BMW E46 Oil Filter Housing Gasket & VANOS Line Replacement (330i, 325i, X3, X5, Z3, Z4, M54 & More)

►The oil filter housing on the BMW E46 is a common culprit for oil leaks. If you walk outside and look underneath your BMW E46 and notice a puddle of oil towards the front of the vehicle - there's a chance it's from the oil filter housing.
In this video, Gareth Foley takes you through the steps required to get the job done, from removing the required components to actually reach the oil filter housing to the installation of the new gasket & VANOS line. Since you will be taking off the VANOS line and related components, it is highly recommended to replace that when you do this job - this is why our kit includes both the oil filter housing gasket and the VANOS line. This video applies to any vehicle with the M54 engine.
Oil leaks are never a good thing, but this is a high-pressure oil leak that can negatively affect the performance of your engine. If you have detected this oil leak, it is recommended to make the repair immediately. This kit assembled by FCP Euro includes all components you will need to do the job the first time.
Read this DIY on our blog: blog.fcpeuro.com/how-to-repla...
Buy the parts used in this video:
Oil Filter Housing Gasket Kit: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
Fan Clutch Wrench: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
Oil Cap Socket: www.fcpeuro.com/products/oil-...
This video applies to the following vehicles:
BMW 323Ci
2000 BMW 323Ci
BMW 323i
1999 BMW 323i
Body: Sedan, Chassis: E46
2000 BMW 323i
BMW 325Ci
2001 BMW 325Ci
2002 BMW 325Ci
2003 BMW 325Ci
2004 BMW 325Ci
2005 BMW 325Ci
2006 BMW 325Ci
BMW 325i
2001 BMW 325i
2002 BMW 325i
2003 BMW 325i
2004 BMW 325i
2005 BMW 325i
BMW 325xi
2001 BMW 325xi
2002 BMW 325xi
2003 BMW 325xi
2004 BMW 325xi
2005 BMW 325xi
BMW 328Ci
2000 BMW 328Ci
BMW 328i
1999 BMW 328i
Body: Sedan, Chassis: E46
2000 BMW 328i
BMW 330Ci
2001 BMW 330Ci
2002 BMW 330Ci
2003 BMW 330Ci
2004 BMW 330Ci
2005 BMW 330Ci
2006 BMW 330Ci
BMW 330i
2001 BMW 330i
2002 BMW 330i
2003 BMW 330i
2004 BMW 330i
2005 BMW 330i
BMW 330xi
2001 BMW 330xi
2002 BMW 330xi
2003 BMW 330xi
2004 BMW 330xi
2005 BMW 330xi
BMW 525i
2001 BMW 525i
2002 BMW 525i
2003 BMW 525i
2004 BMW 525i
2005 BMW 525i
BMW 528i
1998 BMW 528i
From 9/1998
1999 BMW 528i
2000 BMW 528i
BMW 530i
2001 BMW 530i
2002 BMW 530i
2003 BMW 530i
2004 BMW 530i
2005 BMW 530i
BMW X5
2001 BMW X5 3.0i
2002 BMW X5 3.0i
2003 BMW X5 3.0i
2004 BMW X5 3.0i
2005 BMW X5 3.0i
2006 BMW X5 3.0i
BMW Z3
1998 BMW Z3 2.8L L6
From 9/1998
1999 BMW Z3 2.8L L6
1999 BMW Z3 2.5L L6
2000 BMW Z3 2.8L L6
2000 BMW Z3 2.5L L6
2001 BMW Z3 Coupe
2001 BMW Z3 Roadster
2002 BMW Z3 Coupe
2002 BMW Z3 Roadster
BMW Z4
2003 BMW Z4
2004 BMW Z4
2005 BMW Z4
BMW X3
2004 BMW X3
2005 BMW X3
2006 BMW X3
Index:
00:00 - Intro
03:00 - Oil Draining & Underbelly Pan Removal
04:08 - Air Box Removal
04:40 - Fan Clutch & Shroud Removal
07:20 - Pulley Removal
10:10 - Alternator Removal
13:00 - Power Steering Pump Removal
14:10 - VANOS Line Removal
14:48 - Oil Filter Housing Removal
16:00 - Oil Filter Housing Assembly
21:42 - Oil Filter Housing Reinstall
26:00 - VANOS Line Reinstall
28:55 - Power Steering Pump Reinstall
30:25 - Alternator Reinstall
34:20 - Belt Reinstall
37:44 - Oil Fill Procedure
38:50 - Outro
Get free parts from FCP Euro:
www.fcpeuro.com/page/lifetime...
SUBSCRIBE: hubs.ly/H0cDnfN0
Follow FCP Euro on:
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[@thebabyblue61]

More E46 stuff please

[@fcpeuro]

With so many E46's and M54 powered cars in our parking lot there are always opportunities to make some more!

[@chadriddle3517]

Yes more m54 content please thanks fcp ! Love your site

[@laytonleo4307]

I know Im randomly asking but does any of you know a trick to get back into an instagram account..? I was dumb lost the login password. I would love any tips you can offer me

[@aidanbryce1745]

@Layton Leo instablaster :)

[@laytonleo4307]

@Aidan Bryce I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm in the hacking process now. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.

[@JMUDoc]

I have seen 22 Nm/17 lb-ft as a torque spec for the six bolts on the housing - just FYI.

[@oneporschefan]

Excellent video. Covers alot of things any "wrenching" E46 owner needs to know. Thanks.

[@MrBobsVids]

So nice to watch a professional at work. I especially like how you carefully tightened down the fasteners. Lots of KZbin mechanics slam them down with impacts and then wonder why stuff leaks afterwards!

[@fjwong7337]

Professional thorough excellent lighting and angles. Thank you for your service.

[@rickcook1224]

Most excellent video, with an excellent teacher / mechanic! Bravo, sir!

[@ericrigoroso4445]

You are the man! thank you for sharing it and i really appreciate it. I'm just waiting for my parts and i did order it from you guys.

[@whitemike7822]

I definitely appreciate this video. It's nice to learn what to do before I do it. Instead of breaking things

[@nighthawkflame]

I like doing both

[@joeysplats3209]

@@nighthawkflame we learn best when it's emotional, good or bad. But if you must walk through a minefield, it's best to follow someone.

[@RearEngineShop]

Pretty easy job, I’ve done a ton! Great video!

[@blackpassenger]

big thank for this video, will be doing this to mine after a 5 year procrastination. its now just peeeeing oil over the place, especially since the weather got cold.

[@leservin4420]

Thanks for the video. Leave the oil filter housing cap on to prevent contamination. The banjo bolt on the housing can be put on and torqued while the housing is off.

[@elihnyc]

Dude, great tip. Just did this job and did exactly as you suggested. Worked perfectly. I just ensured I put the attached vanos line in the same orientation as the one I pulled off. Thanks for that.

[@trukomf1nn162]

-This superb video was the definitive aid that encouraged me to carry out the replacement procedure, which simply cannot be demonstrated more clearly and carefully than you do! I am happy to have this now done before winter, as there was a puddle of oil daily under the engine! Sure, the old gasket was brittle and hard. I reused other parts, though. My 520i 2.2 engine has automatic transmission, so there was no need to touch the fan. Sure, the old gasket was brittle and hard. I reused other parts. Great learning process also. Thank you very much, Sir. Best regards from Finland.

[@aw349]

very good and clear video and that bmw e46 is clean

[@condemn1214]

Thank you! Your step by step helped me a lot. I’ve fixed mine. No leak so far.

[@kr8zeivan]

I need to do this how long did it take you? Was the video accurate did you find any steps missing?

[@murphworks]

TIS actually has (or had) the 6x M8 bolts listed with a torque spec of 22 Nm (16 lbf-ft)

[@chadriddle3517]

Thank you been looking for that info

[@Gearheadtanz2]

Great video. Very well done and very informative without any time consuming blather

[@tarzan30809]

Outstanding video!

[@dhoover210]

Very well-done video for a DIYer that enjoys maintaining his beloved E46 Coupe! This is a question to FCP Euro about cleaning up the mess left by a leaky OFH gasket: Can the Oil Filter Housing be disassembled and safely immersed in cleaning solution (even the acidic "Purple" stuff) to fully soak and clean the exterior of the housing body? Specifically, I'm curious about removing the (2) Torx-70 plugs (and what's behind them), and the plastic pressure valve (shown in the video at 19:57). I have compressed air to blow solvent out of any passages after cleaning.

[@ironmantooltime]

Nice! By far the best one of these vids 👌😎

[@fcpeuro]

Wow, thanks!

[@funkysatty]

Thank you thorough video.

[@TheHeretic435]

Best video out there for this job. The pressure switch in the housing - why is this the first I've ever seen or heard of it? I just changed my oil (LM), not keen on dumping it. Can this be done w/out changing oil? I don't see why not, as oil level in sump is lower than the filter housing port. Loosen filter cap to drain any into sump, and maybe I'll loose 2-300ml, but don't see why (E39 - M52TU)

[@jordanpage8946]

Cheers👌 Great to follow along with

[@jamjestlx]

Nice! I was planning on doing this :D

[@carledy7758]

Gracias gran video

[@austinwilliams604]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@bryanavila13]

Very well detailed. I sub 😎👍

[@quirino18]

Hello there! a quick question, you mentioned Temp sender and pressure sender as well, Does it mean That Coolant goes in there or its an Oil Temp sensor?

[@bystander1489]

Put a genuine bmw housing gasket on it they redesigned the gasket and cured the problem any other gasket will leak again

[@SmartsmileGT]

the problem was that its nitrile and turns to plastic, did they change the material?

[@bystander1489]

@@SmartsmileGT yes they cured the problem do not use anything but bmw gaskets

[@spector592]

Thanks ,I was thinking that ,as I done one gasket change and it leaked ,not a bmw one so I will wait till bmw open Monday and get the upgrade part and bmw one.

[@julioll1978]

Best video step by step

[@fcpeuro]

Glad you found it helpful julio !

[@Runk3lsmcdougal]

Very good video

[@davidgarcia1917]

tk you pri. This video saved me like $500. Did everything in 6 hrs lmao but am not a mechanic. I just seen videos on KZbin and be on I can do that lol

[@digiilovo9177]

More DIY please!

[@diyforlife2809]

I need to do this on my E85 Z4 with the M54 2.5...Is the procedure the same? Do I need the flan clutch tool as well?

[@BigLongJohnson79]

Do you have to line up the gasket with oil?

[@xnotdustinx738]

Does anyone know if this gasket could cause coolant to be burned in the oil? My car is blowing out a lot of white smoke and I want to do everything but the head gasket

[@andrewmedina1368]

Question for any experienced mechanic. Should I do this on my own with no experience? I’m so tempted to do it myself and I think I’m capable but who am I to say, should I attempt?

[@LinardsPalacis]

Nice, greatly detailed video! What are those two big torx screws for on that oil filter housing? You can see them on 16:39 in video?

[@LinardsPalacis]

And it looks like mine is leaking from that top one.

[@dhstube]

looks like hole to machine internaly the housing

[@JON-no1we]

Can this issue cause oil in to the coolant

[@rasheemgreenidge3414]

Where can I find that oil pressure valve he was talking about

[@ejendres]

Is this process about the same on an E36 328?

[@FnGcode]

What fixed this ?

[@tracierainey8200]

Would either one of those my engine to look like someone just poured oil all over my engine. Just had new VC and VCG replaced on Friday and drove it today (Monday) got home and my car was leaking popped the hood and it looks like someone poured oil all over and under the hood.

[@lilcplus9134]

Is this the same for 323ci?

[@kidbymuscleledu6788]

Please do one about the throttle bot replacing or washing it

[@fcpeuro]

We'll pass this idea along to the team!

[@UnleashedPlanet]

just a quick question. i discovered oil in my coolant tank (bmw x5 e53 3.0i) isit possible that the oil filter housing gasket has been worn?

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Allan, while that is not usually what happens, there is always the chance that the inner portion of the gasket has degraded to an extreme over the outside of the gasket, causing the intermix to happen. Before the worst is assumed, a compression test and leak down test should be performed to rule out a possible head gasket/cracked head issue.

[@oiygfdxssfgg]

Great video. Does the oil pan need to be drained to do this job?

[@sugarraysmith5450]

no

[@oiygfdxssfgg]

Thank you@@sugarraysmith5450

[@joopievdb8429]

Nice video! But can it be done without draining the oil out?

[@zachv1035]

most likely yes just give the engine ample time to let the oil drain to the pan

[@tannervallejo1340]

fan clutch is only on manual trans? i have a 2001 automatic not sure how to determine

[@ThreeWineCats]

I think the other way around. I have a manual and it has an electric (not mechanical) fan

[@paulkile9998]

It pained me to see you installing new parts onto that filthy oil filter housing...why didn't you take 15 minutes in a parts washer to clean it before reassembly?

[@dogchainsaw3923]

Hey FCP euro can you do Audi A4 B8.5 ZF 8 speed transmission fluid change procedure plz. Thank you.

[@markusortmaier7174]

A A4 do not have a 8 speed automatic Transmission. It is a 7 Speed dual Clutch.

[@dogchainsaw3923]

@@markusortmaier7174 wrong the B8.5 A4 has a ZF 8 speed auto. The new Audi A cars come with the dual clutch.

[@jimbofox757]

If you look closely inside that housing for the cooling line for your alternator you'll see all that dirt debris and what looks like a nest from something

[@aliawada7038]

Hi Gareth, how’s it going? I have a problem with oil I the spark plugs well whole. Why there is oil in the spark plugs well hole on BMW X3 2010 E83 N 52? Now it is been really rough running and misfiring too. If you could please send me a message on what to do, it would greatly appreciate.

[@fcpeuro]

It is very likely that your valve cover gasket is cracked and needs to be replaced!

[@aliawada7038]

Thanks Gareth I really appreciate your in puts!

[@matthewjswider]

This is a lot more extensive than it sounded at the beginning.

[@roki4155]

I live in Sweden and I am trying to order this from your website but I can't. Is it only US shipping? It says that it can't calculate shipping for my adress.

[@fcpeuro]

Unfortunately we're currently unable to ship to countried in the EU due to regulations, terribly sorry about that

[@sagadsaga566]

My positive battery bolt is striped on the alternator. What can I do?

[@fcpeuro]

Saga, you can attempt to rethread the stud with a tap and die set. If the unit is serviceable, you may be able to replace the regulator itself if the post is contained on it. Otherwise, you may want to look into a replacement.

[@mehmetbostanoglu8096]

i changed the gasket, cleaned it, installed it, but the leakage continues, why?

[@tammystewart10]

Did you used the BMW gasket?

[@user-si2kn7zp7t]

Yeahhhhhhh

[@sugarraysmith5450]

Just in case you are on a tight budget and just need the leak to stop. Coolant will need to be drained but not the oil.

[@fcpeuro]

💙

[@Supraifyification]

you dont need to drain anything at all, why would u drain coolant?

[@sugarraysmith5450]

Well to tell you the truth I'm not really sure. I just assumed that the coolant would need to be partially drained to bring the level below where the canister mounts. I suggest you pose that question to Gary the guy who made the video

[@Supraifyification]

@@sugarraysmith5450 what i mean is theres no need to drain any coolant i just did this and what you take off has nothing to do with the cooling system at all. but you are right there is no need to drain oil either, just unscrew the oil filter cap and give it a few minutes and there won't be any oil once you take out the housing.

[@sugarraysmith5450]

Yes I know that about the oil. That's why I posted my comment in the first place. But like I say maybe you need to ask Gary the guy who made this video why he instructs people to drain oil and drain coolant

[@doofwop]

BMW TIS has the 6 M8s for the OFHG at 22Nm. So yes there is a torque spec. Also, you are recommending replacing a lot of items that do NOT need replacing. I understand you are in the parts selling business, but this is excessive. The six M8s do NOT need replacement. Those bolts will NOT corrode. The banjo bolts do not need replacement. EVER. VANOS line maybe, but you are treating it as always. The sensors don't need replacement unless they have failed, you do not need to replace them "while you are in there" they are easily replaceable with everything buttoned up. Those rarely fail, if ever.

[@SmartsmileGT]

okay I understand the bolts not needing to be replaced but the banjos do have an oil passage so whats the hurt in replacing them? also the VANOS line is a BMW oil line it should be replaced 100%. And isnt replacing any sensors reasonable? the coolant temp sensor and level sensor are known to fail right?

[@murphworks]

Can’t hurt to replace these things, especially if it’s a high mileage motor

[@blackpassenger]

yeh, i was wondering about that. im in the process of replacing my OFHG too, but my car (2000 320) only has 60k miles on it (im in japan), so i was wondering if i should change those sensors. But then again, even though the car has low miles, it IS 23 years old.

[@123lyuda9]

The oil leaks problem is NOT BECAUSE it is BMW. Problem is dealership who is changing your oil. Usually dealers put 7bottles of oil into E46 engine. If you check the level, you will see how high it is on the dip stick. When I put 6 bottles it is on the MAX. 7 bottles is too much for that engine. The high RPM create high pressure inside of the engine and that oil pressure is trying to escape from it. All seals are not classified for that pressure and create leaks. So, the bottom of the line. Do not overfill your engine with the oil.

[@ve2430]

Nonsense. I change my own oil properly on my 2003 bmw for over 15 years and still get oil leaks. It's because they use these silly rubber gaskets that turn to plastic over time. My old Nissan used metal gaskets as I'm sure Toyota uses as well and they don't have leaks as often as bmw.

[@creaturescraps_2232]

@@ve2430 yea man. 6.9 quarts is perfect right? Right? 2002 325i sedan e46

[@Gearheadtanz2]

Extra oil oil doesnt make the pump suddenly create higher pressure

[@gsyp1822]

Literally how this started for me never took it to that shop again

[@cameronscotty3671]

bro 😂 all bmws leak after enough time even the meticulous dealer examples

[@SFSraptor]

I finally found a robust, well made replacement connector for the piece of garbage plastic connectors being used in BMW Vacuum Lines. These GARBAGE connectors OUTGASS, BECOME BRITTLE, CRACK, LOSE TOLERANCES, in as little as 3 to 4 years of ownership of your new BMW. They are a real pain in the ass because they must be dealt with when you are servicing other parts of the engine. AND THEY WILL BREAK when handling them by you or the mechanic working on the car. They are ONE of the many causes of LEAN CONDITIONS, LIMP MODE, and ADDITIONAL unneccessary COSTS when working on the engine. Do yourself a favor and use these connectors and you will never have to buy new ones again. The best part is you can find these connectors rated for: 1. Very high temperatures, >200 DEGREES FARENHEIT! 2. Rated for HIGH PRESSURE 3. RATED for OIL, GAS & many other corrosive liquids. 4. Are made of TOUGH, ROBUST Plastic and Metal. 5. Much better design mechanism to CONNECT & DISCONNECT. 6. OH AND THE COST!!! How does spending ONCE ONLY ~$25 for both the bayonet (Male) & receptacle (Female) for each end of the hose/ pipe/ tube. 7. They are made with a BARBED end to slide easily and grip securely inside a hose/ pipe/ tube in many many diameters, 2" to 1/4" 8. They also come with a Threaded end in many Thread Pitches, Metric & Standard dimensions. Just a MILLION TIMES better made than the GARBAGE, ORIGINAL, OEM German design. There is only one catch they are ugly as all hell. But, they will out last the car!!! They are Type-E & Type-C Camlock Connectors. Do yourself a favor and replace the garbage that came with the car and never have to replace another connector again.

[@paulgilliland2992]

Complete hack video because they just want you doing way more than necessary. Sell more parts sell sell sell . Why did you recommend draining the oil ? Why replace sensors that never fail ? Why ?

[@Entertainmentinc1]

i am pretty sure people know how to do everything on an e46 , maybe do more stuff to e90s and f30, its 2020, people have moved on from e46s

[@steifan]

some people might have, I still have mine after 9 years :P

[@Entertainmentinc1]

@@steifan well there are tons of high quality informative videos on e46s, not everyone has an e46 now people got the f30 and the e90s are even getting older now. even from a business point of view they should be targeting the majority audience who own e90s and f30 not e46 plus in 2020 some dumbass would own an e46 and not know how to fix it.

[@fcpeuro]

@@Entertainmentinc1 ​ @david smith Our goal is to have informative DIY's and content for all car enthusiasts, whether its the 5th owner of an e46 or the first owner of an F30. Often times our DIY's are also made when helping out an employee, 99% of all the DIY's we do are on employee cars who have issues arise and we take the time to fix them and document it along the way. We have a ton more e90 and f30 content on the horizon as well, but hope this video finds people who need the help and look to us for it. I mean look at the comment above asking for" more E46 stuff please" 😂 it can be hard to please everyone at once! Thanks for watching we appreciate the support and your insight.

[@Entertainmentinc1]

@@fcpeuro i never said forget about the e46s but rather pay more attention to the post 2011 bmws, majority of the people own.

[@steifan]

@@Entertainmentinc1 yeah but the crowd owning F30s and E90s might still be less DIY-minded and I'd guess FCP follow up what stuff they are selling. I'm running a E90 as a more of a enthusiast car and would still like E46 new content (as I've kept my old hero coupé). Video and audio quality has improved much the last 10 years and E46 content made today with better audio and video quality might " survive " better in the future, even if the information is the same :)

[@robwells5753]

I earn my living repairing BMW absolute junk cars

[@ve2430]

What exactly is bad about them? I have an e46 330xi and spend less than 300 a year on maintenance doing the work myself for the past 10 years. Doing 5k miles a year. Just have to do preventative maintenance and the thing is trouble free. You probably have cheap customers who wait for stuff to break and put on Chinese parts on and have them break again in one year