BMW N52 Engine Diagnostics/Problems - Everything You Need To Know (128i, 325i, 328i, 330i, 528i)

►This engine diagnostics video is part of our BMW E9X Ownership Series. Gareth Foley, our BMW Catalog Manager, covers the naturally aspirated BMW N52 engine, and with that, all of its major problems and how to diagnose them. In a later video, we will cover another one of BMW's most well-known engines, the N55.
Some of the most common problems discussed are:
• What are the most common oil leaks on the N52 engine?
• What happens if I ignore these oil leaks on the N52 engine?
• What is Valvetronic and what are the associated problems?
• What is VANOS and what are the associated problems?
• How does the cooling system fail on the N52 engine?
BMW Crankshaft Seal Kit: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
BMW Valve Cover Gasket Kit v1: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
BMW Valve Cover Gasket Kit v2: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
Valvetronic Eccentric Shaft: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
Valvetronic Eccentric Actuator: www.fcpeuro.com/products/copy...
Water Pump Replacement Kit : www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
Oil Filter House Gasket : www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
Camshaft Position Sensor: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
Vanos Solenoid: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
Valve Lifter: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
Valve Lifter: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
BMW PCV Breather System Kit and Valve Cover: www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-...
If you want to read more about BMW E9X chassis vehicles, we have a number of related articles on our blog. blog.fcpeuro.com/tag/e9x
SUBSCRIBE: hubs.ly/H0cDnfN0
Get free parts from FCP Euro:
www.fcpeuro.com/page/lifetime...
Follow FCP Euro on:
/ fcpeuro
/ fcpeuro
/ fcpeuro
www.fcpeuro.com/

[@fcpeuro]

If you want to read more about BMW E9X chassis vehicles, we have a number of related articles on our blog. blog.fcpeuro.com/tag/e9x

[@silvaunit7663]

So is a e90 06-07 328i or 330i manual are they good cars or not worth buying. Of course depending on how well whoever had it before or selling it took care of it? But just overall how are they?

[@livingthelife8443]

@@silvaunit7663 i had an auto 328i 2008 loved it . don’t ever be afraid of the issues . she’s just b i t ching at you like a new born if you don’t give it it’s bottle or given it attention .

[@doelbaughman1924]

Is there an article for E6X chassis vehicles?

[@lenmediavilla]

Great for us BMW new guys please give us more and more closer pictures😊

[@helrud]

Every time he picks up a part to talk about, he looks at it and takes a pause. It's like he is reminded of the traumatic difficulties this part has given him 😂

[@fcpeuro]

Wow, you can see right through him, Hel Rud! 🤣

[@bryanderksen4448]

The longer the pause, the more the trauma! I was getting the sweats just watching the video because I've done almost all of this service on my X3 and 535xi (N54)

[@surfdude7575]

@@bryanderksen4448 Yeah, same for me with my 2009 E60. : )

[@jcrisen5417]

😂😂😂

[@jamesevans5693]

I think that we've all been there 😂

[@CesarPerez-ck7ci]

I'm a BMW technician and I have to say, you did an amazing job on explaining everything. Great video. I'm sure a lot of DIY will find it useful as well.

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks Cesar its always good to have some confirmation from a BMW Tech! Glad we made ya proud 😉

[@MyTerryb]

Same here. BMW TEC.

[@stevet8607]

Cesar Perez, got a question 08 328xi e92 been having volatronic issues , code 2a38 , can eccentric shaft sensor cause this code ? , Had two other codes but I corrected it, change volatronic motor and relay wiring is good, there is a little bit of oil in the , sensor , I changed the vc gasket few months ago, lol not looking forward to taking apart again the chance of sensor lolol , but if it causes that code then I'll change it any thoughts on that code from that sensor

[@yahtadi5152]

Hi man. Whats your take for N53 comparing to N52? do they share similar issues?

[@CesarPerez-ck7ci]

@@stevet8607 I'm sorry for the extremely late reply, those valvetronic motors rarely go bad. Put a sensor in it. It'll fix your issue, obviously to be 100percent sure it would have to be tested. I have never seen the motor go bad (not saying it can't happen), I have done countless sensors for valvetronic faults.

[@TheSoulshakepower]

Thank you for all these precious infos. Video and audio quality is just amazing!

[@AL-kc4kg]

this is gold, most comprehensive video ever!

[@defunctt]

outstanding video, probably the best 'possible problems' for the N52 on youtube, thanks very much

[@chadriddle3517]

Excellent explanation of these parts ! Appreciate the content fcp! Definitely a big supporter ..

[@Dallas4131]

Awesome video, very knowledgeable guy!

[@SAABguyMD]

Great overview, much appreciated.

[@Thomas-gg5nc]

Love the videos , I have a 2010 328i x drive. I'll be fixing my car from your videos so I really appreciate all you do

[@boost351]

Thank you very much for the useful information regarding the n52 series engine.

[@fcpeuro]

You're very welcome, Tony! Thanks for watching!

[@MrRepairmanjack]

Great vid. Informative and concise overview of common faults and the parts associated with them on the n52 engine. Thanks

[@fcpeuro]

You're welcome, Al! Glad you like the video!

[@ohyeahthatdude1760]

Thanks for this! Every e90 owner should watch this. I really appreciate your content and learned a bunch from you dude! From brakes and rotors to sensors and pretty much a lot of bmw related stuff. I currently have no heat in mine and I suspect a heater control valve or a clogged heater core, I was wondering if you knew the Inner diameter of a hose needed to back flush the heater core? That would help a lot. Again thanks a lot for all the priceless information for us DIYers!!

[@martymeyer4125]

great job, thanks for the work on it. It's why I use FCP Euro.

[@lazarusvillagomez]

Thank you for this insight

[@alexanderjamesl4868]

Series came just in time, just picked up my car and im loving the series, incredibly helpful

[@fcpeuro]

Happy to hear that, Alexander!

[@Top_g80comp]

Fantastic video 💯🤘🏻

[@rafaelbetancourt3551]

Thank you for the great info, will subscribe for sure!

[@fcpeuro]

You're welcome, Rafael! Happy to help, and thanks for subscribing!

[@anaestereo810]

I owe you...07 x5 3.0si, idling hesitation on cold starts; thanks to your video I cleaned the oil check valves, good as new. I am an fcp euro customer (valve cover recently, transmission pan filter etc) and you are an invaluable resources to us, German car owners.

[@fcpeuro]

We're happy to help! Thank you for the support!

[@uncoturner]

so glad you guys are starting this series. looking forward to more.

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks Timothy, we are excited to start focusing on this type of content for you guys! Stayed tuned

[@tamsirndoye460]

@@fcpeuro a

[@battlehrfred]

@@fcpeuro excellenttttt video.I did ask you a question 1 month ago ,I am assuming it was overlooked ty in advance

[@joedoe1322]

awesome video ! thanks guys

[@KKE1978]

Love the way this guy does his video. I dont even have an N52 engine. But i listen all the way through.

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you, EKK! Glad you liked the video!

[@markgreywolf642]

This is very helpful. Thanks for making this video.

[@fcpeuro]

You're welcome, mark! Glad it was helpful!

[@JermaineLeeBlueprintAuto]

I subscribed... this was part of the survey 👏

[@evanupshur]

Awesome video! I have put nearly 100,000 miles on my n52 after buying it with 105,000, and I run it hard! ... I take care of it though; I warm it up, change the oil, etc. Absolute awesome engine. A true gem and the last of it’s kind from BMW. To add: It’s easy to mistake oil leaks around the valve cover gasket area. As Gareth mentioned, there are several areas on the valve cover gasket that can leak, so if you can rather than just replacing the valvtronic motor gasket or the valve cover gasket, etc., it could be the oil separator which happens to manufactured/integrated into the valve cover. It’s very difficult to differentiate where the leak is coming from, especially when there’s potential for the leak to be located in the middle of the valve cover where the spark plugs are located. Since all of these issues associated with the valve cover are common, I recommend replacing the whole assembly and saving yourself the hassle of trying pinpoint the exact leak point.

[@fcpeuro]

That's awesome to hear, Evan! Glad you like the video and thanks for the tips!!

[@JoseFernandoMadrizArce]

Very detailed diagnostic!!!

[@LessonsByStratcat]

Thank you!

[@MHStudios001]

Excellent info! Have already addressed a number of these components on our 2010 X3. The oddest one was: we bought the car with a bad oil filter housing gasket. It had been leaking for a very long time. The whole front of the engine was saturated in oil. Replaced that and bought a new serpentine belt. Was kind of lazy and didn't get around to replacing it. During one long trip, the belt completely shredded itself. luckily it didn't take out the bushing mentioned. The moral of the story, replace an oil-saturated belt no matter how good of shape it looks. This one looked fine.

[@BlueJazzBoyNZ]

Excellent presentation. Talking from experience..!

[@dammichsmith]

Thanks for the info on prioritizing the various gasket leaks. I just got both on my '06 E90. Gonna get the oil filter housing done first now.

[@fcpeuro]

You're welcome, Damian. Let us know how the oil filter housing gasket replacement goes!

[@dodge20071]

Great video. All very true.

[@kashmani8029]

You guys are doing an awesome job. It’s amazing how BMW is not being sued in class action lawsuits against them purposefully using shitty gaskets and plastic parts that break resulting in 1000’s of $$ for the customer to waste.

[@lukesecrest1687]

A lot of cars nowadays have a decent amount of plastic though don't they?

[@pastorgains999]

@@lukesecrest1687 Yeah, it's even worse now on new BMW's. But the E90 generation is considered to be the more reliable one compared to other generations.

[@e90_austin]

Trust me, BMW has MANY class action lawsuits against them

[@drivethru1835]

@@e90_austin lol right, and I’m sure they like to bury them and not broadcast them.

[@mediocreman2]

@@lukesecrest1687 It's all about the quality. There is plastic on my old Acura that will outlive me. And then there's plastic on BMW that is designed to last approximately warranty+5 days.

[@MrRepeters]

Thanks -- great information.

[@Hot80s]

thanks Foley

[@SleepShoots]

You are the goat. Love this guy.

[@kenenwosu3736]

Thanks a lot for this video. It was timely for me.

[@fcpeuro]

You're welcome, kene!

[@ganjatv420]

Great Video Man My Car Just Reached 125K taught me everything i needed to know for me 07 328xi !

[@petercan1020]

These videos are great so informative and explain so well I got to say guys outstanding job keep them up👍👍👍

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks, Peter! Glad you like them!

[@jeffstensland]

Thanks for the overview, Gareth! I've had to replace all of those items on my N52s except for the VANOS items (fingers crossed we are good there). But at 200k+ miles, my E60 has never run better. The E70 is hanging in well, too. One thing I learned the hard way from my water pump failure: flush the system (an extra gallon or two of distilled water is worth the $1) to ensure any bits from the old pump's find are out. I had one jam up my pump (which I bought elsewhere), so I made sure to do the flush before installing my FCP pump. I have an E93 with the N54, too; doing the clutch, brakes, oil and air filters this Saturday. Thanks again!

[@fcpeuro]

Happy to help, Jeff! That's a great tip on flushing out the system. Thanks again for the support, Jeff!

[@mediocreman2]

You might have got plastic from the plastic mickey mouse flange. Definitely change that to metal either way.

[@lujr2225]

Can you provide DIY's for the BMW Z4 with the n52 Engines? Thanks so much

[@carlosyo2011]

Just bought a 2011 328i for my son and I was told about your website for parts and have been getting my oil change materials from your web. Love the site quick and easy but not really knowing much about the bmw world and surfing around KZbin for information I came across your KZbin videos which makes it great for me for info needed. Thank you for the information on leaks and looking forward to watching the maintenance requirements next.

[@fcpeuro]

Happy we could be of some help!

[@firasalwakeel5365]

What a great video Gareth, Thank you!!! Can you please make a video on how to change the oil slump gasket. Mine is leaking like crazy 😝

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks for watching Firas, we can add that to the list of upcoming DIY's! You may want to take care of it before then though ^.^

[@alexs6962]

Great videos that you guys do. Thanks so much 👍

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks for the support Alex, glad you enjoy the videos!

[@DukeofAwesomene]

Got an '08 128i last year and this video is super helpful! Already fixed a few of these so it's good to know what to keep an eye on from here, thank you!

[@fcpeuro]

128i is an amazing car! Happy to help!

[@ameykarade9432]

I am thinking of getting a '08 128i with 100k on the clock. Would you suggest buying one. I am a student who just got into cars

[@DukeofAwesomene]

@@ameykarade9432 yes absolutely recommend! When you learn what you need to watch for and how to fix it, it's pretty easy to take care of and it's a fun car too

[@cornfish152]

thank you.

[@leftfordead6307]

I just bought a 2011 328i my first bmw love the car runs great . it has 133k miles on it i feel like having it checked out so i can have some more peace of mind when im driving

[@ironmantooltime]

Awesome 🤘

[@ciscovip1]

this great info. Keep it coming. i have 2007 328xi

[@fcpeuro]

We've got you covered Ciscovip1! Hope your 328xi is treating you well

[@jamiestanley8774]

Hi guys . Just a note . The heated angle connector was under recall in Newzealand . 👍 The gen 2 valve cover on my 525i was leaking . I had a shop replace it . They replaced with the reddish 1 you had to show . I have a leak but it's the oil pan . The oil is still very clean . Not a big leak . Just annoying . Glad I saw your vid .great work Cheers .

[@L-Noble.YT_Hi.Res-Soundminds]

Thanks for the video. I have purchased many parts from you. Thanks for the quick deliveries and the profesionalism. I like learning more about the n52 so that I can keep my car going strong for a long time. God bless you all.👍

[@fcpeuro]

You are very welcome for the video! Thank you for the support , we are glad we're able to supply you the parts you need in the timeframe you need them! We hope to have additional N52 coming so stay tuned!

[@L-Noble.YT_Hi.Res-Soundminds]

@@fcpeuro You bet, thank you I also subscribed to the channel to keep the support for FCP going strong. My BMW says thanks ✌. Lol

[@dl94lopez]

Excellent video. Many thanks

[@fcpeuro]

Many your welcomes Diego!

[@IlMemetor72]

Thank you so much sir, we bought a 323I E90, and the ticking noise drove us crazy at the point where we thought it was the VANOS

[@233kosta]

Nah, she just likes to rev. Keeping my N52 above 2500 rippums whenever possible helps a lot. Give 'er!

[@davidduquesnay8246]

Excellent!

[@bmwn52shorts52]

Been looking for a video EXACTLY like this, thank you

[@fcpeuro]

We made this video for someone EXACTLY like you who was in need of it! Are you an N52 owner? or potential buyer?

[@bmwn52shorts52]

@@fcpeuroyes n52 owner. 150,000 miles so it's time to do all maintenance. Did tensioner, thermostat, and new valve cover thanks to your video that shows how to replace the gasket. Next is oil filter housing gasket.

[@fcpeuro]

@@bmwn52shorts52 We are happy to help! Good luck on the oil filter housing gasket install, let us know if you have any questions.

[@bmwn52shorts52]

Hello, what can I use instead of a e torx 8. To do the oil filter housing gasket

[@ginti4725]

The this great guy talks the,the more I'm going off BMW's.

[@SW1FTGAM1NG]

Very well put together video

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks so much!

[@Roger-fv9pw]

We would say if you can't take care your BMW yourself. You can't complain to anyone when things happen. Or, don't own one if you can't afford one, or do the work on it yourself. These are great cars for those of us who know how with these cars. Thank You F.C.P. EURO. YOUR INFO IS VERY VALUABLE TO ALL OF US.!

[@Iwillnotbepushed]

Good video. I have an 08 X3 with 140,000 miles on it. Most of what you described in this video I have replaced or cleaned. I’m looking forward to the next series.

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks, Alan! Glad you like the video!

[@100BAISLEY]

This is a great video. I've owned an e39, e46 and looking to get a used e90. This is so helpful🙌🏾 Lastly, that wagon is clean AF🔥🔥

[@fcpeuro]

Thats quite the fleet! Glad you liked the video

[@JPEAZI]

Wheeeeeelp, that scared the crap out of me. Just ordered new valve cover, engine and trans mounts, and oil filter housing gasket after watching it. Tell Mike thanks for the shipping!

[@chrisscott3001]

Great video! I recently bought a bmw with the n52 engine a few months back. So far I can say I love it and its reliable😁

[@jason9875]

Can I get an update on the engine? I’m considering one and want to know how many miles/problems you’ve run into?

[@chrisscott3001]

@@jason9875 I'm still driving my beamer. I got it at 130,000 miles. Now it's at 152,000 miles. I've had no major problems with the n52 engine. The only problem I have had is a leaking valve cover gasket. That's a very common problem on BMW engines though. The only real problem I had was within my cars suspension. When I bought it the previous owner had it lowered on coilover suspension which made the rear tires staggered. It was just eating up the inside rear tire tread. I put the car back on stock suspension and it's been smooth riding and even tires since! 🤘😎

[@hpathree]

Really well done! My N52 is new to me and I'm enjoying going through it. I look forward to your future videos.

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks, hpathree! Congrats on the new purchase, glad to hear you are enjoying it!

[@JuanMendoza-nl9fn]

Just sell it bud. Whatever you paid for the car you're paying again in parts

[@honorhurricane5180]

@@JuanMendoza-nl9fn shut up

[@JuanMendoza-nl9fn]

@@honorhurricane5180 I bought an e90 3 years ago for 8k, I've put 10k into it and I'm basically replacing every piece on it one at a time. Unless you're buying it from a dealership with under 100k miles, it's not a good deal

[@honorhurricane5180]

@@JuanMendoza-nl9fn My friend got his e90 for 5k 3 years ago at 147k and have put little money in it… and I’ve got mine at 10k a couple months ago and spend almost 2k in maintenance but that is due to labor cost and had to get new tires due to control arms (that was $550) and I do maintenance that doesn’t really need to be done but I just want to do it. Cause it’s the way I am

[@jeremiahex]

Thanks for this! I own 2 Z4s with this engine: a coupe and a hardtop convertible. And I’m not afraid to get greasy to maintain them.

[@gustisch]

nice, i also own a coupe ;)

[@jeremiahex]

@Floyd1504 that’s great to know. I agree! If you don’t care for it problems will come. Check out Simple Car Guy channel. He has videos on his e89. Retractable Hardtop maintenance, upgrades! Great stuff. I did the hardtop service myself. Did it with TLC. Btw, are you using the run flats? The ride is horrible! I want to change them. Let me know if you did and what tires you swapped them with. Thanks!

[@anthonyjames5067]

Are there not improved gaskets (oil filter, valve cover, oil pan, etc.) that can be installed to prevent leaks??

[@petershulick5270]

You can use a 9-volt battery to test the Vanos solenoids to see if they're actually waiting open and close when you remove them make sure there's sprayed and cleaned off with brake cleaner and use some kind of silicone or hyper lubricant to lubricate them before you put them back in and make sure the O-ring and the spacer are in place

[@cippaa6969]

Best vid!

[@uncleben4536]

Very good video. I had this engine in my 2006 330i, but I did have a major engine issue, I had wear on my camshaft bearing ledge, and luckily warranty covered the $3500 bill. Other major repair bills were $800 for a new oil pan gasket, and a failure of my dual mass flywheel, which was around $3500 for a new flywheel and clutch.

[@fcpeuro]

Glad you like the video, Uncle Ben! Good thing the warranty covered that!

[@MrPeperoni79]

Very good video. DISA could have been mentioned, while that is rather an M54 problem, it can also occur on N52; while that is rarely the case, it can potentially destroy your engine.

[@fcpeuro]

Good point, thank you!

[@CorbinWilliams]

Great video!! I just replaced my Valvetronic Motor Gasket for $20 with an OEM BMW gasket. A local BMW authorized place that I trust quoted me $1450 to replace the valve cover seal… After some KZbin investigation I found that the build up of oil below the Valvetronic motor was likely the Valvetronic seal. So $1450 fix turned to a $20 fix, Thanks guys😎🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@dirkduggler]

all so true :-) very good Video .. but you forgot the DISA flaps ;-)

[@stevetremblay9070]

merci !

[@ldgibson76]

Outstanding video! Very informative and educational. I have an '11 328i xDrive with 90K. I know I'm in the zone of upcoming high maintenance cost if I'm not cognizant of what to watch for. Luckily, I have a BMW certified mechanic at my disposal. Again, excellent video.

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks, Ldgubson76! Glad you like the video! That's good to hear you have a great mechanic. We have you covered with any parts you might need!

[@RalphBooger]

You guys should have a list on the website specific for the more common engines. Fixin to rebuild a n52, would be cool to add all of these to the cart with one click 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@thehoboman]

Thanks for these videos. My recently acquired e92 coupe has all of the issues from the common problems video. 🤣

[@fcpeuro]

Glad to help, happy wrenching!

[@lp2565]

Great video!

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks, lp2565!

[@scanspeak00]

Great to see you guys supporting classic BMWs. In the past 12 months (100,000km) I’ve done the valve cover and gasket (using your kit), eccentric shaft sensor, oil filter housing gasket, heat exchanger gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filler cap. I also replaced the shocks and ABS module. Now, finally, she feels like a new car. I wonder if the newest replacement parts are of better quality to the original equipment.

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks for supporting us, scanspeak00! Happy to support classic BMW owners and keep as many on the road as possible!

[@AlecKristi]

replaced water pumps in several n52s and n51... never a logic board failure, always gummed up and hard to spin (probably due to wrong coolant). n51 was first replaced at 200k miles. I have heard of logic board failures from a mechanic friend of mine, but the half dozen I replaced were all in various states of seized )

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Awesome information, thanks! I look forward to your upcoming videos that you mentioned here. ?: Are there any symptoms/warning signs when the electric water pump is about to give out? Thanks.

[@fcpeuro]

Mario it will sometimes be nice enough to throw you a 2E81 or 2E82 CEL code which both point directly to the Electric water pump failing. If those are not popping, if you're seeing high coolant temps regularly, or if the car is no longer blowing any heat bc of poor circulation due to a failing pump , those can be signs as well.

[@MarioDallaRiva]

thanks!

[@nevermind8694]

I made my own top seal round gasket thing around the plug in

[@LOOKING_BEYOND]

You mentioned the cooling system and common failure being internal and you also said control unit do you mean the control unit if the ac/heater?

[@vicroy5603]

Great video! I have x5 e70 n52 SUV. Looking forward to more about n52 engines. Thanks.

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks for watching, Vic!

[@angelovarone1406]

Hi Gareth. I love your craft. My n52n has a slow tick when at idle and warm at the speed of about 1 second apart. Spears to come from down low and under intake. Seems to stop when auto trans is put in drive. No codes on cluster. Any tips?

[@battlehrfred]

Hi excellent Video and Explanation in depth, professional video!! I have a question.... i drive a 2013 bmw x5 35i, 3,0 turbo with 138.000 kilometers,This is a N55 engine right?? does this engine have these same "Inhereted" problems or are the revisions have "fixed" all of these issues with older engines ?? Also @1115 you mentioned "cold start rpm fluctuating ? i just purchased this vehicle 5 months with no problems on startup and only just now recently i notice that when i start this engine cold in the mornings, it surges up and down between 750----1250 rpm for about 10 Seconds and almost shut down, After that it idles and warms up normally without any problems for the rest of the day, but it only happen when the temperature is 2 degrees or close to freezing, i live at east coast of Canada ty for input

[@petershulick5270]

Also the Vanos check valves there's two on the left side of the engine, which take a torques to remove them they need to be cleaned out and the screens need to be cleaned out which is almost like a filter, once a screen check valve filter is cleaned you can blow through it on the end of it and actually see if the check valve is opening or closing or holding when it's closed! Of course make sure it's clean unless you enjoy the taste of oil? You can always put some olive oil on there if you don't like 0w 30,LOL

[@ab6816]

Amazing video. Great teacher.Question have you done any videos on oil pan leak. I don't get what is the cause of that repair.

[@fcpeuro]

Glad you like the video! An oil pan leak is from a bad oil pan seal, which you would have to remove the oil pan and re-seal it. We can add that to our list of DIYs!

[@kellreacts1373]

Will you do a video on changing the valvetronic eccentric motor on a 2007 bmw 750li e65. And how to adjust the range or rather relearn the valvetronic unit using a Bavarian tech scann tool???

[@HarrryHarrry]

Very good video. There are 2 thermostates more, btw.. On the gear-oil cooler and on the water-oil heat-exchanger. I have here an additional question: I am changinge the crankcase ventilating system (KGE on the 1st motor generation) appr. every 2 years - and everytime the intake manifold has a lot of oil in it. All hoses and also the 90deg connection (the heated one) are replaced, too. The bacxkflow connection is also not clogged. What can be the issue of much oil in the intake manifold? Too many blow off gases?

[@shannoncrawford7212]

Thanks for all the help. My son has an 08 328i, 6 spd manual. 182k miles, previous owner completed most of the common failure parts, and kept it serviced properly. Still running strong, and is a super clean example inside and out. I love driving it when he lets me. I’m more of a motorcycle guy (and boring Toyota cars), but it is a blast handling the country roads. Had 1 bolt fall out of the power steering pump pulley and another one loose. Caused the serpentine belt to wobble and start to get shredded. Luckily he pays attention to noises and caught it before it broke completely. Got the bolts, belt and pulleys/tensioner from you all. Was an easy repair. Had the starter go also. Got the new (not reman) Bosch from you all also for a great price, along with the needed bolts and gaskets. Used your guys blog instructions to replace, very detailed and helpful. Wasn’t mechanically difficult, but was a lot to remove to get to it. Anyone considering a used BMW, would recommend an OBD2 tool with BMW software. Very helpful for research of issues, resetting codes, and used it to register oil changes and a new battery also.

[@felderosa]

how did you diagnose the power steering pump pulley? i've got a disturbing noise right now and not sure if its the idler/tensioner or what.

[@shannoncrawford7212]

@@felderosa My son heard a rattling noise coming out of the engine bay. When we popped the hood to take a look we saw that the serpentine belt was starting to shred/chewed on the edge. Started feeling around on the pulleys and felt that one loose, and then saw that the bolts weren’t bolted down tight. Had to get a new belt so we got a kit from FCP Euro with the idler and tensioner. And they also had the bolts for the PS pulley. Ordered 3 new bolts and installed with blue loctite. No issues since, been about 15k miles.

[@georgel943]

Which obd2 tool and software are you using?

[@spicysnowman8886]

I have the exact same car with 123k miles, I have a similar situation where the previous owner did things like the waterpump, no oil leaks yet knock on wood.

[@anaestereo810]

When discussing the cooling system, I feel it was in order mentioning the failure prone built in plastic flange in the cylinder head to thermostat housing hose (11537550062) and its needed replacement with an Aluminum Coolant Hose Flange - Rein CHC0609. Another worthy point might have been the Coolant Expansion Tank (17137647290) cracking...I enjoyed your video thoroughly.

[@fcpeuro]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKeyoJile7FjmtE We are all to familiar with that failing Anaestereo :)

[@SalTheSneakerHead]

Nice to watch a video on not very popular engines. I’ve done almost completely everything so that makes me fell much better. Last to do is the oil pan gasket, water pump and oil filter housing gasket. None of have gone bad yet but I like going preventative maintenance

[@SalTheSneakerHead]

Also! Keep in mind I changed all but the 3 listed at around 135k or more miles so the n52 is a super reliable engine if cared for properly

[@mediocreman2]

There were tons of these sold. What do you mean not very popular? There are more out there than N54. Maybe they aren't popular in the enthusiast community.

[@Flash-fw9mq]

Just bought a 2008 328i, I am currently working on replacing all of these parts. Yes, it's a bit of a nightmare but thankfully I have been building my own cars for a few years and I do indeed have experience and understanding. This engine is an entirely different beast but when I finish it, I will enjoy the ride. I knew I was purchasing a challenge and I knew I was capable of saving it. Thanks for this video!

[@roofcamper3473]

good luck bro

[@alejandrogarcia9398]

Really good job explaining each individual part and giving an explanation to a newbie to beamers like me looking forward to watching everything and that animated video.Thanks

[@Indian-313]

Thank you so much 😊 great video 👍👍 Perhaps u could mention what years had gen 1 and gen 2

[@fcpeuro]

Hey AKS Z you can find that info and more here in our E9X Buyer's guide. Hope this helps! Thanks for watching. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n33SiWdrmM93q5Y

[@L-Noble.YT_Hi.Res-Soundminds]

The 330i that is the one that has the first gen magnesium valve cover, the engine has a silver engine cover also. The 328i and others has gen 2 plastic black cover. The engine cover is black too. Its esay to see the difference.

[@DG-od4si]

nice video, thanks

[@fcpeuro]

Glad you liked it!

[@rhydtuned]

Had a couple of these engines, both had starter motor issues and DISA failures..

[@tylerpalmer8973]

Great video. I'm just stumbling across this stuff now, having just picked up my first BMW, a 2007 328i. I was aware of some of the issues these engines have but really appreciated the more in-depth explanation of why they happen and what has to be done to ensure it is repaired correctly.

[@fcpeuro]

Welcome aboard! Thank you for stopping by to watch.

[@LxTxSURGE]

How many miles? I just got one a few months ago and already replaced the dtml pump and now have to replace the purge valve under the air intake box , I'm having evap problems getting bad gas mileage

[@tylerpalmer8973]

@@LxTxSURGE Mine has just a little over 86000kms. Crazy-low for the year. However, it did just develope a misfire literally overnight. Ran perfect the night before and then started it the next morning and it's running on 5 cylinders.

[@Delight.AutoCRAFT]

These things are machines, they break.

[@tylerpalmer8973]

I never updated this, not that anyone is likely super interested, lol, but it was a coil pack. Did all the coils and plugs and it has been excellent, since. Now I have a flaky rear window issue that is super common, but we're into spring, now, so I'll get that sorted next.

[@gail6904]

what should the pressure RPMS on the 328i waterpump, 2008 sedan? thanks great videos..also in my old waterpump were orange pinkish pieces of plastic clogging the impeller fins and stopping them from turning.where did these pieces come from? thanks hope u cna answer~

[@stayvigilant7856]

I had a 2009 328i n52 with 150,000 when I sold it was a great car !!! Never gave me a problem just a small oil leak

[@DJTeddyBeertje]

How about the DISA valves? Heard some rumors about those failing too. Is this correct?

[@stefandragu7066]

Hy! Tell me please, what are you recommend, 1gen or 2 gen? Thanks!