Complete DIY BMW N54 Turbocharger and Oil Pan Replacement Walkthrough

[@DayOffDIY]

Head over to www.FCPEuro.com for all of your BMW and European car needs! Another big thank you to @FCPEuro for sponsoring todays video!

[@andrewgarcia3136]

Hell yeah sponsorship!

[@sdmerkr]

Blew my turbo; smoke, whine, no boost… rad… how many hours to replace?

[@TimothyKiernicki]

"coolant down the arm...into the armpits"!! you got me crackin up. I just paid so much money to have an indy shop fix my turbo coolant lines...so i was hunting for a vid that shows me what i paid for....THANK YOU BROTHER

[@DayOffDIY]

Hahahahah your comment made my day Tim!!! I gotta tell you, it’s a labor intensive job, 15 hours book time is no joke lol. Glad to hear you’re enjoying the channel !!!

[@gideonbouwman4904]

Coolant in the armpit is bad, but i've had a whole oil pan of trans fluid fall on top of me, i had ATF in my ass crack xD

[@Stx335is]

Bro i wish i found this video 3 months ago when i installed my single turbo kit lmao went in kinda blind since most people dont show every single step or had to watch 5 different videos just to get an idea lol. Props to you man. A lot of time and effort in this video💯

[@gmarinelarena8675]

I can't believe I just saw a 1hr video on how to replace turbos. I guess i am mentally preparing for when I need to do mine's. Great content! Keep up the nice work!

[@elisakoski4244]

I saw the length of this video and thought I’ll look, but there’s no way I’m watching the whole thing. I was mesmerized. My 2008 E90 is in the shop getting the oil pan gasket replaced. After owning the car for 16 1/2 years it really hasn’t needed a lot, but it only has 90k miles on it. I’ll keep an eye on this channel if I ever want to tackle something myself. Still it’s nice to know what is involved, even if I pay to have it done. Great video!

[@crazygamer889]

Done this job about 13 times. Did i still watch an hour and 13 mins? YEP

[@declasm]

Alec - this is such a brilliantly detailed and well filmed video! I've just bought my second N54 335i and watching your videos really gives me the confidence to tackle bigger jobs, thank you!

[@friguy4444]

FCP Euro is a great sponsor! A lot of folks think that having the four wheel drive version (The "X Drive" version) but when it comes to doing this type of job or anything like the oil pan it's a way bigger hassle LOL. Mine is the X drive and when it came to replacing those turbos I wasn't a happy wrencher. But it's all doable.

[@DayOffDIY]

I’m very happy to be working with them! Agreed, the X can be A LOT more labor, especially for oil pans, easily bumps it up to 10+ hours of labor

[@chrisbryant9758]

It sucks because you dont find e60 n54 x drive videos

[@tupov]

Finally a video on how to do 15,000 mile maintenance on my E46!!

[@makam2089]

This is vol1/3.

[@DayOffDIY]

Maybe 15k maintanence on a N54 :)

[@jamesjefferson7169]

Only found your channel last week but watched majority of your content back and I absolutely love your channel 🤙🏼great to see a proper way to maintain a car

[@DayOffDIY]

Thank you James! really appreciate that!

[@JohnLampson]

My man! Congratulations on your hunting success, your turbo success, and on the Sage ridealong! With any luck, she becomes a little more at ease soon now that you're back and we also get to see more of her. Also, what an EPIC JOURNEY of a video!

[@DayOffDIY]

John thank you so much! Finally driving this thing around for errands n such and I’m having a BLAST. Appreciate your feedback as always

[@Jungle310]

Awesome video Alec! Appreciate all the hard work you put into this one and congrats on making it mechanically sound. Hope Sage slowly but surely gets better

[@DayOffDIY]

Appreciate you! She’s getting better n better everyday!

[@SBarron-ff9si]

Great in-depth video and nice to see the FCP Euro sponsorship. I am the original owner of a 2008 e92 N54 6MT with 165,000km. It is a relatively analog vehicle compared to today's BMW's and I much prefer old school buttons, dials etc. I keep it stock since it is plenty fast as a daily driver. I plan on keeping it for many many more years since I do almost all my own maintenance (turbos excepted) and rely on channels like yours as a repair resource (in addition to ISTA).

[@tarlocksagoo7190]

Keep your videos coming. They are great to watch.

[@DayOffDIY]

Thank you!!’

[@user-nw7kf6nl2y]

Good to see your making great progress on the E90!

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks! More to come!

[@wishfulbuy]

Great job on the N54. You really nailed it and also encouraged me to work on my own e93 335i, restore it to the original glory

[@brandonmorrison5340]

My boy got sponsors! YEAH MAN! Love your videos man, and I’m not a BMW guy. You’ve made me consider it though!

[@DayOffDIY]

Appreciate that Brandon! Trying to make content for all people to wnjoy

[@AB-jk7tw]

I loved my n54 but I am much happier with the n52 in my current car - not as much power but the n52 is so much simpler and easier to work on!

[@DayOffDIY]

Couldn't agree more! The N52 is a fantastic engine and one of the firsts I recommend.

[@dunnbizzy79]

Best 335i video on KZbin

[@weswest8666]

It’s always so tempting seeing so many cheap 335i for sale but now I know better 😄

[@DayOffDIY]

If you’re in for a challenge they can be fun!

[@SDE90]

They will beat you down lol

[@ForidKhan123]

Been waiting for this!!! Love these long videos. Nice one Alec! 💪🏼

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks Forid!!!

[@ForidKhan123]

@@DayOffDIY As someone who drives an E46 330i, I love your content! So keep it up man,

[@Olaipai]

Great job! That did not look easy. Love these videos and your transparency. Just a nice vibe! And thank you for showing us your snafu-moments!

[@DayOffDIY]

Thank you for the comment! It was a grind but worth it, especially to share

[@sachak]

I've done this job once on my last Z4 35i and my current Z435is and my buddies E92 335i. It's such a PITA job to do, my method is to get paper cups and everytime I remove a bolt or screw etc I place it in the cup and write the name of what it came from etc, this really makes putting everything back together so much quicker. My biggest issue with this job is every single time I do it, even with the engine brace like what you have, when I drop the subframe, the engine moves slightly which makes putting the subframe back on a nightmare job! I need to watch to the end of this video to see if you had the same issue. Will watch the rest tomorrow. Nice work on the oil pan and removing all the broken bolts!

[@LastChanceFossil]

Top video Alec, love the detail, creative problem solving and Sage. Keep grinding, keep producing, we got you!! 🧑‍🔧

[@DayOffDIY]

Really appreciate it !!!

[@adampfieffer369]

I bought my 2007 manual 335i sedan brand new. I just sold it in April of 2024 to a BMW tech. It needed new turbos and a slew of other items. It had 185k on it and I had let my son start driving it two years ago when he turned 16. I just did not have the funds or time to dig into it. I love and miss that car daily. It was so much fun and I swore I would have it forever. I always look around on marketplace at them but most have high miles and would need just as much work as mine or are an automatic. I'm turning 50 in a few months and it seems like just a dream I will ever own another at this point. 😢

[@michaeld8561]

.. 48 here and will not let it go....got marriage and got a brand new 2007 335i sedan out of the deal. Wife ended having a love hate relationship opposite of mine which has been nothing but true love. 😁Only had a Jeep wrangler since I was 18 and some crotch rockets which I still have, so it was like I had won the lottery.. Two kids and a dog later, 227,000 miles and doing another valve cover gasket and final deciding to tackle the oil pan gasket after a million years of leaking. ..All the normal fixes, turbos , radiator etc.. Now I have the kids learning and fixing what they can.. Wife really hates it now because I can now say "going in the garage to take car of BMW" with my daughter and son .. Just something about the way drives, the boost etc.. I always say it is the "ultimate driving machine" I step on the gas , Dogg it for while get ready to pull in the driveway and I hear famous "donnnnggggg" fault code show up and back in the garage to tend to her.... I said, once I have it, I will not let this one go.. I love the N54... Hope you find your true love again..🤣😊

[@MichaelGulsby]

Great video Alec, and always great to see ole sage!!

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks Michael!!!

[@piotrek4000]

Aaahhhhh I literally just did the first start on my engine after replacing the turbos on my N54 135i this morning, I really could have used this video like a month ago 😂

[@DayOffDIY]

Hahahah so close! Sure it won’t be the last 🙃

[@DayOffDIY]

How’d she run?!

[@hayksamvelyan]

Love FCP, glad you got sponsored by them. They always treated me and my friends right.

[@vasiliystoyanov8785]

Nice job good to see someone saving the bmws

[@philwil5707]

These oil pan bolts are Aluminium because of the Al-Magnesium alloy of the block. Steel/Zinc plated bolts can cause corrosion in the threads from what I know. Just FYI, and great job, great video!

[@DayOffDIY]

Great info! good to know, I assumed it was for weight

[@hayksamvelyan]

This man E90s

[@clueby4]

The n54 is all aluminium.

[@roccoelleto9900]

Fantastic video. Nice car and nicely done. Enjoyed every minute of it. Have a 08 335i convertible. Done the water pump, oil pan, rear seal, etc. but hopefully my turbos stay safe for many more. Struggling with alternator / voltage regulator now. Nice repair / revitalization.

[@timlad123456]

Excellent content this is a great example of hard work paying off. I had to do the same job on my IS and it took seven days and I was soar for three weeks, It is a lot of work but it can be done at home.

[@andrewgarcia3136]

As far as power goes, my daily is an e39 530i, and even though the NA 3.0 doesnt have the powerband of a turbo engine, if you actually give it the beans it absolutely flies. 225-230hp is more than enough to have fun. 300hp is nuts. The horsepower wars have lead people to lose perspective

[@DayOffDIY]

I agree 100%! I love the m54 in my 330i, it’s fantastic engine, one of my favorites, and relatively easy to work on! Long live the E chassis BMWs!!! I’d love to get an E39 on the channel, my first bmw was a 2000 540i with the M62tu, another fantastic engine when it’s not leaking oil, and a rocket ship of a car!

[@mikedemi192]

230 hp is weak. Sorry

[@RA-oy6bg]

I got agree, twin turbo i6 is more than enough to get a ticket quick lol

[@AB-jk7tw]

An amazing amount of work. Thanks for making such a comprehensive video.

[@DayOffDIY]

Appreciate you! Thanks a lot!

[@dp9795]

"Let the good times roll" by The Cars. Perfect

[@mr.spokomaro]

Great job on the E90 Alec! Congrats on Black tailed deer 🦌 . Shout out from the UK 🇬🇧 🙌

[@DayOffDIY]

Thank you!!! Appreciate it mate!

[@chadriddle3517]

Great video Alec! I’ve always wanted to drive a n54 car but never had planned owing one because like you said very high maintenance but that horsepower may be worth it . N52 has up to 255hp without turbos so that one of my favorites too. We hunt white tails here in middle Tennessee. Never heard of a black tail? I’ll have to look those up . Congratulations on bagging your 1st . It’s something special, I haven’t done it in over 10years with kids work etc plan to revisit that hobby . Thanks for another outstanding video . I don’t own a n54 but I watched every minute! Appreciate it

[@rossparkes]

Awesome video man, huge respect for the reolve you have to finish that job!

[@damianspears2469]

Another banger per usual! Only downfall is the time in between videos but hey I know it’s not easy. Keep it up brother

[@erickromero010]

My turbos just came in and I was recommended your video. Looks pretty simple.

[@ryanstelzer8146]

How’s it going

[@CarlosMojica-y2q]

Truly honest, well done work.

[@DayOffDIY]

Thank you!!!

[@bigash_n54]

Great video. It looks a lot easier on LHD. I'm looking forward to doing this to get rid of all my oil leaks 😅. Stage 2 + is more than enough usable power. N54 is a great platform if maintained correctly.

[@Dcha138]

8 broken bolts in the block is nuttssss.. i had to do 3 that held the ac compressor ones from a crashed e92 i was repairing .n that was skretchhhy..anywayss keep up the good work brotha

[@DayOffDIY]

Thank you!!!

[@friguy4444]

Well you done an excellent job. You've got yourself a nice OEM E90. It should be fairly reliable. I misunderstood and had thought you were putting in some 17T TD04 larger sized turbos and going with down pipes and the mods that would have given you same serious power. But that's not for everyone. Congrats! .

[@DayOffDIY]

Thank you! I’d love to have gone sportier but don’t have the funds for it at the moment. Wanted to take advantage of the turbos that came with the car and get this thing back to running and driving condition. All in all it went pretty smooth minus the oil leak there at the end lol. You sure are a wealth of knowledge on these cars my friend!!!

[@whappy212]

For the last 2 years you helped me with all my E46 problems i had Your videos are a lifesaver!! And now that we both have a E90 i am still learning from your vids today!! sooo Alec for me you are my online bmw master tech🫡 Vids are awseome and very helpfull Keep it up my friend

[@DayOffDIY]

That means a lot whappy! Thank you for your support and awesome comment

[@jutto64]

Well done, getting that subframe out seems to make all the difference for access to the turbos. I have a M57 in an X3 E83 and thinking about cleaning my DPF/Cat so might need to do that👍

[@johnnewman3589]

You missed the dipstick o ring Or wait.. maybe that's gone on the n54. I did the subframe drop on my m52 and m54 cars, and it is a ton of work, but very rewarding. Well done

[@KhaoticKrozier]

That spots used for the ccv drain, hints why you have to check oil level electronically.

[@DayOffDIY]

No dipstick tube o ring on this one or connection like the n52s, no plug in whatsoever which is pretty nice

[@16vPete]

Awesome video as always man! Sorry to hear about Sage, hope she perks up.

[@DayOffDIY]

Better and better everyday, thanks Pete!!!

[@johnyorke9711]

YOU. ARE. A. MASTER.

[@DayOffDIY]

hardly, but i appreciate the comment!

[@LaPanteraCB]

Well done! I was waiting for this video for so long 😆 that’s a pretty nice 335 man good job 👏🏼 👏🏼👏🏼

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks for your patience my friend

[@RECON-OD]

THANKS FOR THE VID I AM ENGINE SWAPING MY 335I AND THIS REALLY HELPS

[@infinitetanner]

Love FCP Euro, best warranty ever!

[@ian.M440]

That was a lot of hard work but great work and very interesting

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks Ian, it was rewarding!

[@gomezchris276]

I remember doing my turbos back in 2020 working full time then working on the car after work outside till midnight… took me 3 months to do the entire job 😅

[@n54action]

God damn man that’s a long time but respect

[@FreeKanal]

Mistakes are what we learn from, thanks for sharing! Respect !

[@hussam842003]

Great work as always! I'm really tempted to go and call you to do my N55 turbe and other maintenance... only problem the drive to you is about 8 hours from WA.

[@DayOffDIY]

I totally would if we were closer. I’ll be headed up to Washington next month to travel and explore the coast!

[@hussam842003]

@@DayOffDIY Thank you! its kinda getting colder might be better in summer since we have best weather for summer.

[@e-85gee27]

been waiting on this one 🔥🔥

[@DayOffDIY]

Appreciate you!

[@slitherdurant]

That's why I'm glad I started my car to check for leaks before putting subframe back up. Anything leaks it's still all exposed.

[@DayOffDIY]

You ran it with the subframe down?! I’ve never tried, I figured it would be vibrating all over the place without mounts

[@slitherdurant]

@DayOffDIY yeah just with the support bar obviously. Didn't seem to vibrate too crazy. I just have a lot of bad luck so I said yeah I'm making sure it's good right now

[@blockpartyvintage1568]

Great job king! Amazing work. Plus you had to edit lol.

[@DayOffDIY]

It was a biggggg edit lol. Thank you!

[@PartiBuoy]

I had done all this work with the engine out of the car I made sure my oil drain bolts were organized knowing the coolent ones would be able to mix it up

[@cocosnutss23]

Using zip ties for the oil pan gasket is also recommended

[@DayOffDIY]

Absolutely! First time it slipped, then I used zip ties

[@nonameyoutuber-l2r]

I sold my E92 335i with N54 2 weeks ago. I can't be happier.

[@DayOffDIY]

Hahahahahah congratulations! I bet!

[@AB-jk7tw]

@@nonameyoutuber-l2r Find a car with an n52 engine - much simpler, cheaper and easier to work on.

[@nonameyoutuber-l2r]

@@AB-jk7tw owned 2 M54s. They too break down.

[@E36_boat]

@@nonameyoutuber-l2rchill don’t say that my m54 been godly reliable

[@LeverPhile]

​@nonameyoutuber-l2r The m54 will run forever if you don't let it overheat or run out of oil. Everything needs work if you keep it long enough. The NA engines (non-turbo) are just much simpler and cheaper to maintain.

[@Pedro88311]

Dude You inspire me!!! keep the work up!!!!

[@DayOffDIY]

Thank you Pedro! Means a lot!!!

[@exiteternium]

May want to recheck your angle torque spec.. for N55 it's 90 degrees, for N54 it's 60 on the shorts longs are 180.. also ALWAYS chase threads with a thread chase kit on these engines because the bolts come with sealant on them that is suppose to help prevent leaks..

[@DayOffDIY]

great information, thank you!

[@applehugger]

Just watching this video now. Not sure if anyone else mentioned it, but FYI, BMW used aluminum bolts not to save weight, but to prevent galvanic corrosion between steel and the magnesium in the block. Therefore, it is not permissible to replace aluminum one-time use bolts with steel ones. I would recommend eventually replacing those three bolts with the proper aluminum ones. It'll probably be fine for a few months, but you don't want those bolts to seize in place.

[@mikeywilz]

Love the videos!!! Keep up the good work!

[@aarsenalfan]

You should do review of that car, if that was stick mama mia. Great video. 🍻

[@DayOffDIY]

I totally will! I’ll do a video on smogging it and review

[@dkrongel]

Dang you went all in on this one

[@DayOffDIY]

I’m trying!!! 👍🏻

[@cculty]

good video! we demanded more n52 content!!!

[@chriswelch9786]

I guess that hot side charge pipe to the intercooler is supposed to have that dent in it??? Always wondered why mine had it but yours did too

[@sergeipetrashevich1123]

Big job, nice view on the repair, like it. Have to say, lucky you got Nevada or California car 😄 not Chicago one

[@javygonx]

Hi again! Any difference between carb cleaner and break cleaner when cleaning oil pan edges?

[@HonkeyLee]

Hell yeah brother !!

[@DayOffDIY]

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@mux3044]

when doing an oil pan, at this perspective 16:23 would you be able to tell if you had a leaking rear main seal?

[@DayOffDIY]

Definitely! You can also go up the inspection holes of the bell housing with a cheap boroscope camera to inspect it further

[@TrickiHunter]

awesome vid, keep it up and very informative

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks, will do!

[@sobyrne10]

Love watching your videos. Are you still doing your giveaway series?.

[@DayOffDIY]

I’d like to! Once I get some more money in the business, hopefully we can give another one away this year!

[@CHICOBM]

Lol 😂 Nobody is coming to save you, you are on your own. Lets go buddy you can do it one more time

[@powerbookrom]

The n55's oil pressure is controlled by the DME. This along with cavitation issues after repairs in the oil path means you have to prime the oil after many jobs you don't have to on the n54. Oil cooler work, turbo line work, OFHG, over night oil drain, PRIME IT. Sadly, people still do all those jobs and then crank up the car. It may run fine, but the damage may have been done in just a few seconds. Maybe not coming home to roost for thousands of miles or the next owner. Also, so easy to pull the red cable with the ethernet looking connection at the battery to prime. That kills spark and fuel.

[@Wentworthjd]

Does that Elring curil t2 work on the valve cover gaskets of e90s with plastic valve cover? I know they say to not use gasket maker on these covers but since it doesnt harden maybe it can improve the seal of these valve covers

[@DayOffDIY]

It wouldn’t hurt! I do valve covers dry, but I do use a little dab where the timing covers seal to the head, or where the half circle gaskets are on the M52/54 . It’s pretty good stuff

[@FamiliaMichoacana1]

I just did a turbo change on my 07 n54 but noticed when I turned it on I got the steering wheel lock error on my dash.I connected the steering column as it should.Any Ideas on that?

[@DayOffDIY]

I had the same issue! I think you need to do a steering wheel angle reset, you can do it with a scan tool or sometimes turning the wheel lock to lock back and forth multiple times with the car on. Did the shaft get turned before putting it back into the rack?

[@mavricxx]

Got a link to that woork table bro? I could really use one like that 😁

[@jovanycolon3720]

Great video

[@DayOffDIY]

Thank you!!!

[@javygonx]

I bought both turbos. Can I remove one of the old ones; install the new one then the other or do I have to remove both turbos first? Im asking because there are lots of lines and I dont want to messed up

[@DayOffDIY]

I would do both turbos at the same time, it’ll save you lots of labor, you don’t want to have to go in there twice

[@javygonx]

@ Oh yes. Im going to replace both. What I meant is if removing one then install the new one then remove the old one and install the new one. Found its a pain because of the bottom joint lines. I removed both at the same time. Alone is a huge pain!! 1 full week working 6-8hrs a day for just removing it. Im waiting for new gaskets and lines so I can reinstall all back again

[@DayOffDIY]

i would say do em both at the same time, out and in, the hoses are kind of a maze but take lots of pictures and you should be able to do it

[@manuilkasabov4994]

Hello, I need some help. I am planning now to buy a BMW 90 on gasoline with a low small engine and low horse power because I am a new driver and I am afraid to drive 200+ hp just to not turn in on alteration. So please give me an advise which is the smallest and most durable engine that I have to look after. Also I will appreciate if you make a video on how to select a car second hand and how to be sure that you will buy something good. Example is the first bmw 90 that you bought for the give away how did you selected and what we have to look for. Thank you in advance

[@olegsukhotskiy7761]

Good job done 👍

[@DayOffDIY]

Thank you 👍

[@JR-si6ef]

😂 you got me with the i got ho's

[@DayOffDIY]

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@rashawnbusch7293]

Hey how much do u charge for labor ?

[@30guarino]

Harbor Freight has a creeper on sale I believe for $20 .... backs are more important then gaskets lol

[@30guarino]

Also as a BMW N54 owner Thank you for these great videos!

[@DayOffDIY]

Appreciate you! I bought my creeper at harbor freight 💪

[@30guarino]

@@DayOffDIY Awesome just seen it... have to protect our KZbinr at all cost!

[@aombarbor]

59:13 isn't that the result from running burble tune?

[@DayOffDIY]

No tune in this car to my knowledge, stock n54

[@mfairbank]

Get some LH drill bits, might have spun them out without an extractor

[@bimmersimp2750]

35:13 you’re missing several beers and a wrench impaled into the wall.

[@DayOffDIY]

Lololol gotta stay a good example!

[@PartiBuoy]

I had snapped an oil pan bolt on the engine stand so I masked off with tape and a trash bag because it’s upside down.

[@PartiBuoy]

But yeah I didn’t torque them but by looking at if they are flush with the pan then do 90 that’s the stretch point torque wrenches are just not picking up on the low torque readings

[@Binghatz]

The cranberries are so underrated

[@DayOffDIY]

My man!!

[@lieutenantdan8170]

B58 is still the best way to go

[@DayOffDIY]

Still don’t have much experience with em but would like to pick one up!

[@tenaciousjeebs]

If you're dropping the oil pan, why not do a rod bearing service?

[@ignaciobelliard6268]

No more 30ff code?

[@DayOffDIY]

No more 30ff!!

[@davewallace9048]

I definitely would’ve installed Rob Beck Two’s turbos much better option!!

[@SuperTap007]

🏴awesome job 😎

[@chuckehrlich]

N55 engines are so much more reliable than N54’s. Rod bearings are not an issue with N55’s. I have owned 3 of them with out any RB issues.

[@DayOffDIY]

I disagree, I cut every N55 oil filter open during oil services and find a surprising amount of metal in some even with low mileage.

[@098cpt]

the 900hp car are for the 0-60+. not speed. My N54 is 600whp, on xdrive 6mt, and it's so fun. I would say a bit too much for my taste, but you never have ''too much power''

[@DayOffDIY]

Hard to imagine being able to get all that torque down without spinning the tires lol. Your n54 sounds sweeet! Never driven an X drive manual trans