BMW E39 Restoration // Part 3

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This is my 1998 BMW E39 520i single vanos with m52 engine.
This episode was supposed to be a full video on head gasket replacement but disaster struck mid way when my head bolts threads pulled out while trying to tighten the head back on. I was aware of this possibility but I figured my car wasn't overheated for too long.... But maybe it was in the past. Anyway I still decided to publish the video since it might be useful as it shows all of the steps to take the cylinder head off the car and putting it back on is just the reverse of taking it off(if you're lucky). I will weigh out my options and continue with this e39 some other time. I want to get back to my 924 now.
Thank you for watching!
Armin

[@RestorationApprentice]

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[@matthewbell1968]

That's a bad ending, good luck mate you'll get there in the end I'm certain of it 👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@RestorationApprentice]

Thanks, I'll do my best!

[@NC944er]

So much RTV! Sucks about the stripped threads. I’ve done Timeserts on aluminum blocks and they take well if done slowly by hand, but it always makes me nervous. 😂

[@RestorationApprentice]

Yeah, I would be sweating bullets! It might be just easier to get another used engine in a good shape, but we'll see.

[@berwhaletheavenger]

This is why I don't do M52 M54 head gaskets. Just change the engine - you can do it in a (long) day.

[@ratedone7748]

We definitely do it way better in Asia: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJ6WhJaenbmSoLc

[@cvristofferhansen4049]

This is what can normally happens when those m52 and m54 engines overheating, they normally not blowing always a head gasket, they simply just pulls a headbolts or two out of the block!

[@RestorationApprentice]

yep!

[@intelligence948]

I want to contact you. I have a problem with the E39 engine

[@vonzipper24]

it's missing a camshaft cover for the intake cam

[@RestorationApprentice]

Yeah, I noticed and bought a used one.

[@bobfrankish8883]

Can't remember which engine that is, M52 perhaps? Anyhow, M54 are notorious for same thread stripping problem. There is an excellent comparison channel called Project Farm, he tests all the thread inserts,, can't remember which comes out top, but I think you are right, Timesert better than Helicoil. Too late now, but in case it helps another viewer, the pros who know these engines always test torque all the head bolts before pulling the heads off and starting any work/expense. In my opinion, and it is only my opinion, I think that buying a second hand engine and going to the trouble of swapping it in, is a gamble, because it is likely to have a lot of miles on it unless you are very lucky. So I think the only way to go for true peace of mind is get hold of a second hand engine and re-build it so that you know everything is good, then swap the engines. Down side, very expensive exercise. I have the same dilemma with my 2003 E46 M54B25 which is burning loads of oil, is it worth repairing the engine?

[@RestorationApprentice]

Yeah, this one is m52b20 single vanos. I ordered a time-sert set to try to fix it. This is a daily driver that I want to drive and not put too much money in as I got another project, my 924 Porsche that needs a lot of it. M54 engines are quite pricey here, so I think they're worth saving.

[@OTTOFOX]

Is there a machineshop nearby? They might can fix the block😊 great video anyway, but that sucks

[@RestorationApprentice]

not that neraby... I would have to take out the blok from the car. I'll try fixing it with time-serts with the block in the car.

[@OTTOFOX]

@@RestorationApprentice Alright, hope that it will work😊🤞🏻

[@RestorationApprentice]

@@OTTOFOX Thanks! I hope so too.

[@jeffhammond8969]

Time-sert would likely be best option.

[@RestorationApprentice]

Definitely, but they are quite pricey and I can't find them locally.

[@NC944er]

@@RestorationApprentice I’ve found reasonably priced kits on eBay for various bolt sizes.

[@devisionhun]

Helicoil? I think it should hold. Better than replacing the block for sure now that you’re at this point…

[@devisionhun]

Seems like timesert is pretty much the same idea. Replacing the whole engine now that you have a rebuilt head and all new stuff seems weird. But I get how it might still be quicker

[@RestorationApprentice]

I've heard helicoils are not strong enough and should use time-serts

[@thomasbacker8162]

Makes me sick and pissed off too see some amateur off a complete idiot use that amount off RTV and uses way way way more places than it ever should be used on those areas and almost destroyes the engine with it if it got loose and got in both the coolant system and in the head.... hope that morron never get to touch at least these beautiful timeless and classic E39ns ever agian..!! And as far as the very sad situation with the head bolt nr 2 goes, i would try the cheepest and easiest way out first and try the time serts if the bolt thread whole in the block is not to be saved, before buying a new block or engine 👍 good luck and otherwise lovely car and colour!💯 havent had a m52b20 since my first e39 that i had from 2015 to 2019 but i sure miss it 😵

[@RestorationApprentice]

Thanks! And I agree with you!

[@ratedone7748]

Really? Just change the engine? 🤔😏 Here's how a M52 is rebuilt in Malaysia folks: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJ6WhJaenbmSoLc

[@RestorationApprentice]

Yeah, I'm looking for a new engine.