How To Remove The Cylinder Head On An BMW N52 Engine [BMW N52 Rebuild Part 3]

🧰N52 Timing Tool Kit: amzn.to/4eziWjs
🧰N52/N53/N55 Timing Tool Kit: amzn.to/4cv6e4j
🧰Intermediate Shaft Spring Tool: amzn.to/4eAa4dM (I did not use this but you can!)
🔧 Cylinder Head Removal Tools:
Torque Wrench: amzn.to/43Q5gvu
T50 3/8 Inner Torx: amzn.to/3xqadiD
T60 3/8 Inner Torx: amzn.to/4auisJm
5/16 3/8 Bit Holder: amzn.to/43LQ3vI
3/8 Extensions: amzn.to/4cOJCfh
Entire Torx Kit: amzn.to/4aFBL1O
N52, N53 N54 Timing Tool kit : amzn.to/4cv6e4j
Engine Crane: amzn.to/3PwA8eU
Engine Leveler: amzn.to/3PAmAPf
Engine Stand: amzn.to/498CE1
🧰Cylinder Head Rebuild Tools:
Valve Spring Compressor Tool: amzn.to/3xhBN1p
Valve Stem Pliers: amzn.to/3xxoutM
Valve Grinding Kit: amzn.to/4cKR1fA
Dremel Kit: amzn.to/3VKiPL1
🔧All The Tools You Need To Fix Your BMW!
bmw-repairs.com/essential-too...
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👉Watch Part 4: Inspecting The BMW N52 Engine Block & Cylinder Head: • Inspecting The Cheap E...
👉Part 17: How To Re-install the BMW N52 Cylinder Head - Torque Sequence and Re-Assembly: • Installing The BMW N52...
Full Instructions on Correct Timing Procedure Here: bmw-repairs.com/correct-timin...
👉I didn't make a video removing the timing chain from vaccum pump. You can see that here: • BMW N52 ENGINE TEAR DO...
How To Remove An Engine From A BMW E90 • How To Remove / Swap A...
🔔 Subscribe To See If We can Fix Our Oil Consumption Issues! bit.ly/2YWg3Uk
▶️ Full BMW N52 Rebuild Playlist here: • [DIY] How To Rebuild a...
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[@michaelmn6911]

the best video on youtube about the n52 engine,thanks mate 👍

[@buildanddrive]

Thanks Michael! Got so many more on the way! Send me a message on Instagram or Facebook. Are you rebuilding an n52 as well?

[@plumbus5614]

for that 3rd aluminum head bolt you can fill your socket with hot glue and let it dry on the bolt so you don't drop it down in the case

[@buildanddrive]

Smart 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

[@temio.463]

Love this video, and your struggles with the limited tools are real haha. It’s called, “make do with what you got” 🤣

[@buildanddrive]

Yes, the struggle is real!!!! But hopefully others can learn from my video, I had to learn as I went and make mistakes along the way so you guys don't have to! 👍🏼

[@xorpd]

Thanks for this series, I've found it very helpful dealing with my N52 B30! I thought I'd add that when removing the bolt next to the chain guide, it is easier to remove the lower journal bearing (slightly obscured by the harmonic balancer). That way, you can tilt it to towards the exhaust side and have room for a finger to help pull it out. This completely loosens the chain guide, and there is a greater risk of the chain falling off the sprocket, but it is possible (using a stick, long screwdriver, etc...) and careful movement to re-situate the chain back on the sprocket and between the plastic tabs on the bottom of the guide.

[@buildanddrive]

Thanks for the info. I'll have to look at my spare engine to see what you're describing. Or can you send me a short video on Instagram?

[@mikeb2496]

Dude great video thanks for posting! N52B30 black top,single stage intake, 128 msport 6spd here.

[@mikeb2496]

For real man I can literally sleep easier seeing the insides and it IS possible to tear down in the garage. I've gotta an 88 e30 ETA 5spd I dream of the head swap and boost......some day but it's my son's car for when he turns sixteen, if he can't drive stick he can't drive lol.

[@buildanddrive]

Do it!!! Just find the instructions and torque specs for your car and you're good to go! This was a *fun rebuild to do but the car was out of commission for like 2 months 😅. (*Some days was not fun lol)

[@webberg2]

Doing a very similar job with my own 330xi (with the engine still in the car), and this series is a lifesaver. Not sure if anyone mentioned this yet, but I just removed the eccentric shaft stopper a much easier way. I simply re-installed the valvetronic motor (applied oil) and used a 4mm hex socket on the motor to turn the eccentric shaft until it was wide open. I could even get an 11mm deep socket directly onto the stopper bolt and pulled it straight out. Reverse the motor to release the tension on the eccentric shaft and re-remove the motor.

[@buildanddrive]

Yeah, I also found an easier way now to do it. Thanks for sharing. The more people like you that share, the more info the N52 community has to fix their cars.

[@jesusamezcua6723]

Awesome tip

[@rolandodimaano292]

I just got the EWK cam timing tool from Amazon and its perfect! The silver bar for sprocket/gear is labeled for n52. I have set piston 1 to tdc and only wiggle a bit to insert the locking pin. Watching again what's next to pull. 😁

[@buildanddrive]

Glad these videos can help. Are the QR codes on top of the cams at TDC?

[@gordonstenson2708]

Great advice and helpful tips. With these cars you do have to be a little inventive and careful by taking your time. I have seen to many botched jobs with people not understanding how to use tools or any understanding of nuts and bolt make up. This video shows good work practice and I enjoyed watching.

[@buildanddrive]

You should see the bloopers. I broke lots of tools but eventually got the right ones for the job. And I tried to show that here because there was so little information about the process.... "Use a t50 inner torx" .... but then you realize it needs to be a 3/8 size and needs to be small profile to fit between stuff etc. So I'm happy this info can be useful and I appreciate your comment! Are you rebuilding an n52?

[@gordonstenson2708]

I have seventeen year old BMW 3 e91 with the N52 engine. The car is in very good condition and all I have done to the engine is replace the usual suspects, Disa valves, water pump, all lambda sensors, cure oil leaks, etc The engine now runs very sweet. The suspension is currently being refreshed, I find it a very addictive car to work on and improve. I totally understand how these cars throw up many problems, due to their complexity and owners neglecting them. I intend to watch your other videos over the next few weeks. @@buildanddrive

[@SomethingRandomChannel]

Really nice man thank you for your efforts ❤❤

[@buildanddrive]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 appreciate it.

[@Tinus001]

Thanks man, keep up the good work i had a lot about you’re video’s. For example which tools the buy, i finally fix my head gasket 😁, much thanks

[@buildanddrive]

Woah! Thanks so much for the donation 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽. I really appreciate it. I hope these videos can help more people. These cars are expensive to fix when you take them to a mechanic. Good luck with your head gasket ! 💪🏽

[@tdudl6630]

Where are you getting these BMW instructions with torque recommendations? I'm doing the same job!! Your video has been a lifesaver so far!

[@buildanddrive]

www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e90-325i-lim/ click in the too right and make an account

[@tdudl6630]

@@buildanddrive Gotcha. Looks like it got shut down. It redirects me to some other site that costs $30 for 1 day of use. I will try and find another online repair manual for keeps at the same price. Sheesh

[@tdudl6630]

@Build & Drive Appreciate the help though!! I'm waiting on the specialty tool to arrive and I've gotta remove the vanos chain plate but the torx I have isn't fitting it. Anyway, I've watched your video like probably 4 times now. Massive help

[@buildanddrive]

Dang.... That used to still work when you could make an account. But I guess they locked it out. If anyone else reading this knows of a free TIS, link it below

[@donpaluch4488]

CTA now makes the long T50 and T60 specifically for this procedure. Don't get the SnapOn's, "long T50 and T60." They are not long enough. And thanks much for this video. It was a huge help for me.

[@buildanddrive]

Thanks Don, taking the head off has its quirks but overall straight forward if you have the tools! Thanks for the heads up on those CTA parts! I had ordered a bunch of different stuff in order that didnt arrive in time... had to improvise! If you need to put your cylinder head back together, you can watch my re-assembly video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2Opi4dsn8p3sKs

[@islayzx1500]

this is perfect i have a blown head gasket, on my 328i N52 , and this just showed me how to work it. Wonderful video man thanks !!

[@buildanddrive]

Really appreciate the comment! Hope it can help you!

[@6ixvamp]

Hey bro. How did you know it was blown? I have no white smoke from my exhaust, but it smells sweet. Did a water pump, thermo and radiator replacement after it overheated on me. Since then it’s been smelling sweet from the exhaust. Cheers

[@islayzx1500]

@@6ixvamp I only knew because my engine was frozen and luckily it didn’t crack the block . But it was still leaking coolant . Honestly that sounds like a transmission fluid thing if it smells sweet ?

[@islayzx1500]

The overheating I was really got me curious. Check the bmw forums they may led some where really good ! Hope this helps

[@buildanddrive]

Do a coolant pressure test and see if it's going down.

[@sebastianquiros8436]

Great video! Thank you for taking the time to show us how it's done. How do you get access to the instructions you used?

[@buildanddrive]

Yeah, just make an account here (click the icon in the top right) www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e90-325i-lim/

[@deniswasonga3830]

Thanks man I got it

[@buildanddrive]

No problem 👍

[@riceball4u172]

Man i feel your pain and struggle just watching it. Thumbs up

[@buildanddrive]

Thanks. The process was painful but I got it all back together and now can teach you guys how to do it with these videos! 🙏🏽

[@maxkudin8781]

If you're taking head off and broke the bolt, leave it until the head is off then you don't have to be upside down.

[@buildanddrive]

True. Didn't think about that.

[@unixnerd23]

Excellent, keep up the good work! I've heard that only the 2.5 has the piston ring problem. If I had to do something about mine I'd be tempted just to get a used N52B30 and upgrade to that. I wanted a 330i but couldn't find a manual touring.

[@buildanddrive]

I agree! The 2.5L had the piston rings problem. I would also go for the n52b30 if I had the choice. I looked for almost 4 months for a wrecked one to rebuild and couldn't find one for under 1200euros. I was on a budget to fix the car and have some fun doing it.

[@whoguy4231]

Congratz on not shearing any head bolts cept for the one inside the timing case. That's an achievement already!

[@buildanddrive]

The main head bolts were not to difficult IF you have the right size tools... the aluminum bolts seem to break way to easy.

[@aLLDaYeVerydAyAPpLe]

I don’t think you had to unbolt with the pliers the broken bolt because the top head hole has no grooves the bolt attaches to the bottom block

[@dizzygodsir9412]

What’s the link for the camshaft tool I have a n52b30 and don’t know which on to get

[@buildanddrive]

N52, N53 N54 Timing Tool kit : geni.us/3xtCv

[@kapone1471]

2:01 Hi, is the locking pin supposed to slide all the way inside the hole? My plug broke off and couldn’t get the rest out so I pushed the stuck piece inside. My engine is tdc but wanted to know if the locking pin slides all the way in

[@buildanddrive]

Locking pin goes all the way in

[@getitdone6694]

What did you use as a service manual? Do you have a source for it? Thanks

[@buildanddrive]

www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e90-325i-lim/ click on the top right and try to make an account

[@AndreNanniGuitar]

You mention instructions a couple of times. Is that from the bentley manual? Is it in ista?

[@buildanddrive]

You can read the Bentley manual but I looked for the information on realoem.com

[@giftmphomailula8186]

Hi My BMW 125i E88 is getting an engine overhaul. My concern is that the pictures sent to me by the mechanics looks different from yours. I'm not a mechanic and I might be wrong. Do you mind if I send you the images privately and you can have a look?

[@buildanddrive]

Sure, send them to me on Instagram

[@montana1636]

Top dead compression is easy to find if you look at the valves, they will be fully closed

[@buildanddrive]

How do you look at the valves when the head is on in the car?

[@SomethingRandomChannel]

Would you normally remove the cams and all that? Wouldn’t that give you access to everything?

[@buildanddrive]

Depending on what you are doing. If you only need a head gasket then no. But sometimes its better to send everything assembled to a machine shop so they can measure everything as they take it apart

[@SomethingRandomChannel]

@@buildanddrive ahh alright cool thanks for the reply, appreciate it mine def going to the machine shop

[@DG-od4si]

nice video, thanks much

[@buildanddrive]

Appreciate it man 🙏🏼

[@JoseReyes-ix2bk]

Is it ok if i keep rotating the tdc if i missed the qr code?

[@buildanddrive]

Yes

[@mrlambo2972]

How much does it cost to get a New head gasket replaced? I'm just wondering? 🤔 My bmw e90 has oil leak but luckily not major, it's minor but honestly I'm not sure if it coming from oil filter housing gasket or the head but on the side of the oil filter housing. Oil is underneath the coolant pipe. I was thinking of changing the gasket and also cleaning all the oil residue and double check that its hopefully only the Oil/coolant gasket

[@buildanddrive]

I'm not sure the cost exactly... Probably 1500$? Depends on the mechanic. I would try to fix your oil cooler gasket first and flushing the system 👍🏼. That is easy to do and you could probably do it yourself.

[@mrlambo2972]

@@buildanddrive I will Bro And I just bought the tool kits for bmw and I got the gaskets so soon I will get this little project done 💯

[@codypetansky820]

Where’s the link for the special head bolt tool

[@buildanddrive]

What's the time stamp for what you are referring to?

[@anasalhije6523]

I have a problem with camshaft it’s broken I ask soo many work shops and they told me to buy second engine Because if I fix the cylinder head it’s will damage again and need to change the all engine

[@buildanddrive]

Yes, buy a used engine and swap it. It will be cheaper than rebuilding depening on where you live. A broken camshaft means many other things are broken.

[@raymondaraujo1375]

good video bro.. next time more lighting please 🙏

[@buildanddrive]

Hopefully... There will never be a "next time" 😂

[@raymondaraujo1375]

@@buildanddrive I hope so alot of work 🤣🤣 ... good job .

[@buildanddrive]

I'm actually looking for an n54 or any v8 BMW with a wrecked engine cheap so I can rebuild that and have a nice car after... I can't find any in Germany though

[@raymondaraujo1375]

@@buildanddrive wow I wanna see that... dude check on copart .

[@buildanddrive]

The Germany copart isn't that great. Everyone thinks their car is worth more than it really is... I'm looking!!!!!

[@Foreignsgarage444]

Where did you find your instructions

[@buildanddrive]

Google "bmw tis" and to find a free one. The old one I was using is closed now 😭

[@AppleMan561]

Not sure how much they cost in your country but in the US you can find these engines used from a salvage yard with decent mileage for roughly $1000

[@buildanddrive]

Yes, I could find a used engine with similar mileage but maybe it would have the same issues that mine has (burning oil) so I found the cheapest wrecked engine I could find and rebuilt it instead of taking a gamble on a used engine. I should have just bought a different car 😂 but this has been fun to rebuild it and make videos

[@BISKI_]

Do you need the timing tool to take off the head, i’m taking it all apart

[@buildanddrive]

No, if you're tearing all the way down, then not necessary

[@ywmbkoke7473]

where did you the timing alignment tool ?

[@buildanddrive]

I bought it used on ebay

[@montana1636]

I/4” hex drive 7.5mm

[@yassirc3681]

Could you please provide a link to the instructions you are following for this build?

[@buildanddrive]

I could write up some instructions if you want. The bmw tis is now blocked unfortunately unless someone can find a free one

[@yassirc3681]

@@buildanddrive I'm looking for the timing chain/chain-guide removal and install. If you would kindly provide the steps for that repair, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[@buildanddrive]

I didn't have the tools to remove the crankshaft so I cannot make that tutorial but you can follow something similar like this kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKGzhmWujMSZqLc

[@juancabrerajr9996]

Is there a way to removal head without timing tool while waiting for a tool kit?

[@buildanddrive]

Put the locking key in on the block and you can take apart the top end

[@juancabrerajr9996]

Do I have to put my fly wheel back on?!

[@buildanddrive]

Yes.

[@juancabrerajr9996]

You the man thanks bro

[@baims8367]

bought my 16 yr old daughter a 1 owner 2010 328xi clean clean car just turned over got it for $2500 I was gambling on just a cam sensor how ever after getting car home and able to work on it found the intake cam bolt snapped that do it huh lol. im hoping im able to get the broke bolt out and replace found your video how hard is it to pull engine in one of these ?

[@buildanddrive]

Your interested bolt snapped so you want to pull the engine? 😅 It's not too hard just time consuming if you don't have a lift. Remove front end, disconnect wiring harness, undo exhaust and transmission linkages etc. Check my videos where I remove my engine

[@baims8367]

@@buildanddrive no just a possible (3rd option) on maybe another engine. As I doubt will be able to get the snapped bolt portion out of the intake cam being there so crazy tight which is (option 1). (option2) get a used intake cam from another n52 and use that .. my ?? on that option is are all intake cams the same on all the different model cars w the N52??? my local yard has many 06-07 e90s and some 07 e60s w that engine my kids car is a 09 328xi. Just thought id pick your brain as it sure looks like you've studied up on these things. I greatly appreciate your help brother

[@buildanddrive]

Why not just pull the head off and leave the bottom end in the car?

[@buildanddrive]

Also does it have the n52b25 or n52b30 engine? Those cams I think are different so you should watch out for that. You could swap out the camshaft itself in the car, you will need to buy a timing tool to lock the cams at tdc and the spring removal tool to remove the intermediate rocker springs but the rest is easy.

[@buildanddrive]

Wait a minute, if the intake cam bolt snapped, take out the spark plugs out and look down into the cylinders to see if there is any piston slap, you may have smashed a valve or something.

[@rolandodimaano292]

Are you using harbor freight tools? Coz you keep breaking them.

[@buildanddrive]

Hahahaha!!!! I'm not using harbor freight tools but yeah they are pretty cheap right? 😂

[@montana1636]

Are you replacing the head and keeping the cams? If not why bother removing the sprockets, just lock the cams remove the tensioner and work the chain around, unless theres no clearance.

[@buildanddrive]

I am not replacing the heads. Just repairing a valve, doing a valve job and new valve stem seals so it all had to come out etc.

[@donpaluch4488]

CTA Part Number BMW 9245

[@montana1636]

You shouldn’t be using 1/2” drive anything with bolt heads smaller than 11mm, or 7/16”, and thats the bolt diameter @ the threads, not @ the bolt head, you also have to apply torque in the tightening direction very carefully not enough to move the bolt head noticeably, just enough to flex the head .0001” and then reverse it out, chasing it back in clockwise 1/2 to a full turn every time it binds up on the way out for more than 3/4 of a turn.

[@buildanddrive]

Thanks for the info. I don have a 3/4 set of sockets though. I just use what I have 👍🏽

[@rowen898]

Dude those are some garbage tools lol. Great videos tho!

[@buildanddrive]

Total garbage tools. Should have just bought a solid kit at the start. Ended up replacing a lot of stuff throughout this rebuild. You're only as good as the tool is

[@tykendrick800]

Head was coming off anyway. Why go thru the troubles of fishing out that broken bolt head

[@buildanddrive]

You're right 👌🏼. It was an "in the moment" thing. Didn't want to damage anything.

[@tykendrick800]

@@buildanddrive I got u👌videos helped a lot of us

[@buildanddrive]

Thanks man 🙏🏼

[@SaberWLF15]

U were supposed to remove the timing chain and the guides, it comes out as one unit

[@buildanddrive]

I gotta remove the other sprocket and vacuum pump first then it will all come out

[@montana1636]

No one can find the 10mm

[@buildanddrive]

😅

[@montana1636]

No one can ever find the 10mm, if you can, you haven’t been breaking anything.

[@buildanddrive]

I actually lost it finally. Don't have any idea where it is and I just cleaned the whole garage. I lost a few tools actually

[@keemoify]

Do you have to be a mecanic to do this? Im only gonna take the top off and let a mecanic do the work of putting it back together. Im a parts changer only myself, changing wheel bearings, shocks and so on, im not a mecanic.

[@buildanddrive]

If you have the tools and some mechanical ability, you can do it.

[@iwanttoridemtb]

Why the mask?