did it on my dads BMW 325. It has just 103,000kms and all gaskets were leaking.

[@the101musicchannel]

Hey 50s kid, your videos are excellently detailed. This video was real useful when I changed the gasket on my car. Keep up with the good work!

[@50sKid]

+the101musicchannel Will do!

[@mrmalavey1098]

Just did this today, watched this vid before the job to make sure I had all new washers n shit that I'd need, watched it again whilst doing the job, you're my Yoda man n I love ya more than you know for all ya Vids on the E46, by far the best BMW maintenance and trouble shooting channel on KZbin 👌

[@dannymatthews855]

The 50s kid BMW videos are the best on the internet/youtube. I have used them on many diy projects for my BMW and found them to be exact roadmaps to the job. Thank You..

[@dklopp]

I'm about to do this to my '04 330i (but with an electric cooling fan). These engine bays are a lot more packed than the trucks I'm used to, but this doesn't really look too bad after watching you do it. I know this video will come in handy for future repairs also - lots of good info here. Thanks for taking the time to make the video!

[@50sKid]

It's not so bad once you remove a few things. Good luck!

[@startingtech3900]

It’s not hard

[@colocho144]

Im about to start a project car. 2003 bmw 325i. It has 240k miles on it. I need to replace repair quite a few things and i just wanted to say your channel is very helpful. Thank you.

[@jimbernal1318]

I went straight to removing belts a/c h2o,ps strg pumps wo removing fan shroud and fan. Took off idler and adj pulleys and alternator went out with ease. Loosen banjo ftg from vanos and I managed to slide off the old gasket. Washed off oil and dirt as seen here. Took my time in reinstalling the rest. Btw drain only half of the oil and reused. Very helpful and my hats off to you. I was going nuts for a week trying to locate that massive oil seepage. Thank You Very Much!!!!

[@50sKid]

Interesting approach--must have been cramped working with the fan still in there!

[@jchiaty]

Thanks or the all the videos! The most helpful helpful tips for me were #1 lower alternator bolt sleeve to be tapped back #2 Disconnect the upper Vanos oil line bolt instead #3 I didn't drain my oil. My gasket was so bad I had to pull it out (disconnect PS pump bolts ) from the car and slowly pry the gasket out in pieces. I had a great time working on it with my son. Thanks for all the instructions.

[@anonymus6810]

Great help while I did mine, thank you. One thing that surprised me was how little pressure is supposed to be on the bolts putting the housing back with new gasket. After putting the housing on with hardly any force on bolts, I had the engine run to check and tighten as needed. And guess what, the leak already stopped, so do NOT put much force on bolts putting it back together !Thanks again

[@50sKid]

+hans van dongen Yes it's because you're squishing an o-ring. If you over-tighten, it may tear.

[@jimmckay8740]

You are very professional and your attention to detail is remarkable. Thank you so much for sharing. I am looking at just shy of $1,000 to have BMW do this for me. Totally helped me out. Thank you!

[@50sKid]

+Jim McKay WOW that's the first time i've heard what dealer would charge for this job. You can pay just shy of $1000, or you can do the work yourself and pay about $3.27 in parts.

[@mustangj0hn]

Just rewatched this video Jason, my 2001 330Ci is leaving me little presents on the garage floor. Looks like my job for the weekend !!! Cheers again buddy.

[@pereiracycles]

Your videos are excellent. I just did the OFH gasket, the CCV system, valve cover gaskets and the power steering reservoir and hoses. Would have taken much more time without your help. After getting everything together I still had an oil leak. Took the OFH off 3 more times before figuring out that I had an extra Oil Filter Cap O-ring in place. It's been that way for years. The old one is square section and sits in a groove in the cap. Apparently I'm not the only one that has had this problem. So note to the world: if you can see the o-ring at the bottom of the cap when it is installed, you're doing it wrong. Thanks again. I really appreciate the help.

[@50sKid]

Nice, thanks for sharing that!

[@eddiel.mckenzieiii7995]

I had an oil leak for 2 months after changing the oil on my 2004 325xi. Come to find out I "had an extra Oil Filter Cap O-ring in place". Thanks Tony. I was studying this 50sKid video to tackle this job, your comment helped me find the source of the leak.

[@pereiracycles]

@@eddiel.mckenzieiii7995 Glad I could help!

[@dannyzamudio1252]

@@50sKid though torque for alternator and pulley bolts were 30fp?

[@martymeyer4125]

That bit about banging the bolt with the hammer is key to getting that alternator out. I remember the time I replaced mine and couldn't figure out why it wouldn't release.

[@joeorlando94]

I used this video to change my oil filter housing gasket on my 2001 BMW 330Ci with manual transmission. The manual transmission cars have an electric radiator fan, which is easier to remove and replace than the one you showed for automatics. One T25 torx screw on the top left, 1 plastic pop-rivet on the right, disconnect the electrical connectors, then it just pulls out. My lower belt tensioner was the same spring loaded one you showed, but the upper one was hydraulic. It required an 8 mm hex, and you have to remove the tensioner plastic cap to get to it. Just use the 8 mm hex and turn clockwise to release the tension. I tried your alternator bolt trick and still struggled to get it out, but I put a small pry bar between the alternator and the engine to pry it loose. When putting the alternator back in, I found it easier to put the top bolt in first which helped me to put the bottom bolt in. After replacing the gasket, make sure you put the vanos line behind the CCV plastic tube or else the 2 tubes will hit and resist getting the housing back onto the engine block. Disconnecting the CCV tube on just the top helped me a lot. (This one drove me nuts - and I wish I had paid closer attention to the words you put on the screen!) The 6 bolts for the housing are different lengths, so 1 good tip I found is take a piece of cardboard, label the top and Left/Right, stick each bolt through the cardboard in order of top to bottom and left or right to keep track of which one goes where. The BMW dealer by me charged $5.63 for the gasket and $1.20/each for the 2 vanos crush washers, so no need to shop online (unlike many other items). Thanks so much for the video!

[@50sKid]

+Joe Orlando You're welcome and thanks for watching

[@stevegoosney676]

Thanks Jason, this was my first repair.... now I can pull the fan, air box, upper intake boot, cabin filter box, rear heat shield, and dista intake thingy, ha, ha, ha, in under ten minutes.... only because of your videos, thank you! Steve

[@johnmargarida7225]

Great video, I replaced the oil filter housing gasket today. I did not have to drain the oil. I changed it recently so I gave it a try and it worked out fine. The dealer wanted $400. I changed it for the $5. Thanks!

[@regibson23]

Your tutorials are just plain awesome. Anytime I need to do something on my car I just look for your videos. One of these times when you take off the fan you should just bite the bullet and do the electric fan conversion. No idea why they did all the fan clutch crap for the auto.

[@MexChefXpress]

Thanks 50sKid - perfect video with very detailed steps from stat to finish. Others videos like you said were really incomplete and bad quality. Yours are the best. Finally my front oil leak has been tackled. Great project for holiday season. After I completed the intake manifold and belt replacement again following your other videos, this one was quite easy(around 2-3 hours). Thanks again and I wish you 1M views for your all your videos in 2022!!

[@phamwoody13]

Thank you Alex!! You save me couple hundreds and giving me a confidence to talk to the mechanic and know how many hours it take to fix it.

[@50sKid]

+phamwoody13 Nice

[@Joshie86]

Thank you so much for providing us with this very helpful step by step video... will be doing my housing gasket tomorrow 11/5/16 thanks again!

[@XenoChron]

I haven'd done it yet but I suspect this video will have saved me a ton of time and money. I thought I had a more serious oil leak but this seems to be exactly what the issue is. Love all your videos I've watched so far. They are excellent!

[@XenoChron]

Did the job and this video was spot on for most of it. I can't thank you enough especially for some of the torque values putting it back together. Hopefully this will fix my never ending oil leak. I did have a small bit of confusion around the tensioner pulley for both belts so mentioning for others in the future. Mine is nothing like what you have but I have a 2005 325xi so perhaps they did something different with it? The bottom tensioner doesn't have a bolt/head to lock onto but is a torx/star head that I needed to use. The worst one was main belt and tensioner. There was nothing but a hex bolt on the pulley itself that I had to use an allen wrench to pull down since I didn't have a head head socket/adapter. It was quite difficult and has a mini-shock attached behind the pully vs a spring (not sure what is on others). I had to puzzle it out a bit. Finally just mentioning that your video says the housing "pivots" out and I expected only that and didn't realize that the entire side with pulleys and all would literally fall off and isn't attached to anything after those 6 bolts come out. I had a bit of a panic when that happened but otherwise was fine. Anyway, Kudos to you for excellent videos. Some of the best I've seen for any type of auto repair.

[@oreerhodesiv5281]

I have damn near done as much work on my e46 as 50'sKid. It is a pain in the rear working on this vehicle especially when old parts break and how many things deteriorate consecutively over time. I will say, I keep going because these jobs are doable and the parts are cheap. It is also giving me a lot more experience than I can handle. Tis a gift and a curse. Has BMW ever done recalls on anything on e46 other than the airbags.

[@RCWatson]

Great how to mate. Ive started to use your videos more and more as I like the way you explain the little things you come across. I done this job today, though I will add, I didn't want to drain the oil so parked the car where I was going to work on it the night before so when I stripped the housing off all oil was drained into the sump anyway. Great work fella!

[@proximityzero]

I watch a lot of these videos (Thanks BMW...), and this one was exceptionally clear, concise, useful, and nicely shot. Thanks for sharing it.

[@toniocastro5426]

You really are incredible as to how educated you are on any BMW. You should teach. Thanks to you I️ have save tons of money. Doing the work my self. God bless you Jason.!

[@tcweist1]

Thank you for the excellent video of the R/R of the oil filter housing gasket that was a life saver for me. I can honestly say that I considered myself a decent mechanic but needed help with this project. Well done, and thanks again.

[@gehmirnichtaufdienuesse6820]

Did mine yesterday, your video helped alot. Thanks, man. Also had an issue with oil pressure buildup on cold starts, the pressure light staying on for ca. 3 seconds after engine start, when the car had been parked for a couple of hours. Solved by replacing the 2 green o-rings on the "thorn" of the oil filter cap. Worth mentioning, since aftermarket oil filter sets don't include them, just the big one for the cap itself. They block a "tube", which lets the oil drain back into the pan, if you remove the cap. Another candidate for the aforementioned issue would be the check valve, but mine was allright.

[@50sKid]

Nice, thanks

[@black328is]

I've found that if you wrap some twine or a shoe lace around the fan nut you can hold a fan blade in one hand and pull the string with the other to get the threads started. Much easier than trying to turn the entire assembly enough to thread it on.

[@Built2spillrox13]

I just did the DIY on my 04 E46 ZHP and 'cause of this video it was a breeze.....thanx kidd.

[@Timelinee]

Great DYI video saved me a bundle of $$$ , only cost me $8.00 for the gasket .Video had great step by step instructions . If you have the tools and the mechanical ability do it yourself otherwise it will run you about $500 at the dealership . Thanks again

[@startingtech3900]

9 years ago now it’s 1100$+

[@joshuasanders102]

Well, I tackled this today. I'm working on replacing a lot of the gaskets and assorted rubber in my BMW 325xi Touring (first car). I have no prior mechanical experience and no one who can help me with these type of things so I have to do TONS of research. Luckily I have access to some tools to use. I attempted to get this done and I did fine until I got to removing the alternator. The long bolts came out fine and I hammered on the bottom one to get the sheathing back in but it wouldn't come. Rain was coming and I was working outside so I decided to put everything back since I need my car tomorrow. Your video is so helpful. One mistake I made was buying the special fan tool. I assumed all fans were the same in E46's. I was wrong though, apparently all manuals have the electrical fan instead of the mechanical one. It's fine though, I will try returning the tool. I feel much more confident with this job now and will continue it the next time I get a chance.

[@BestOutEntMusic]

Thank you so much for being thorough in making your video. I'm going to my garage now to replace my gasket with confidence!

[@dakibmw]

By far the best OFHG change video out there! Thank you!

[@patm6137]

Awesome! Probably the best, most thorough DIY how-to video I've seen. With videos like these, I no longer have to purchase the Shop manuals any longer. Nice work. And much appreciated. Now off to change my Vanos feed line, oil filter housing gasket and clean my MAF sensor.

[@50sKid]

Nice!

[@Wipefoot]

Didnt know if i could manage this by myself. But this is clearly a really good video! Please keep going on doing all this pieces of Gold. Thanks and greets from Germany

[@garthrichert5256]

SO glad you took the trouble to give all the details. Thanks a ton !

[@KrispyAquascape]

Love your step by step videos man. Keep them coming. You are a champ

[@masonherrera9107]

This video was extremely helpful! I just replaced this gasket on my 1999 bmw 528i and followed your directions in the video and it worked perfectly!

[@dopvmine_p]

Best step by step and best camera angles.... hands down

[@TreBeats92]

Great video man. Including your vanos rebuild, this is another solid step by step video that’s helped me keep my E46 running properly. I spent the most time taking the gasket out, mine was baked onto the housing. Now I just need to get the bottom bolt back onto the altenator which is a PITA.

[@petrhanke3179]

recently i bought 330i few days ago i found out an oil leak same spot. I was like meeen am f**ked up. some poeple gave me few tips where it could be, but now how to change it?! thanks to you am able to fix it on my own many thanks sir! love your vids Keep it UP!! :)

[@netflyer68]

Following your video on Friday, taking advantage of the fact that I had to change the control arms, I put the car on two trunks and started, I left all night to drain the oil well and the next morning I started to disassemble (unlike yours I have the motor fan electric) following your video step by step to get to the gasket .... only it was not possible to "detach" it because it was crystallized, I had to disassemble everything by detaching the power steering pump, and remove it from the counter ... it is old and broken using a mini screwdriver and a hammer

[@zxzhao5]

I bet this is the most clear video about OFHG replacement! Thank you!

[@killertoby1234]

Just doing this job on my X3 E83 2.5i, this gasket failure sent oil over the front diff which ended up spraying the whole underside of the car, it made the previous owner think the leak was a massive fix!

[@joefowler9600]

I love this channel, better than watching the tv.

[@joshp9842]

Great video!! My 2003 330i has a slightly different belt tensioner but is not too difficult to figure out. I would recommend changing the idler pulleys while you have the belt off. The bearings in mine were done and I didn't know until I took the belt off.

[@50sKid]

+Josh P Yep, good tip. You can also just spin them. If they aren't silent, they are on their way out.

[@JMUDoc]

I would recommend replacing the VANOS oil line (with washers), belt, and idler pulleys while you're in there and have easy access 😉. (If you're feeling adventurous, removing the radiator top hose allows even more access AND lets you replace the thermostat...)

[@danarbuckle6640]

I just did this job on my E39. I think it is important to keep your engine clean, especially if you are looking for leaks. With a clean engine you can usually be sure where your leaks are coming from before you tackle a project like this one.

[@bobbymathiwathanan1832]

The best e46 diy on the web

[@chadbarker3564]

Glad you film everything. Great video. Own a 2002 330ci convertible and your videos are the best.

[@mrdude3540]

FYI also if your dealing with a 2005 325ci then you have to use a T60 for the tensioner to take off the air conditioning belt not a socket. Good luck people's and 50's kid I really dig your vids man!

[@edwins4281]

I subbed because of this video. I've seen so many other crappy explanations that claim to be "how to vids" but you're legit bro. Keep it up.

[@50sKid]

+Edwin S Thanks!

[@glenglene8473]

I did what you said, spread out the gap. But when I tightened up the lower bolt, the sleeve did not slide back causing the alternator housing to crack. For new DIY, you may want to add W40 at the sleeve to it can move freely.

[@evilamnesiac]

Watched your video before performing this repair on my 325, it was really helpful, no more oil under the car! Thanks!

[@sammyjankis]

Hi 50sKid thanks for the video! I tackled this job over the past Saturday because I had a oil leak on my BMW that almost drained the car and figured that this was the problem! I followed everything you did to the letter with little to no issues and I noticed the oil looked like it was dripping down from where the gasket head was so I changed it put it all back together and patted myself on the back for a job well done. However I'm glad I put a cooler under the car just in case because alas after all that work my car started bleeding again like a stuck pig and it was then that I noticed that the leak was coming from underneath the car from some kind of piston looking thing that is covered up by a metal plate near the driver side. I can't really explain it but I did take a couple pictures and video and hopefully I can email them to you if that's OK. I just really hope it can be repaired and on my own. I wish I had found your videos sooner It would have saved me a lot of headache and money! Thanks again!

[@marcchantal5016]

I like the the way you didn't leave that old mess! Good job.

[@ajm9249]

dude your videos are worth more than 100$ each time

[@Throughthelurkinglass]

I've watched many of your videos and saved many thousands of dollars.

[@dolobyte]

Thank you for actually showing the steps. Great videos. I also liked the one where you fixed the shifter ball housing thing.

[@justinneal5751]

Good video. Very in depth and without annoying backing music.

[@webstermompremier2914]

Great video! I wish all DIY videos on KZbin were like that. Great job!!

[@87jnottage]

I will also be tackling this job shortly. Amazing job on all your videos that I have watched so far. Thanks

[@michaelzijffers1583]

Just want to thank you for all your effort for making these video's. Takes a lot of time.. So thanks a lot and greetings from the Netherlands

[@50sKid]

+Michael Zijffers Thank you for watching.

[@natray6534]

The ‘Alternator Tip’ is the crown jewel of this episode. Thanks Jason . . . Best regards, Nat Ray

[@50sKid]

Thanks for watching all the way!

[@2hrsToChooseThis]

E46Fanatics! I'll be doing this along with the oil level sensor when I change my oil next weekend.

[@khestehave]

Thanks for the video. I just used it to great success to change my gasket. your vids are some of the best for guys like me. Thank you!

[@arvydasmukasejevas4321]

one of the better DIY videos out there.

[@tommymodified]

Who tf would downvote this video Mercedes owners? 😂 Great learning tool, thanks for sharing!! One of my upcoming projects including valve cover.