BMW X5 V8 N62 ALTERNATOR BRACKET GASKET OIL LEAK REPAIR

How to replace the alternator bracket gasket or oil cooler thermostat gasket on a 2007-2010 BMW X5 e70 with the 4.8L N62 engine.

[@dingznthingz]

I replaced the alternator bracket gasket, along with the valve cover gaskets on my 2008 BMW X5 4.8i a couple of years ago. The damn thing still leaked! I replaced the gasket again. This time it took me about 3 hours to complete. The damn thing still leaked, or I thought it was leaking, which it was not. When driving the vehicle, I would occasionally smell oil burning. I had a hell of a time trying to find the leak. One time, after driving it, instead of shutting the engine off and looking for the oil leak, I left the engine running. I looked all over, and all of a sudden I saw a drop of oil drip on the exhaust pipe, just below the exhaust manifold joint. The oil burns away when the engine is hot, but leaks to the ground when the exhaust system cools down. The oil was leaking from the valve cover gaskets, or I thought it was. I removed the valve covers again and inspected everything. The gasket was still like new and tried to do it's job. I found the valve covers, which are made out of a plastic, have warped over time, maybe from excessive underhood heat the V-8 generates. I replaced both valve covers, along with another new set of gaskets, and have been oil leak free since. FYI. The valve covers are around $100 each on the internet and Fel-Pro valve cover gaskets are about $30. Another FYI for you! I searched all over the internet for aluminum valve covers for the 4.8 liter engine, there are none available. Those cheap bastards at BMW pinched a few bucks by using plastic over aluminum valve covers. In the end, they lost big bucks and their reputation for quality to save a few bucks. I'll never buy another BMW.

[@jeffreypslaughter]

I am finishing up this on my X5 right now. I watched this video several times. On thing I did differently, I unbolted the power steering pump, that allowed it to drop down giving about two more inches of room. Thanks for this video.

[@michaelryszkiewicz4998]

How did you get the rearmost E10 out? Ive tried every tool in the book and cant seem to get the right angle on it. HELP!!!

[@jeffreypslaughter]

@@michaelryszkiewicz4998 I used an extension with a 15 degree swivel built on the socket end.

[@skillit7984]

Man, I THANK YOU for this video, SO MUCH! Saved me 2K! You ROCK!

[@mathewfleming]

thsi is the best video I've found on this process. Great little tips/tricks to make this easier. Great work Woody.

[@twogunsforme1]

One hell of a hood tutorial!! I just bought a 2009 X5 praying I can keep it on the road!!

[@van8000]

I love driving my 2012 X5 but keeping up with the repairs is brutal. Woody knows his stuff. Thanks bro

[@garrydzugan1963]

Excellent video woody thanks so much for it

[@harrisonbrown1885]

Good video, very informative. I watch a lot of videos on bmw’s and this is by far the best.

[@rayF4rio]

Nice work Bro. Glad they moved the oil cooler on the N63B44T3

[@philipmahoney7408]

OMFG Woody! im actually in the middle of doing alt in my 07 with 4.8 ur a god send!!!! thank you sooo much dude!

[@dljunior2852]

Man, I needed this about a year or two ago. I looked all over to see how this was done and there were no videos to be found. There was a little info where some said the engine had to be lifted. To hell with that, so like you said I paid $1500 for this repair and along with that my left fender got scratched up and they didn't clean a thing. This was a dealership. I vowed to never use them again even if I must drive hours to get something done that I can't handle. Great video Sir.

[@Dustinsfishtanks]

Great video. That alternator bolt readjust is a huge tip

[@fly5027]

Awesome work really enjoyed this video

[@rulebraking]

Two words - awesome explanations!

[@diegorivera6713]

Muchísimas gracias...muy bueno el vídeo felicitaciones muy didáctico

[@lukej.washingtoniii1531]

Great video i just bought a 2009 48i and it seems this needs to be replaced. I did it on my e53 and that was a real pain in the butt but it was doable this seems way easier. Thanks

[@raymondmaloney3720]

Outstanding!!!!!!! Great job Woody

[@brucelondon471]

Best video, 30 year bmw mechanic, 1st time doing this procedure. Super helpful, thank you!

[@1967novss]

Thanks woody i am about to purchase a 2006 750i this may come in handy somewhere down the line great video you speak very clearly and get in no hurry thanks again

[@van8000]

Oh no don't buy the 7 series, X5 is bad enough lol. I own two X5s and they all burnt my pocket

[@BlueNinjaX11]

Good man. Thanks for teaching. Appreciate it.

[@wernerdanler2742]

Wow, I thought my e320 was complicated! I've had to take my alternator out several times and after I figured out to press the bushing in on the front bracket so it is flush with the inner side of the bracket it slides right in without having to use a crow bar and locating pin or screw driver to line the holes up. The bolt screws into the back part of the bracket, not the alternator. I also have more room since it is a v6 and not an 8. That's just one of the things I've had to do around the engine like replacing the belt tensioner, that was a piece of cake, and at 72 yo it always takes me a few days to a week to recover. Lol You definitely are doing people a great service by showing this for the BMW owners of the country. If I still owned a BMW and were 30 years younger I think I could do this no sweat!

[@markteixeira3161]

This is really helpful. I have 140k on an n62 and I will soon be replacing this little gasket for the 4th time.

[@jpcallan97225]

"the 4th time" caught my eye,

[@dcjten]

Thanks for the great video! My mechanic was able to complete the job in 8 hours! Very thorough video, Covers everything. 🇺🇸

[@maxkillerbean2947]

Thank you very much for such an important information and detailed to detailed I patiently watch the video only once and I fully understand clearly

[@samedward6532]

Excellent work very well done same passion keep it up

[@woodysworkshop816]

Thank you, I will

[@rooseveltstewart5439]

Great video!! I have replaced my alternator before, If this leaks occurs, it should be just a few more steps. Thanks again!

[@woodysworkshop816]

Thanks for watching!

[@motolordLXXI]

This is the first video of yours I've seen. I am now subscribed! Fantastic, detailed walk-through of the repair. We've recently discovered a disturbing amount of oil on the bottom of our 2007 E70 X5 4.8i and we believe we've traced it to the alternator bracket. I'll have your video cued up while I tear into this repair. Thank you!

[@robvawter500]

Put some rags or something under the area where the alternator sits because you will most likely drop a socket. I was able to remove the top e12 bolt without a swivel, but needed a swivel for the two lower e10 bolts. New subscriber due to this video, I could not have completed this job without it. Excellent job, thank you!

[@thetyresolution987]

Very good tutorial, well done.

[@orsonclarke3490]

Thank you this helped me so much

[@theholybikerpjay3229]

Thank you awesome video my driveway says thank you

[@anthonybull]

Nice work i love how detailed the video is . Just subscribed

[@woodysworkshop816]

Awesome, thank you!

[@helpmenow276]

@@woodysworkshop816 where is your shop so I can drive mine over?

[@woodysworkshop816]

@@helpmenow276 I live in Kansas City

[@adegboyegaaderogba9934]

Is it same process for 2006 x5 4.4i v8?

[@melvinharrell6878]

Thank you so much this video helped me incredibly and not to mention save me $2,000 thank you again

[@NathanGess]

Great video, it inspired me to do this job myself and I was successful after some struggling. I'll add that if the X5 has adaptive steering there is a large electrical control module blocking the bolt head for the oil cooler lines. I disconnected the tie rod end from the driver side at the steering knuckle, then undid the 4 bolts holding the steering rack to the subframe. Then I was able to slide the steering rack and steering shaft out of the way just enough to get a tool on the bolt. Otherwise everything in this video is spot on. Thanks again Woody and good luck to everyone else.

[@sharscottyy]

GREAT DETAIL HOW TO DO THIS KIND OF JOB MILLION likes For It GOD BLESS YOU MAN

[@sharscottyy]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE I FOLLOWED EVERy STEP AND MADE IT HAPPEN TONS OF BLESSINGS MY FRIEND

[@sirseanisrobinson1515]

Thank you for this video i thought 💭 i had to remove the Engine to fix this oil leak become the truck is 4 wheel drive. 😂 thank you again for sharing this information 😅

[@mikelothbrok1485]

Awesome video, very informative.

[@frederickhayes7079]

Great video I was able to rent the tools online by looking up Tony’s tool rentals they saved me a ton of money and was very convenient

[@PhilSpeaks]

excellent work

[@minicooper6296]

Hey Woody, Thank you so much for putting together this DIY video. You speak very clearly and explain everything very well. I know my 2009 X5 4.8i has a bad oil leak on the timing cover, that my dealer was asking to fix, but I didn't want to pay them big bucks. I heard about this alternator bracket leak also, so thought this video will help me figure out how to differentiate between those two leaks and I my guess was right , you explained how to spot each of them , Now, all I need is a weekend and some elbow grease :) Thank you! Great video!

[@KennethBostonian]

Thank you, your awesome. I have to replace my AC compressor bearing. I’ll do both jobs at the same time.

[@woodysworkshop816]

Thanks for watching!

[@sambullevard127]

Hi all, I did the repair too. Unfortunately after a test drive of 2 miles, the left and right lower bolts corner of the thermostat just cracked and sprayed everything in oil. Today I have removed the thermostat and after unscrewing the upper bolt, the thermostat just fell out. Is it possible that I have over tighten the bolts? Other theories, bush it a little bit by the alternator bolt? There are 2. Short and long bolts for the alternator. Please advise before I perform same fault.

[@dflex4180]

@@sambullevard127 If they are torx bolts you most likely over torqued them replace with brand new bolts and look up torque specs bmw bolts are very easily cracked when over torqued

[@wolfieseven2360]

You're such a fucking king for sharing this. So concise, descriptive, and thorough. I sincerely appreciate you posting this. I'm on my way to the gasket, installing a new alternator, water pump, 90c thermostat, and belts along the journey.

[@woodysworkshop816]

Thanks for watching!

[@domestic4137]

E mí c v y. Evoiooooooooooooooooooo CC. H. Xx is 26:13 ❤ Tf. Ñ m M pop kg Loco a I.

[@margaretamancio2521]

Excellent video!

[@oginsights5340]

Thanks man. I got the exact same problem

[@craftlaughplay2094]

this very well done tutorial the only thing i would add to the instruction i would remove the 2 bolts E12 on the power steering pump and lay it forward to give so much more access to the bolts on the engine oil thermostat assembly special the one closer to the differential and i you can get an E10 wrench would make easier on that bolt always make sure to have well seated on the bolt before turning

[@liquidmocofilmsllc4915]

Man I was about to drop $1100 to have a local shop replace it... Now if I can only get my wife to give me permission! LOL Great video! Thank you so much! Amazing how you got the camera in there to let us see it... Great job! Subbed.

[@woodysworkshop816]

Thanks! Hope it helps!

[@liquidmocofilmsllc4915]

@@woodysworkshop816 I actually had a local mechanic replace it. He sent me a video when he was doing it showing me when he removed the old brittle gasket and how the new one sat better in the slot.....so I do believe he actually did it. However, it is still leaking (drops on the asphalt where I park) on the driver side engine right where this alternator bracket is located. Do you know what he could have done wrong or missed? He is of course going to find the leak, but I wanted to know a little about it before he takes my X5 apart again..... Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

[@woodysworkshop816]

@@liquidmocofilmsllc4915 That’s unfortunate. Generally on these motors you look at the upper timing covers first and if they are leaking address them first and then the alternator bracket gasket. If you replaced this gasket and are still getting and oil leak, it may be from the upper timing cover.

[@liquidmocofilmsllc4915]

@@woodysworkshop816 Thank you for your quick response. I forgot to mention that this leak repair comes after all of the previous repairs which are upper timing covers, valve stem seals, oil pan replacement... We have done all the major leak repairs that I know of so it is frustrating to say the least. It has been in and out of the shop since October and now has to go back in.

[@liquidmocofilmsllc4915]

Hello again! I’m going to tackle this job myself using your video tutorial. Question: did you have to drain all the oil out of the vehicle before making the repair? Thanks

[@alexandraava3034]

Great video , Thank You

[@Montanagreenmachine]

This job is the worst. Finished today. Was able to find 1/4” E10 extended socket for the back rear bolt at Oreilly’s . You CANNOT get it with standard 3/8” drive unless you get what Woody recommends. I took my time and cleaned everything with engine degreaser. Lost a socket in the bottomless pit and finally got out with a rare earth magnet with a wire. DON’T DROP ANYTHING! Took me all day and I’m a seasoned shade tree mechanic. You really have to do all three of the bolts by feel. That sucks. Good video and good luck if you try this yourself!

[@jonhenderson9468]

Great video thanks!

[@davidkoperniak971]

This video is fantastic and exactly what my recently acquired 2007 x5 4.8i is experiencing. Thank you for the great detail. I’m almost confident enough to try to tackle this now. However it would be a lot easier if you gave me your address and a time to come over. Just say when and I’ll be there!

[@jerrytolomei444]

I put a piece of cardboard in front of the radiator coils for protection, the information on the adjusting screw on the alternator is very important

[@gudmundurjonasson1334]

very good video,thanks

[@pirytorres7195]

Great video!!! Do you happen to know how much to torque the bolts on the oil tstat?

[@abdullahalismaili9301]

Well done man. I had to do this job myself last year. It was a bitch to do. You did it in a much easier way. I wish i had seen this video before i embarked on that project. The last screws were so awkward to re install. It took my almost 10 hours to complete the job. Nevertheless i got it done and saved myself a good stash. But really well done, you went over and beyond in detailing every move you took and the video was so concise and clear. Thumbs up

[@hectordiaz6851]

Well done 👏

[@jaydenmercier359]

Mint video!!

[@AMMA-we3zz]

Good job 👏

[@matscarlmeyer2832]

Exellent video

[@donaldthomason4588]

Great video, guessing you have to drain the oil first?

[@Slicer280]

Great video. I'm going to check this first for a leak. Seems much easier than changing valve cover gaskets. I kick myself in the ass for not doing them during replacing the knock sensors and coolant transfer tube. My leak looks to be in the same area, front driver-side. getting a little worse now as you can smell oil buring when sitting. Hoping that's all it is. One question...since BMW is always using O rings on everything did you replace the two Orings on the two oil coolant lines going into the oil thermostat case. You didn't mention that and by the look of the install on the video there are Orings on them. Thanks!

[@gelaciovaldez7137]

Good job,

[@pirytorres7195]

Great video!!! Do you have the gasket part #. Thanks

[@RG-hx5db]

Woody I was able to replace the oil cooler gasket, but after finishing the repair and starting the vehicle there's a quart every minute with the vehicle on and it seems the whole flange is leaking from the edges planning on pulling it apart again, what would you look for and any special preparations. How to get a torque wrench in there?

[@corridosbarron3566]

Nice video thanks 🙏🏻 link to buy the gasket

[@peterritson9575]

Perfect💜

[@mikhailnozdrin4904]

Yeeeees,thanks a ton buddy

[@mikelothbrok1485]

Getting ready to do this exact thing, I have an 05 x5 4.8is. Will there be any major differences in the procedure or is it the same, I’ve got everything removed except the alternator, just curious.

[@davidgsr6013]

Great job, thank you. Where are you located? Can i take mine there for you to do some work on?

[@Humamluai1]

Hi i have the same model engine we just changed this gasket but after 3 days my filter cap blew up and caused a big crack all along the side of the cap like as if it had air pressure in the engine. I was wondering why. This cap is the cap that you install for a regular oil change. Engine oil filter cap.

[@JJJ-bi5gm]

Question do you know the measurements for the e 10 and e12 bolts are, i want to replace them while im there

[@marcinadamiak7532]

Great ! Thanks 😉

[@eliasportela9266]

Eres bueno amigo

[@mynameismiro]

Can the power steering pump with active steering and adaptive drive be pulled out from this point?

[@dflex4180]

so with the stubby bits dont need engine hoist or subframe movement?

[@youremydaddy]

So, did you have to lift the engine with a hoist to get the bolts out? I tried going through the wheel well but no luck

[@KennethBostonian]

Hello any torque specs for those bolts.?

[@wstevenson2004]

Hopefully you replaced those o-rings on those oil lines. Great video. The plastics on european cars all had to be made under thier very strict biodegradable regulations. Its unfortunate because many of thier gaskets and engine components are made of plastic, not to mention all the interior components. Since the engine gets so hot and the engine compartment, all the plastic components age twice as fast at least. It really hurts the reliability and reputation of thier vehicles. The poor 7 series is probably suffered from this the most. In most case, they were totaled out due to repair cost.

[@user-vc8cz8hg5s]

Man could you please provide o-rings sizes or part numbers? thanks

[@eristalutest3595]

Hey Woody, Thank you for this awesome video. You just saved me 2k :) Can you advice, if there any other gaskets, that can be replaced by the way of this?

[@woodysworkshop816]

There is not anything additional that I would consider easy to replace. Only additional thing would be replacing the o rings for the oil feed/return lines that go into this block.

[@alawabidingcitizen]

Is this the same setup like 2005 BMW X5 4.4?

[@marioramirez5478]

My is smoking and the oil burning on the exhaust you think my is the value cover gasket is only on driver side and smokes just on the driver side tail pipe please let me know ?

[@jpcallan97225]

Snap-On now makes 1/4" drive u-jointed E-Torx sockets that make removing the oil cooler thermostat much easier - E8 is P/N TSE80, E10 is TSE100 and E12 is TSE120. They are not cheap at about $50 each.

[@davidmayor5365]

So oddly enough my 07 x5 n62 e70 model have the same issues 😂 I do have a question on the inlet outlet cooling lines I’m kinda wanting to replace those o rings however I can’t seem to find them online as a set or maybe I’m not searching with right words to bring it up on any site In your opinion is this really needed or can I be good with just replacing the bracket gasket and not have to worry about those lines having issues after the install and love the info given in bmw vids made my install with the rear suspension bags easy peasy luckily my compressor still in really good condition and not damaged or worn from my passenger side bag being totally goners

[@jpcallan97225]

BMW P-N 17227800958 O-Ring Engine Oil Cooler; Two are required. Do use a plastic O-ring pick to get them off. If you use a metal pick, even brass, you run the risk of putting a scratch in the fitting's aluminum sealing surface. O-ring picks are easy to find and cheap on Amazon.

[@RecklessSavage]

i have a 2005 n62 where can i get parts for this thing i need coils to it gets random misfires and spark plugs

[@sheilasmith4409]

I have done so much work to my x5 and it's is still running like it should be I have replaced fuel pump, alternator, crank shift sensor, spark plugs and missing fuses , I have also replaced the battery the 2010 BMW X5 xDrive48i N62 4.8L V8 engine is still not starting when I get it to start the pulley on what looks like the water pump looks like it's skipping and then on top of that it's running in limp mode so what do I do I'm unable to take my vehicle back to the dealership that I purchased it from because they are no longer there and and at the moment I cannot afford to send it to the BMW dealership so that way they can charge me an arm and a leg do you have any suggestions please get back to me as soon as possible thank you

[@zhihengli8051]

I had same issue but I can't change it through the alternator position narrow space

[@dshepelevich]

I did exactly the same thing in 2019. Identical vehicle, literally

[@DANTESVH]

Hello, I have the same truck but I can't find the oil pressure sensor, can you help me please?

[@chrisbohannan3776]

I am to the point to where I'm trying to get the bracket off that's holding the oil cooler lines on. I ordered a stubby T45 for a 1/4" ratchet, but the steering knuckle does now allow it to seat properly, and I definitely do not want to strip that bolt. Is there a trick to getting the torx in there that I am not thinking of? Wobble extensions dont seem to do the trick either. After replacing the valve cover gaskets and upper timing case cover gaskets, I am confident the only leak remaining is the alternator mounting bracket gasket.... and I'm having difficulty figuring that part out. Obviously it's tough to show on video with low visibility, but any tricks or pointers would be a huge help.

[@woodysworkshop816]

I use a stubby female ratchet made by VIM tools.

[@doctordulcamara9257]

I used a Normal T45 socket but with an 8mm wrench on the inner end of the torx stud. Like you, no room to used the socket end. A ratcheting 8mm shorty wrench works great but you can get away with a normal 8mm closed end wrench.

[@oginsights5340]

About how many hours does doing this take? Is this the turbo charged version of this engine? I believe the bracket for non-turbo engines is a little different with a slightly different model gasket.

[@woodysworkshop816]

Depending on your capability this can take anywhere from 2-6 hours. Having the rights tools is extremely important. No this is not a turbocharged engine. If you are referring to the N63 engine, it does not have this gasket.

[@112879jcarlos]

One time, I went to the part store, I asked for the ALTERNATOR BRACKET SEAL and they all starting laughing at me😜😜😜🤣🤣🤣

[@ktm640lc4BGD]

But HOW? I have read bottom right screw can not be removed because front diff is on the way. Actually I have 4.8iS E53 so maybe there we have a problem? I have just replaced voltage regulator on alternator and did not even bother fixing this leak now thinking i have to unscrew the front diff. Do you know if E53 is any different from E70? How did you access that screw.. with a regular socket or there was a trick involved?

[@dflex4180]

VIM Tools VHC77 he used

[@hectorramos9547]

any one know the part number for the oil thermostat bolts? The E10 & the E12.

[@markbohannan]

How do you take the T45 out?! BMW recommends to drop the sub frame. Please direct message me a picture or links to the tools you used.

[@woodysworkshop816]

I use VIM Tools VHC77

[@doctordulcamara9257]

Or used a normal T45 socket with an 8mm closed end wrench on the stub

[@ronaldeasley5177]

Hey can anyone tell me how to get the (2) bottom E-12’s off??? The one to the end ( standing on the driver side) I’d say to the Right. Is so hard to get off. I used a 1/4 drive E-12 socket and the Ratchet is just to big. Did anyone have this same issue? If so please explain how. Very frustrating. Thanks in advance

[@sambullevard127]

Hi all, I did the repair too. Unfortunately after a test drive of 2 miles, the left and right lower bolts corner of the thermostat just cracked and sprayed everything in oil. Today I have removed the thermostat and after unscrewing the upper bolt, the thermostat just fell out. Is it possible that I have over tighten the bolts? Other theories, bush it a little bit by the alternator bolt? There are 2. Short and long bolts for the alternator. Please advise before I perform same fault.

[@jerrytolomei444]

It’s a BMW pay close attention to which bolt comes from hole lots of different lengths

[@PedroPerez-qh7rz]

The rear E10 bolt on the thermostat is kicking my rear. Any tips or recommend tools?

[@woodysworkshop816]

Use a single 1/4 e10 swivel socket or buy this set. Hope that helps. www.ebay.com/itm/VIM-TOOLS-1-4-Drive-Swivel-E-TORX-universal-reverse-torx-sockets-E4-to-E16-/174181976868

[@bushidoe6060]

Hi,what about the engine mount? How did you hold the engine?

[@dflex4180]

he didnt have to he used stubby ratchet with half cut bits..www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005MVBGAU/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1IXVLDACAYI47&psc=1

[@bassmonster-ehavok5752]

do you know where the oil pressure sensor is located on the x5 4.8l ???

[@woodysworkshop816]

Passenger side below the upper timing cover/ chain tensioner.

[@mr.biscuitssmoove3580]

Does anybody know if it's the same process for a 2006 X5 4.4i? Or does the whole alternator bracket have to come off? I've seen videos where you have to drop the diff and remove axles?

[@mr.biscuitssmoove3580]

@Woody’s Workshop