E46 Head Gasket DIY Part 1

Here is what you need to do to remove the head on your M54 powered BMW engine. This also works on other models with a similar engine. This is not a detailed removal, just an overview. If you are tackling a head gasket, I assume you have some knowledge of cars. Enjoy.

[@gabsky2365]

Done my e46 last year and still running strong with 267,000 mile on the clock. Replaced a lot of maintenance items while I was there. Good luck

[@n54andmore56]

That's what's up. I'm hoping to get another 17 years out of this job, not a new head but it's gonna be done right. I got a bunch of new stuff too.

[@TheModding69]

what year and model you have?

[@gabsky2365]

@@TheModding69 2002 325i slick top manual

[@TheModding69]

@@gabsky2365 i have an 01 325i. do you feel like the handling is stiff and has a lot of body roll

[@fitzfloors]

This looks scary as hell, but I’m giving it a shot anyway. Thanks for using a decent camera and lighting. I’ve seen more shaky iPhone 5’s in dark engine compartments than I can count.

[@n54andmore56]

Lmao I wish I didn't have to rush it though.

[@bobbyshmurda5263]

Sorry to hear were all here for the same reason😢

[@n54andmore56]

Absolutely but we gonna make it happn.

[@treonclawxd7099]

I think I’m just gonna sell my car 🥲

[@y_not]

Saved me from making a huge mistake trying to pick up one of these as a starter project

[@yusufsesay6648]

I say should’ve went for it very very easy to work on theses I got 325i taking motor out right now and over hauling about everything upgrading some parts it’s very fun and easy

[@y_not]

@@yusufsesay6648 Is this your first project car, or have you had previous ones? I'm looking to get started, so want to start off easy probably with a Japanese Make

[@yusufsesay6648]

@@y_not yes it is but I do have a little prior experience working on cars I’m more of a Honda guy and tend to work on them more but yes this is my first ever project car and honestly it’s been very smooth and easy to work on I’m about to take out the exhaust now

[@oogiebungus140]

@@y_notjust recent picked up a 2001 330, first car I’ve ever done work on. Not as bad as it seems

[@rubendelacruz7395]

@@oogiebungus140anything you can tell me about it? Just picked one up

[@KonaBlueS197]

What was the long torque you used to take off vanos cover

[@n54andmore56]

Sorry about that, forgot to mention it. They are both T30s, tighten to loosen.

[@thegreatpatsy]

Can you post a link to the timing kit?

[@n54andmore56]

www.ebay.com/itm/154013869510?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=cW7KTXQ5Q8a&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=sTgallGARrm&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[@thegreatpatsy]

@@n54andmore56 Thanks Bro!

[@QueenTee41109]

My guys doing the same thing on his 01 325i rn by chance you can help him out before he messes his car up even more lol what part of phx, are you in ?

[@n54andmore56]

My bad I'm just seeing this, but I'm in Tucson.

[@QueenTee41109]

@@n54andmore56 oh ok he thought you were in Phoenix, you down to make a drive ? Lol I don't think he would mind paying

[@samh.4106]

@@n54andmore56 wow that's crazy! I'm looking to make a drift car and wanted to get some stuff cleaned up first and I'm in Tucson too! Small world

[@TheRealIsaiahWake]

About how long did it take you

[@n54andmore56]

Way too long because I didn't have the right stuff. Also I pulled it and then they found the head was cracked so I had to get another head. I would say a few days if all goes well.

[@TheRealIsaiahWake]

Ok but how long did it take to pull the head off?

[@n54andmore56]

@@TheRealIsaiahWake literally like a few hours. Biggest part was the timing of course.

[@JesusRamirez-le8vx]

Clean! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@n54andmore56]

Clean video, dirty job🤣🤣

[@jimmielebouef2546]

I have the same motor E46 it runs Hot and no coolent coming out no where do you have any ideas what's courses it keeps getting hot

[@n54andmore56]

Could be what was happening with mine, with the crack in the cylinder head. Check out the other videos I put out about it.

[@jimmielebouef2546]

On some videos some shows maby the heat sincer on the bottom radaer hose I changed almost everything with the coolen sistem

[@jimmielebouef2546]

I'm about to take the head off maby tomorrow but I just about got enough of the car if the head gasket replacement don't work I'm done I will scrap it

[@jimmielebouef2546]

But the only thing that is stopping me from scraping it is it runs so so good it's costing me so much to fix it don't know what to do

[@n54andmore56]

@@jimmielebouef2546 that is a problem because they're old but good. Do leak down test first.

[@gavinsixnine]

Link to the timing kit ?

[@n54andmore56]

www.ebay.com/itm/353529602450

[@showmetheway1196]

@@n54andmore56does the kit come with all the special tools needed?

[@keithwillis2188]

Oh yeah you know the 2014 next. (My car) 🙃

[@n54andmore56]

I'm ready for it.

[@jakkoplaysfornite]

i just got done doing a head gasket on my 04 325xi and i got everything back together i thought but maybe not, i tried to turn it on and there was no crank, then when i tried to turn the key again it was like locked, they key wont fully turn, any help

[@b20teamunknown]

Check your grounds or battery/starter/alternator connection

[@Defstar38]

Well I saw enough to know that I don't want these problems 😮

[@n54andmore56]

I'll be real, not easy but doable.

[@colinrasmus7039]

Doesn’t even explain each tool he’s using for each bolt that’s said isn’t this a Tutorial on how to take off the head

[@n54andmore56]

If I have to explain every tool then you probably shouldn't be trying to do such a hard job.

[@ajvargas834]

DAMN SHORS FIRE

[@b20teamunknown]

This is not a step by step just a general overview of what needs to come off

[@dumpsterfire6351]

2001 with a misfire $1700 Prolly head gasket 160000 👍👎

[@n54andmore56]

What else is it doing?

[@colinrasmus7039]

And he skips parts of taking vanos system off like come on dude

[@n54andmore56]

What are you even talking about? I literally showed the removal of the vanos, how to remove it, and then explained it. Then the amount of nuts holding it can be seen when I pull it off.

[@b20teamunknown]

There's videos out there on step by step of how to remove, rebuild, reinstall the vanos. I think this video was pretty straight forward of what would need to come off.