How to change valve stem seals on a BMW E65/66 N62 engine - no AGA tool - detailed

[@kuehjo]

This has to be one of THE BEST how-to videos I’ve ever seen. I’ve worked on Chevys, Porsche’s, Miata’s, Trumphs, Isuzu’s, motorcycles and mountain bikes of all kinds. This is a VERY complex project for the home mechanic - but NOT impossible, if you’re deliberate, prepared, and organized. Your video is well-lit, great camera angles, and EXTREMELY well narrated. You took the time to edit over a couple of spots for clarification, and you took the time to show multiple approaches. You used the RIGHT tools, and took the time to demonstrate alternate methods, and danger areas. I’m sorry that this is such a niche repair, because you serve HUGE numbers of views for what you’ve done. For all of us who like to do our own work, all I can do is say thank you for taking on the additional challenge of filming this complex project. Mad props, my brother!

[@ecologicaltime]

thank you Johnathan for your kind comment and acknowledgment of what goes into making this type of video!

[@ThisWorldIs5150]

Completely agree, couldnt have said it better.

[@kdao1007]

IMPRESSIVE and I agree with Jonathan. So comprehensive and I will follow your guidelines As this is the 3rd time im installing the right side valve cover. Buying it in one new cover w gaskets this time.

[@narcolepticlex]

I agree thank you

[@DirtyRottenBikes]

I completely agree with your comment! This is damn good example of how it's done, correctly. Very nice quality work!

[@john-williammccrory2167]

Thanks so much for this video. I am by no means a mechanic but managed to do this job on my e65. All I had to do was watch this video about a dozen times! No, seriously this is exactly what is great about youtube; giving folk, who would not normally be able to contemplate a task, the confidence to attempt something. It wasn't easy, it took a long time but one more car saved from the scrapheap! Thanks!

[@MrAgbrown]

Just brought a 05 745Li and i think it has the valve gasket issue...Im not hardly a mechanic but this video is really giving me confidence...Thanks for all your hard work

[@tjkoko2001]

i have an 05 545 and had the valve cover gasket issue first then coolant and alternator bracket but looking back it might have made more economical sense to to just have someone take the engine off and do every single seal plus valve seals and adress carbon build up cuz 40k miles later i have issues with they secondary air system too , just my 2 cents

[@beigemanalishi1645]

A superb video - if nothing else, it tells you to avoid any N62 BMW V8!

[@alexanderstevens145]

Absolutely

[@chrisgurule7153]

My thought exactly. I owned a ‘08 750i. What a pile of trash.

[@MrCukydoh]

@@chrisgurule7153i enjoyed mine… not for poor folk…

[@ThisWorldIs5150]

Hey! Thanks for taking the time to make and share this. I know the mechanical work in itself can get frustrating yet you still took the time to get the camera angles and lighting so we could see everything you were explaining to us, you are appreciated sir. Saved me a couple thousand dollars and made it feel easy following your lead. Thanks again, take care.

[@ecologicaltime]

thanks, appreciate your comment.

[@Dru26JC]

THANK YOU!!!! Your videos saved my car. Took me a month with work and the family, but I got it done and it started right up. NO MORE SMOKE, NO MORE LEAKS!!! For now.

[@Dru26JC]

I followed these directions on a '10 550i btw

[@RichieRich845]

You did an absolutely a fantastic job explaining everything, I watched the whole thing and I don't own a BMW 👍

[@wearethe80s4sure]

Yes, this guy is a great narrator as well as mechanic.

[@ecologicaltime]

thanks

[@wearethe80s4sure]

So i changed the abs module out, first one no difference, second abs module had a reconditioned tag on it. This one seemed to fix a lot of electrical issues. The three warning lights are still on tho. So i replaced the abs rings on hubs and brake discs. Still no speedometer and three lights. My scanner still says wrong gap driver side and wrong abs sensor on passenger side. Since i have tried three sets of abs sensors, i was wondering if perhaps the sensor that goes into the hubs, could be on wrong sides? Any thoughts?

[@noobatnothing]

best automotive tutorial I've ever watched!! so detailed. thank you for taking the time to record every step

[@rcodepaul]

Top rate job Eco. A thousand thanks from California. Our E60 N62 had quite a few differences until we got to the cam covers, but from there in, super similar. We had the smoking after idling deal and held off this repair with Oil Saver for a couple of years but it got to be too bad even with that. All the great detail, the tool sizes, the torque call outs the detailed explanations made it much easier than had you not done this. Plus the confidence to tear into it was hugely boosted after my son and I watched this. I did watch ShopLife KZbinr's E60 N62 cam cover gasket replacement video as well to help with the E60 nuances. Neither he nor you pointed out a problem we encountered. The dreaded spark plug tube reinstallation. Made the mistake of fully seating them in the head first and never could get the cam covers seated. Went online and found a tip - only partially seat them in the head, so they fully seat in the cam cover as you work them in. Magic. I agree with Kuehne, it's a very complex project but with your video, some organization and a boatload of determination, it's doable. Our 300,000 kilometer 07 550i now purrs like a kitten and roars like a lion. Thanks so much.

[@ecologicaltime]

thanks for your comment and tip, wow thats a great mileage! well done

[@romeomashile2445]

300 000km on the N62 engine is nothing short of a miracle. I was just looking at one today, probably will have this issue soon, tempted still. I am DIYer myself.

[@vigourdiy5084]

Superb video!! Going to bed now, I’ll wake up in the am & check this video once again; to make certain I wasn’t dreaming.

[@gordoncooper7534]

This guy (Philip Brown) is REALLY GOOD!!! No BS and fluff, just the important how-to stuff. I agree with Jonathan Kueh's post. This is the BEST DIY video on any automotive subject I've ever seen. Anybody can make a decent video on how to do something simple like replacing a PCV valve, but simplifying the complex is the hallmark of a true expert. Philip Baron has provided us all with fantastic resource to repair an issue that every owner of BMW with the N62 will be faced with sooner or later! I have two cars with N62's that need this repair (2006 750Li and a 2007 550i both with over 150k miles). Thank you very much Philip, for producing such a high quality video explaining every step, tool and trick needed to do this complicated job!

[@ecologicaltime]

Gordon, thank you for your kind comment! Means a lot.

[@hans-peterkahland794]

I need to do the job on my E65 and I am really impressed how much effort you have put into this video. Lots of really helpfull tips. Thank you VERY MUCH. This is going to help a lot.

[@christophersweet4898]

This guy rules I could listen to him all day

[@MingeShagger]

Bloody hell, this is too much work. I've been working on 4cyl engines, but this is out of my league. My e60 550i does consume some oil if driven extremely hard and if it's idling for more than 5 minutes in wintertime, but i think i'll pass on this job. I have used Forte seal Conditioner in combination with 5w40 and seem to have reduced the issue. Well done mate, the video is clear and easy to follow.

[@AC-io8qs]

You may well be one of the main reasons some of these cars are still on the road today. So nicely done!

[@capnmoench4246]

I'm doing mine right now along with some other stuff on my 07'. Thanks for the video to reference back to. It's been handy to visualize my next step of look back to before I had it apart. I am doing one side at a time so I don't have a bunch of parts laid out and I don't need to concern myself with the chain on the other side slipping. Nice work!

[@yelenahernandez8263]

From $400 rent tool to $50 tool what amazing job impressed

[@helmutvorlaufer6647]

I have dun this job on my 08 e62 550i with cams in place with a similar tool as the AGA tools however it would have been very usefully if I had seen this video before I started the job . I think the guy has made a very informative how to video ,it sounds like he is a fellow South African

[@MrIgokaboom]

Thanks for this super detailed video, I haven’t tackled my valve guide seals yet, but this was very helpful for me to figure out what tools I still need and what parts/gaskets need to be renewed. I’m feeling extra motivated to tear my engine apart now that I’ve got some confidence from this video. Much love man 🖤

[@MrIgokaboom]

Not to mention, I’ve been looking for a comprehensive overview of this repair for the past year. So thank you thank you thank you!!

[@ecologicaltime]

thank you, good luck.

[@rex7486]

The time you have taken to film this is amazing, and appreciated! The "tips" you provide a really handy. The only comment I would make is that the Valvetronic motor should have the tension on it released before unscrewing. The "Clack" you hear on the first one is the spring unwinding very fast, and it can damage the gear that it sits on... (speaking from experience). To release the pressure, you use a Allen Key (4mm) to insert in the top and wind clockwise until you feel a bit of resistance.

[@ecologicaltime]

thank you, thanks for the great tip!

[@Jayjay-bz5td]

I just want to say that this is an amazing video, hats off to you not everyone has taken the time to take these angles such narrative is top notch, you honestly have a lot of experience and I can definitely say that with this video if it came to it I could definitely do this job not to say that I'm being cocky but you have given me confidence. American muscle v8s are one thing German fine-tuned engines like this it's another beast props

[@ecologicaltime]

Thanks a ton

[@wacofives5094]

Thanks for helping me make the decision. The car will be donated and I actually rebuild American engines. too much for me this time...Great detailed vid!

[@dancio1978i1]

Amazing how you can explain things and make it easier to understand. Nice work!!

[@ecologicaltime]

Thanks 👍

[@tonykari5124]

Great video . I just subscribed. Keep these N65/66 videos coming Thanks

[@bmw2487]

This is why I wish to Lease a BMW X550i. If I had my own space or garage, I'd love to work on my own car. However, I will lease it for now.

[@gerardogle1732]

Amazing video, I'm a hobbiest mechanic myself who drives the e93 330i convertible, I've got my eyes on an e64 650i convertible with the N62 engine, an amazing car for the price you can get them at now, if I decide to pull the trigger on it and keep it long term, this video will help me greatly in future

[@adamknox8416]

Your video helped tremendously, as well as the tis manual! I am on the timing right now, moving slow due to never having time. It's a 2008 bmw x5 ng2.

[@michaelmilenamg]

Well explained and good teaching. Amazing video. You deserve more likes to your video.

[@akvabullet]

Great work,thank you for sharing with us.

[@MrByootox]

Good no nonsense video sir, for other people if you buy or rent the AGA tool you can get away without removing the cams and pulleys.

[@ecologicaltime]

thank you

[@brucemackenzie895]

Do not attempt this job without removing cams. This is from personal experience.

[@paulbirrell8834]

@@brucemackenzie895 I managed it on mine, wouldn't say it was a nice job though but it can be done

[@MrRW-dw9pu]

This is a great detailed video, thanks for sharing. I'll be starting on this next month.

[@Project_88]

this is really professional, thorough and well organized vid. Thank you and keep up the great work!

[@andyosborne8005]

Seeing this video is 1hr+ you just know it gonna be hard + the video is spead up a little . Still worth it though

[@syazanatailor]

you're very kind showing how to do things.. thanks alot for sharing you're skills. this means alot to me..

[@ecologicaltime]

thank you

[@Nisipd]

You can do it without removing top timing covers if you just losen the chain tensioners and slip off the chains. If you initially put the engine on time and mark all cams and crank, it can be put back without timing tools but requires some skill and understanding about how engine timing works. If you use compressed air method the engine might turn on you so be careful Safest method is the rope one. I used the exact same spring compressor tool and used non magnetic screwdriver and grease to put the keepers back. I found out that the keepers are easy to mount from the same side of the valve and just rotate the first one around the valve stem to the opposite side.

[@differentvibes8200]

Where can I find this valve compressing tool?

[@passionskills3877]

Be3st guy ever to show us how to. I wonder if you can show us how to change the actual valve .

[@ecologicaltime]

have to open the head to do that

[@RoRo20699]

Seems like you can use the other studs to rig/screw the lever in place to hold tension on the springs & let you keep both hands free.

[@twinturbo8304]

Excellent video now I know that I could do that job myself thank you very much

[@AdamAppleby]

Wow! What a skill. Great video but way beyond me. I’ve been quoted 3-4 days for this job by an independent BMW specialist. They say it’s an ‘engine out’ job. They don’t have skill and imagination that you have 👍🏻

[@ip7590]

You are genius my friend God bless you

[@ecologicaltime]

thank you

[@kabelozwelibuyilehlongwane]

Where are you based?

[@TattedTommysTv]

Wow my car has started a white smoke I was told it was pcv vent and seals I hope it doesn't consist of this I'm seeing the simpler ones that are on the top of the valve cover are those not the ones that need replaced this is a big job lol very good video for sure

[@khwaac]

This is MAJOR surgery, amazing.

[@kevinford6420]

Great video. I always enjoy warching them. Looks like you live in a very dusty environment!!!

[@ecologicaltime]

thanks, yes very dusty.

[@wot48320]

Excellent detail explanation. Thanks.

[@tazz23rd]

Masterful job, well done.

[@onesikm3]

Hey so it loooks like it is not necessary to have the timing lock tool during disassembly ? Mine is still in the post and I’m ready to remove the valve covers. It’s my understanding when opening any engine the timing specific tools are not required for the tear down…. Great video man thanks it’s going to help me a ton !!!

[@mathiusmatthew2149]

Great video on replacing valve stem seals learned a lot from this just wondering if you guys had a step-by-step video on how to replace timing guides and chain on a n62 motor

[@ecologicaltime]

thanks. Do you mean the timing cogs? I dont have a video on that sorry.

[@C63V8]

Very well filmed. Thank you

[@sumeetkakroo]

Best DIY video, wish I could bring my car to you..

[@chris0628]

Absolutely awesome video 👌🏾

[@MechaniclifeJDM]

Excellent video sir, kindly tell us about the tool set

[@bikalam4592]

Thanks for great video, could you put the link of the valve compression tools and the cam tools you used.. thanks again

[@sostconnect79]

Very discriptive. Great job!!!

[@mariabutler3356]

Nice video. Thanks for that. I haven't watched it all yet, but if you would calculate the hours for this project. How many would that be? I'm trying to figure out the price this could cost in an indy car shop for example.

[@amjadw.b9870]

Very nice video, great steps and explanation!

[@kiro1990122]

Thanks for another great video!

[@ukasz3375]

GREAT TUTORIAL!!! THX A LOT!!! :)

[@gabrielchifor8680]

Brilliant work sir thanks for sharing

[@gotze1772]

Wow. Respect to you Sir

[@chriskleszewski2314]

I have a 2004 645CI and have to change the valve covers. While I am there I am going to change plugs and was thinking about the valve gaskets. A couple of questions, I see you used alcohol to clean around the cam shafts, can I use spray brake cleaner with a towel to absorb? Also what is the name of the gasket in the solenoid housing - not the circular one on the solenoid itself but on the front of the valve casing? Thank you so much this video was fantastic.

[@zekkez]

Excellent vid mate. You been driving the Dakar rally? 😂

[@danlarue8295]

Absolutely incredible what you have done and had the patience to record On another note what do you think this will be a fair assessment of what this job should cost fairly on both customer and mechanic

[@bmw2487]

I would like to learn how to do valve stem replacements your way and taking out the entire motor and doing it the easy way. From what I saw, I think taking the entire engine out and taking the heads off so that you can work more easy would work for me. I'm just a beginner so what do I know.

[@ecologicaltime]

yes thats the best way and clean the valves and do head cleaning as well.

[@tjkoko2001]

the ninja has a decent video with that procedure

[@alfredogarcia2487]

amazing video, great job

[@jimmyduong08]

Question: why is it important that the holes of those two rings on the camshaft be facing upward (and in alignment with lobe #6? (1:08:15)

[@stephenpato5524]

This is dope! Is this in South Africa? I have a neglected 745i that I'm hoping to resurrect, will be paying someone though not DIYing lol ! Valve-stem seals, interior water leakages, parasitic power drain, dynamic drive leaking etc. Should be fun............

[@ecologicaltime]

ZA

[@stephenpato5524]

@@ecologicaltime So how did this turn out? How is the car doing? Interestingly I enquired at Tune Tech to do this and they seriously discouraged me from taking this on.......

[@ecologicaltime]

cars good, now on 214 000 no issues

[@katkiller50]

Hello. Im getting ready to tackle this hellish job. Any chance u will make a part 2 , finishing this otherwise excellent video? Id like to see the camshaft positions on the opposite head when reinstalling,,,,also i don't wanna make the mistake of possibiy not having the no 1 cylinder on "compression Stroke" when setting the timing. Any thoughts??, Thanks

[@ecologicaltime]

yes this is very important otherwise you run the risk of bending or damaging valves. I may have an N62 coming to me after lockdown and it it needs timing i can video it. you need special tool. There are a few videos on this so you also ue those if you in a hurry.

[@wearethe80s4sure]

Awaiting on a dsc module, to change out. When i do a wheel speed scan, my rear tires are going half the speed of front tires. Installed new wheel speed sensors already. The car has no speedometer and cruise and the three warning lights. Hope this works and that the electronic brake isn't partially on? Shall see.

[@mathistubechannel8238]

thx and greetings from Munich

[@andressegura5838]

I did all that same work, all without removing camshafts and without using compressed air.

[@ecologicaltime]

how?

[@MrIgokaboom]

ecologicaltime I’d love to know how that works too 🤔

[@JoseDiaz-ek6kq]

bs

[@andressegura5838]

Used rubberbands to hold valves in place.

[@stevendempsey7528]

Where can I find the tools that you used to reset the timing? And the one to compress the valve springs down?

[@persistencewins]

Hey guys this is a major repair n great job. Please improve the image quality so everyone can see clearly what is getting done. Congrats!

[@ecologicaltime]

its in 4k, what do you mean improve image quality? change your settings on KZbin

[@zhihengli8051]

U are the hero

[@kometdehallivand]

Just curious - I have a tool very similar to AGA (replica), and just wondering with both cams off could I still use that tool as opposed to this one used in the video? Fantastic walk through by the way - keen to do mine and this has given me a lot of confidence

[@ergunhalil3485]

Great video, is it the same for Mercedes Diesel engines V6 3.0 2006 ?

[@ecologicaltime]

not sure about that mercedes

[@terrellewoods9525]

I can take it apart that’s not the problem it’s the part when I have to put everything back together LOL

[@robhughes8516]

Same here, usually getting things back together takes twice as long... if it happens at all!

[@joeleach8403]

We’ll done! Thank you!

[@walterhernandez6172]

Thank you for the video! I read somewhere that the engine must be locked at tdc with the pin on the pulley BEFORE taking off the top and bottom camshafts is this true or necessary? Thank you!

[@alimaatouk5966]

Thanks for the video. I have a question regarding a 2006 750li with a cylinder 5 misfire under light load . All the common parts, such as spark plugs, ign coils and fuel injectors have been replaced but probably persists . I realized today after unplugging the 2 vanos solenoids the misfire went away and car ran great. Not so sure what defaulted when the vanos were unplugged? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[@MechaniclifeJDM]

You ever figure out the culprit of the cyl 5 misfire under light load?

[@alimaatouk5966]

@@MechaniclifeJDM nope but even the dealership said possible something with the timing. One year later still runs fine with them unplugged

[@MechaniclifeJDM]

@@alimaatouk5966 try getting bimmergeeks sw on a tablet And upping the minimum stroke setting for the valvetronic system, you may have wear on the valve-train so at minimum lift it’s starving that cylinder

[@alimaatouk5966]

@@MechaniclifeJDM I've tried that using the Autel even replaced the Valvetronic motor .

[@Project_88]

there is a very simple way to handel valves- instead of rope or air, you can just TOP the cylinder for that valve. That's it :)

[@christiankirkenes5922]

There is a crows foot valve tool that allows you to change these without removing the cam.

[@MingeShagger]

Please do share the link to that tool..

[@pirate2998]

Very nice job

[@ecologicaltime]

Thank you

[@bluewhitecars]

Shouldn't a tester have been used to bring the Valvetronic motors into the service position before removing them?

[@Sipho-Msayi]

Great video

[@SauCoolBasteln]

Hello Thanke you for this greate Video!!! i've made it exactly like you at this Video but know my engine dosn't run. The Timing ist Perfekt i've controlled ist for a 1000 Times. Did you have a Idea for What can i do??? Sorry for my bad English! Thanke you for rispond Sascha

[@ecologicaltime]

thank you. What does it do when you try to start the car?

[@misterlocapone6604]

Phenomenal

[@rowdyrick7091]

If the camshafts are off why does it have to be on TDC?

[@pawekarski]

24:47 do you know what that vane from vacuum pump is for?

[@EstherAvalos-d5q]

Where is the crankshaft located

[@poelmeister]

How long will the entire operation take for a medium skilled mechanic? Start to finish?

[@TheAdvancedP]

what is the ring called that is pulled off at 13:14 ?

[@domingojaramillo3331]

Hi 👋 I have an 07 bmw 335i it needs the valve stem seals replacement mecanic here in TX whant's me to swap my engine, they don't know how do the job here

[@domingojaramillo3331]

It's hard to do the work??

[@roxycamilo]

thank you for such amazing video, very well done,could you please give us the link for the tool you using? i have the exact same car and im planing to do the same job, thnak you in advance

[@ecologicaltime]

thank you. here is one that looks like a very similar one: www.amazon.com/AEagle-Remover-Installer-Overhead-Compressor/dp/B08KZZCPP9/ref=sr_1_17?dchild=1&keywords=valve+spring+remover&qid=1612592900&sr=8-17

[@Cinta3plexs]

550i N62 get ready for this

[@anthonyk]

I was told this engine doesn't have the timing issues of the older one should i buy this?

[@fluffyty19]

Timing is nothing compared to valve seals and the other maintenance the N62 needs, this is coming from an owner of both M62 and N62 cars. N62 is much worse than M62.

[@fabianparra3545]

How to reset the valvetronic motor after you have finished putting everything back together, could you tell me?

[@ecologicaltime]

it does it automatically.

[@fabianparra3545]

@@ecologicaltime I'm going to change the stem seals, but I looked and they told me that it takes resetting the valvetronic motors.

[@fabianparra3545]

@@ecologicaltime Hello, I changed the steam seals and set the time correctly and put everything back together, but now my truck does not start and it gave me the code 2E6F Digital engine Electronics ignition 2 monitoring:Combustion Duration, could you help me!

[@fabianparra3545]

Valve Stem seals

[@Chris-rs3dj]

What’s the official BMW book time for this repair? And would they remove the engine or do it from the top?

[@bluegables]

I am trying to remove the valve cover on a 2007 X5 4.8i. For the left, I removed all 13 bolts and nuts, but the cover is still not moving. Seems the oil dipstick is in the way. Do I need to remove it, and how? Thanks.

[@ecologicaltime]

these dont use batteries, they are powered by the line voltage

[@lsxbeambeam5201]

My crankshaft pulley will not budge at all I have no idea what to do I turned it counter clockwise just a nudge and it moved but I cannot get it to go clockwise at all

[@ecologicaltime]

Put 2ml of engine oil in each cylinder