BMW E46 Remove & Install Camshafts DIY

[@traviscarlson3836]

This method worked for me! After reading a bunch of 'how to's' on discussion forums, having the FSM at hand, looking for the factory tool to buy, wondering and worrying, I used this method to remove the intake and exhaust camshafts without issue. I consider myself a shade-tree mechanic, and have rebuilt various autos from the ground up (mostly older landcruisers) but this is my first time dealing with something at touchy as a BMW hollow camshaft. So I was truly relieved that the process - and the 'why' behind it - was explained so well, and understandably here. Bottom line is same as the first: this worked for me (with little experience in this particular area). THANKS!

[@andrewanderson5986]

Hey man, super thankful for all your videos! Been watching for a couple years now. Just got a 323i with an m54 for free that's got some lifter noise and thanks to you I'll be able to tackle the job with confidence!

[@Hammaneggs88]

I would use an egg carton to store the lifters in. Keeps them in order and safe.... Great video as always sir.

[@50sKid]

I ended up using a 24 compartment storage tray from Harbor Freight that I had. I used one for the lifters and another to store the springs and keepers and keeper retainers when I disassembled the valves in the next video. It's this one, worked perfectly: www.harborfreight.com/24-compartment-large-storage-container-61881.html

[@Hammaneggs88]

Great idea. Can't wait for your next video!!!!

[@garagelifetv1332]

Legit!

[@5818lopser]

So what if you have to replaced one that is stuck closed?

[@devinsmith4151]

Bearing cap #1 needs to be removed first otherwise there is a risk of gauging into the sleeve. Official times to wait for the buckets to shrink are: 20 degrees C - 4 minutes. 10-20 degrees C - 11 minutes. 0 to 10 degrees C - 30 minutes. That is the time you wait before you can turn the engine over.

[@jakedekleuver]

There won't be many people who can refit the vanos and rocker cover and fill with oil etc in 30 minutes, so this point would be irrelevant to most

[@Bigdm95]

glad I found your videos. Very thorough, and educated information. there's alot of bad videos out there.

[@50sKid]

Thanks!

[@muddersbach]

A for Auslass ('outlet') and E for Einlass ('inlet') Btw I love the series! :)

[@50sKid]

So that's what it means! I figured it was something like that, thanks

[@sir1240]

Love it.

[@emaleme2021]

You know I've been watching alot of your videos since I got my e46 330i and your videos are probably the most helpful videos on KZbin for e46 stuff.

[@HeliHolic]

Just for anyone who reads the comments.........If you install the lifter trays incorrectly, i.e. you put A for air intake and E for exhaust.....the trays WON'T seat correctly and sit flat..... Just a little tip for you all. Love this guys vids...

[@captainsergeant]

Thanks, as always. So glad I watched this video as it had not occurred to me to pull the engine off of TDC before re installing the cams.

[@rolanddoucet9437]

A piece of welding rod, cut to length will sit on the magnets and prevent the buckets from falling out of place when you lift the cam blocks up off the head.

[@jimkelty5296]

Love your videos ! The magnet trick worked like a CHARM. Thanks for all your help.

[@lorenzobeckmann3736]

Excellent lighting and camara, description of procedure. Would like to be shown condition of camshaft bearing sufaces and journal surfaces of some caps--particularly the last cylindar, in as much as these notoriously show the most wear.

[@JohnIsett]

Wonderful job! Learned some new tricks on this one!

[@pehi113]

Your engine is so nice and golden! Mine was almost black when i opened it, I guess the previous owner neglected oil changes quite a bit.

[@50sKid]

Haha trust me it's really not. The bottom end is horrible

[@Combattoino]

If you put magnets on top of the lifters you magnetize it all. After that, they will catch all micro iron filings that pass by. Maybe the solution to prevent that is to demagnetize them with a coil connected to AC current. Thanks for the video that is very helpful.

[@anniessong1326]

Can you do a rough sketch and dimensions on the tool you made for removing the “keepers” and springs please? I really enjoy your videos. They have helped me tremendously!!!

[@dimitrioskoumentos820]

Excellent and informative video by far!! Thanks buddy, time to do some "regrind camshaft" improvement to my M54 engine :) :)

[@juanq1364]

I'm glad I found ur channel

[@dantheman1337]

12:10 lol perhaps i misunderstand but absolutely no chance i am reinstalling everything after the lifters in less than half an hour...the cams, timing parts, cover, vanos, intake, throttle, disa, wirrimg harness, oil dip stick tube, connectors, air box and pipes, belts, fans, firewall....

[@binkhalifa2004]

I've always wondered about this. The same is mentioned in BMW TIS and Bentely manual. Before starting the engine, it would be hours or days😂.

[@Kaitler_Motorsport_Engineering]

Another good bit of info well explained.

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

The manufacturers seem to have an obsession with TDC and go to great lengths to perform all work at TDC. Just do as you did and turn the engine over a little. In general it's 1/number of cylinders for an engine with an even number.

[@boopunn]

OK so after the cams are in, is it safe to go ahead and put the crank on TDC or are the valves going to be in the way of moving the crank. It doesnt not show between this video and the next. I just finished the bottom end and got my head back from the machine shop with new valves today. Btw the lifter repair video was great. I thought i was going to need new lifters because some were stuck.

[@alexanderrikant8878]

The flat washer fell into the motor into the chain section . The motor is spinning , but l don’t know what to do ? I don’t want to remove the front cover….

[@ahmadsoughar4918]

Hey man, Can i ask you a favor? lol anyway you can do a video on changing the differential bushing on the e46?

[@jimmyr3946]

Use an egg carton for. You can number each slot. Cheapest and most efficient.

[@50sKid]

Yeah an egg carton would have been great because it has 12 spots. Thanks!

[@angelisone]

1986 735i with once camshaft lobe worn (tick, tick noises), is there a lifter shim to compensate it? Or do you know which would be less to get a top half engine or getting a camshaft? Can't find them new so many are rusted/used on the internet & come with high prices.

[@elvinnovruzov5775]

Hi, my e46 with M54B22 was runing rich lately and actually had stalled couple times. I watched all your videos about rich condition and etc. Did change fuel filter and pump, MAF with OEM ones. Checked for air leaks just in case but no luck. O2 sensors, VANOS seals and DISA are ok. No errors, no CEL but the car barely moves at lower RPM. So i took it to the shop and the guy said it's intake lifters got stuck that's why it runs rich. Can it run rich because of that, even tho engine does NOT make any rattling or ticking sounds?

[@elvinnovruzov5775]

@@_lmagine no error codes , but in my case it's definitely related to failed ABS system which causes auto transmission to bog down engine

[@caio2306]

E is for Einlassseite (intake side) and A for Auslassseite (outlet side). Thats why there is E and A.

[@djm9583]

I'm sure you're correct, but I prefer that exhaust = Auspuff.

[@fairchildSCR]

Hey, do you know how important the lifter outside diameter to cam tray bore clearance is? Mine have a good amount of wear. But they cost about $570 each. Will I have oil starvation issues for the cam or lifters if that clearance isn't good? Great video by the way.

[@tiokkm]

Man!!! Thanks!!! Amazing video!!!!

[@flsweazyy]

at 8 mins, one of the studs came with out, how do i put it back in and how much NM?

[@bobireviews6309]

Awesome video ,thanks!

[@davidvenegasramirez6001]

Good guess. Exhaust is auspuff in German and einlass is intake

[@hhn2002]

you are a life saver

[@nimrod6207]

HELP!! My son and I recently tore into his 2004 E46 (325ci) to replace his valve stem seals. After we got it all put back together (timing reset and all that stuff) it cranks but doesn't start. The electrical box under the air intake buzzes if the key is in position 2, and for a few seconds after the key is turned back off. We did get a P1625 pedal position code, double checked all the connections, and the code hasn't reset since, but still the engine is turning but not firing up. Sounds a bit funny too. Any ideas what could be wrong, what we should try to double check first?

[@tony_dms350]

Dear 50s kid there is a question i wanna ask you i own a 330ci e46 and i am facing some problems with misfires w fuel cutoffs i replaced all the essential (sparks, coils, injectors) components but still runs rough when cold and misfires my mechanic insists that the problem are the lifters of the car btw no6 cyl has a within limits low compression rate. Can lifters associate with the missfires and roughness!!! Thanks in advance!!!

[@willk3807]

I'm a subscriber...does this same method apply for aftermarket camshafts?

[@jeremyscool122990]

Is there a specific way you placed the cam back on?

[@howlingmedia4354]

What about new lifter's?

[@binkhalifa2004]

I made a blunder - when installing the exhaust cam as per your procedure, the crank was at TDC 😟. I noticed this while installing E5 and E3 nuts. E3 wouldn't bottom out and that's when I checked and found the crank at TDC. E5 cap had bottomed out. I was replacing the valve stem seals. After I turned the crank off TDC, all went well with reinstallation of the exhaust cam. But did I already damage my engine by attempting to install the cam while crank was still at TDC???

[@50sKid]

I don’t think so because you noticed it wouldn’t bottom out and you corrected. There’s really no way to find out except to do a leak down test.

[@Mflara420]

What is I want to install a schrick performance camshaft? Would this method work?

[@50sKid]

Yep this is the method you use. You will need to purchase brand new lifters as well. You should never reuse old lifters with a brand new camshaft.

[@rainvillecreative5410]

Anyone know how much wear on the cam bearings is acceptable? I have noticeable wear marks on just the exhaust cam and ledge, can barely feel some with my finger. Can't find any used ones that are in better shape, they all seem to have the same wear.

[@michaelivanchuk264]

I am looking for a similar video removing camshafts on n62 with valvetronic system.

[@boudithehunter1320]

Please I had mixed the lifters by mistake I’m worry to put my engine back what you think I can do ? About the lifters

[@roan9003]

Any tricks to keep in mind when removing the cam shafts for 318i n46b20 engine

[@DonQ150]

Surprising to me that the camshafts run on the lifter runner with no replaceable bearings. I did not see you removing any bearing material. So when something goes wrong you have to replace the whole thing. Right?

[@50sKid]

Yep. They normally don't wear too much unless they are starved for oil.

[@devinsmith4151]

The cambox is a good design, drop in a new box and your all set.

[@aloramirez6286]

So I'm looking at a 2001 325 and the owner said he did the head gasket but broke a camshaft when putting it back on. Would the camshafts from my 2000 328i fit? And is there anything else I should be weary of or look for in the 2001?

[@azd-rmedia4058]

Hey, I want to replace my intake camshaft on tub28, basically I can just remove vanos and vanos gears and leave exhaust cam untouched?

[@muhammadayyad9321]

Its okay to mix hydraulic lifters aslong as you bleed them. You cant mix solid lifters.

[@50sKid]

No it isn't, for the same reason. The valves wear to the lifter. However... many people get away with it.

[@muhammadayyad9321]

50sKid okay fair point, they do still wear to the lifters but id only keep them in the same place if i wanted the job to be perfect. If it were my own vehicle or something. I know they wont make noises if you mix them.

[@joshknowles5250]

So what if my a tray does not sit flush what do I do?

[@northernmaten7676]

hey please help i was changing my valve cover gasket and i found 3 loose bolt studs of the camshaft caps i did buy new bolt studs but they didnt work so the problem is in the holes of thsese bolts what should i do? should take the head off or they can fix these holes without removing the head

[@cipriandoxu4382]

This procedure can be done the same to a 320D E46?

[@IAmChrisSessions_]

I’m rebuilding my engine, and have been following you tutorials and I’ve run into a problem. I got the engine out together, but I can’t turn the crank more than 20-30 degrees both ways from TDC? Did I mess up the timing? I have the timing kit and followed instructions to the tee

[@50sKid]

Umm, something’s wrong but I wouldn’t be able to figure it out over the internet

[@IAmChrisSessions_]

@@50sKid ok, I’ll take the timing components off and retry again. Is there anything I should look out for cause I swore I did it right the first time

[@martine3011]

awesome series but ur hurting my brain with the screw driver down the spark plug hole. good trick is to use a plastic straw

[@50sKid]

Why am I hurting your brain with that?

[@muddersbach]

50sKid scared of scratches i guess

[@MaxxMustermann]

Hello, i dont see the link how to clean lifters at 10:59 as you said, could you send it direct. Great Video btw.

[@50sKid]

Whoops, my bad! I forgot to add the links to this video. It's here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKG2pqp7fpWEbq8

[@MiguelGarcia-nl3ci]

noooo😭😭 I removed lifters without putting them in order.... Why is it important? Any advice would be appreciated.

[@HbmFazo]

each lifter will wear out slightly different from the rest so if you want it to seat the best it can, and last long it must be done in order if not it’ll wear out prematurely

[@Jetbill007]

Will this method of cam removal (only) work on a S54?

[@juanq1364]

hey so I just want to remove the head to replace headgasket I don't need to do all this do i ??

[@50sKid]

No you can leave them in

[@ameerzeidan123]

Now could this be used when installing after market cams ?

[@50sKid]

Yes

[@davidvenegasramirez6001]

Do I put the auflass (exhaust) camshaft back on in the same position as the einlass (intake)? With cam lobe 2 slightly to the left and lobe 4 to the right of top dead center??

[@philipramirez438]

Does the M54 Engine not take any Rod Bearings?

[@traqnsavov822]

great job

[@leefalvey9670]

Working on an engine replacement on 2006 X5 used a 2003 motor with 40 k from a wreck but it was laying for a long time. bottom end was pickeled and in great shape. top end look like new. but all the lifters were stuck. we used your videos all the way thru. Cleaned and tested all the lifters, by the way the intake and exhaust were different. After all that work still clacking like hell. Drove it around and still have the noise. Could it take an extended period to bleed those lifters. great oil pressure and vanos is working fine. Any suggestions

[@50sKid]

They should quiet down after an extended drive. If not, something is wrong--like they weren't cleaned well enough maybe.

[@leefalvey9670]

Sounds like just one lifter, we cleaned them all and tested them all on the bench, He's going to drive it for a while and see if that one lifter clears. if not if were going to open it up again were thinking of replacing them all with ECS lifters. A lot of work for one lifter. We tried to identify the sticky lifter by taking the valve cover off and starting it. Don't ever do that unless you want to get sprayed with oil. Sure ain't like a small block chevy. Looked like we hit black gold, but on the other hand we found out we had great oil pressure. I really thank you for replying, By the way we bought a Chineasium cam lock tool for 150 bucks and it didn't fit. could have ground it down but we got it back without it. That's going back. Just a warning all the kits aren't the same. Can't tell you how much your videos helped us. Thanks again

[@boogiered10]

if my camshafts do no rotate completely after reinstalling them, whats does that mean?

[@50sKid]

It means one of the pairs of valves is hitting one of the pistons which is at or near top dead center because they are not timed correctly. Redo everything and make sure you lock your #1 piston at top dead center with the locking pin.

[@emong1991]

Hi, do you have a video how to replace the Head cylinder gasket?

[@50sKid]

That is coming up soon as part of this rebuild series. Might have to wait a while for the head reinstall video but I will shoot a quick scene showing how I intend to reinstall the head and put it on the end of the "removal" video so that you can figure out how to reinstall it without waiting for my eventual reinstall video, which won't be out for a few months probably or however long it takes to put out all the other bottom end rebuild videos.

[@emong1991]

50sKid Thanks I'll be looking forward on that.

[@jeremyscool122990]

Is it possible to replace the lifters while keeping the old cam?

[@50sKid]

+Jeremy Allen yes

[@jeremyscool122990]

50sKid do I need to do anything special to the valves, cam, etc?

[@dieselglo660]

I need help man I no compression on cylinder 3 is it a valve stuck open

[@50sKid]

Do a leak down test. Where is the air escaping from?

[@dieselglo660]

50sKid I don't have that tool can I soak the piston down and get rings to open?

[@dieselglo660]

50sKid by the way ...I'm a big fan!!! Of your channel

[@texast1311]

How tight to tights the camshaft bolts?

[@50sKid]

Watch the timing video in this playlist

[@texast1311]

50sKid thanks

[@jeremypowers4647]

Dont clean lifters just replace them

[@gyorgischwartz]

The main reason im doing cams is for extra horses

[@aros007z]

Nb

[@toddbob55]

sister had a bmw...what a pos that car was