MUST Know BMW Hacks N52 /Oil Filter Housing & Tensioner How To! 2008 E92 328XI

Welcome back to another day off. We’re fixing up Ed’s 2008 E92 328xi with an N52. We’re doin the inspection, diagnosis, and repair, on the battery, oil filter housing, belt tensioner, coolant hoses, brake flush, and much more! Hope you enjoy 👍🏻
Brake Bleeder Kit
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[@CorbinWilliams]

By the end of 2023 you will have a full blown BMW shop with 2 car lifts, 2 employees and your own version of ISTA. I’m calling it now💯

[@DayOffDIY]

hahah maybe the lifts and ISTA no doubt, but as long as I keep doin youtube ill be happy :) thanks for the support Corbin

[@dooli]

every time i watch a video like this it makes me reconsider selling my e92 for a w204. good stuff man

[@ehmeeleeoh]

Hey Alec, I just wanted to thank you for helping me save almost $500 on the OFHG job by showing and helping me find the confidence to do it myself. Keep up the great work :)

[@DayOffDIY]

this is such an awesome comment, the repairs went well?! that was my goal with this video, to show people how they can do it themselves, and this comment makes it a success. Thanks for the support!

[@deemack3719]

THIS GUY HAS TAUGHT ME SO MUCH FOR MY 1ST 08 528I

[@DayOffDIY]

Glad I could help Mack!!!

[@Wentworthjd]

Really like the effort you put into these videos keep up the great work

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks!!! It means a lot to hear this type of comment. Really appreciate it

[@sheasmyez9170]

You’re my hero, literally explained everything I’m having issues with in a way I completely understand now💯

[@sheasmyez9170]

I’ve been scratching my head on why my belt is halfway off my tensioner after I bought one from rockauto maybe it’s a bad one

[@DayOffDIY]

hey glad I could help! Yeah these tensioners are extremely common! about to replace one myself!

[@fatherted2244]

Really like the way you work, very careful and methodical, top mechanic, good work,

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks a lot Simon! I appreciate the comment

[@AB-jk7tw]

Great video. Very helpful overview on what to look for in a n52.

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks AB!

[@MS-we4wi]

I really enjoy your videos, just subscribed. Looking forward to more BMW wrenching content in the future👍

[@DayOffDIY]

Welcome aboard! Thank you for the Sub, ill do my best to keep the BMW content flowing!

[@Vanader]

great video loved the intro. turned out great cant believe the time saving hacks with the oil filter housing

[@DayOffDIY]

Glad you liked it! Appreciate the support brother

[@TunaReleased]

Hey man. Thanks for the video! You did the sound mastering better this time! No more needing to adjust sound when the power tools come into play. Appreciate the effort! On another note. Rubber hoses hate oil. I remember my 99 Accord coolant line blowing out, because of an oil leak dripping on it for a year. It makes the rubber soft and brittle, and eventually it starts leaking.

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks partner, I did it with your comment in mind, and on the editing I did today too! Trying to be more mindful of it. Appreciate the feedback. They absolutely do, this one was starting to deteriorate from it too, seen em turn to GOO before!

[@keelphoto]

Love the video! learned a lot.

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks for the comment Michael!

[@johnsamuels7827]

Great video. Very informative.

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks John!

[@AllanAdamson]

another great video, thanks for posting

[@DayOffDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by

[@93_caddy_boy35]

I love your videos bro 😎! You inspire me to work on my E-90. Still waiting for the camera gear and how to record working on your car video tho. Lol

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks so much! Im putting that video idea on the list :) i promise ill knock it out for ya

[@stevensims3342]

Biggest thing you can do to save your BMW is just change that oil frequently. A lot of problems arise from improper maintenance and one of the biggest and cheapest points is the oil. Until people cheap out on oil changes and the car and ALL of its interior components are subjected to dirty contaminate saturated oil. All the gaskets, seals, all of it. That is why OIL CHANGES are the cheapest preventative maintenance for BMWs.

[@DayOffDIY]

totally agree Steven. 3-5k is optimal even with full synthetics

[@plexusgamer1105]

The cleaning of the engine bay under the hood that you do in in 46:00, do you know where I could get something like that done? Is it something a mechanic would do or would I have to take it an auto detailer?

[@aimized1460]

Amazing work brother, you have a lot of knowledge I felt like I absorbed a lot just by listening and watching ! I love bmws and working on them and just knowing everything I possibly can about these cars !

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks I really appreciate the comment and support! It means a lot

[@brutallygwapo9597]

great videos man. i got started on your channel because i was curious about yout $500 bmw rebuild series and i just finished watching the last vid (detailing) and now i'm hooked and watching all your other past vids! i wish i live nearby and have my F36 maintained by you, i'm not sure if you've worked on those Fseries but just the work ethic and bmw experience is enough for me to trust! keep it up!

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks Gwapo! That comment means a lot! I have some experience on F bodies, lots of F10s, F30s, but I left the shop in 2020 so no experience on anything too new. Itd be nice to have a few more local customers to help pay the bills for sure. Thanks for stopping by, appreciate it

[@nd3507]

Well done!

[@DayOffDIY]

Thank you!

[@ralphcastillo9266]

Hey man I love you simple approach to this repair I’ve watch multiple videos on this and yours is by far the best 20 starts for you man Do you a diy on the oil pan gasket for this car?

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks a ton Ralph! I havent done a DIY oil pan video yet but im sure i will soon enough :)

[@Deftones445]

very good video, very informative, the only different thing I would have done is; take the belt and tensioner off while the oil filter housing was off , and clean up the oil residue while every thing was off. of course mask off any open holes on the engine/intake system.

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks Deftones! yeah normally I would too but i just wanted to get that OFH port sealed back up ASAP. Thanks for the comment!

[@mq2825]

Love your videos! Can you link the brake flush machine, the fluid extractor, and engine shine you use. Keep up the good work!

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks MQ! yeah no problem. The spray i used on the engine bay was just some 3m wet style silicone lubricant spray but ill link it anyways :) there may be better and cheaper options, this amazon link is too expensive www.amazon.com/3M-08877-Silicone-Lubricant-Plus/dp/B0002KKVKC/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=3m+silicone+spray+wet+type&qid=1671681930&sprefix=3m+wet+silicone%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-3 ill also attach a link for some other detail spray i use for everything www.amazon.com/Stoner-Car-Care-91053-Protectant/dp/B0002KKISM/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?keywords=stoner+more+shine+less+time&qid=1671682014&sprefix=stoner+more+shine%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzRUtTVkROQldaVDBNJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzk5Nzk4UUVCRzAzRzFWNEs0JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA2MDUwMjUySUdZVzVSUkE3MVpQJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ== www.amazon.com/YSTOOL-Bleeding-Pressure-Extractor-Compatible/dp/B08Q38DMYX/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=ystool+brake+bleeder&qid=1671681866&sprefix=ystool+b%2Caps%2C233&sr=8-5 www.amazon.com/FOUR-UNCLES-Extractor-Pneumatic-Convenient/dp/B0836GH3G7/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=fluid+extractor&qid=1671681904&sprefix=fluid+extra%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-5&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc

[@bryangonzalvo]

Good videos! I’ve learned a couple things. I have an e70 x5 w n52. My Foxwell NT510 for BMW can register the battery.

[@DayOffDIY]

Ive been looking at those scan tools, how do you like it? im thinking about downloading ISTA on the laptop

[@DayOffDIY]

also, thanks for your support!

[@dxxxm231]

I don’t work on a ton of euro, mostly Japanese cars but I’ve had good luck with those KIBI gaskets. They seem quality and usually some of the cheapest available through worldpac

[@DayOffDIY]

Glad to hear it! I have good experience with Japanese products so im glad to hear that. I love worldpac

[@jonnymac1505]

Z4 3.0i E89 Many many thanks, this video saved me a ton of effort replacing the oil filter housing gaskets and tensioner/belt on my car. I done both last weekend after buying the tools that fit. Its basically an identical process from my car, I just have an second coolant pipe on the oil filter housing and a second gasket that needs replaced once the housing is removed.

[@DayOffDIY]

Glad it helped! Thanks for the comment. Sounds like you have the OFH w/ the Oil Cooler?

[@PhantomZore]

Let’s go early gang. Grab the popcorn 🍿

[@DayOffDIY]

Hell yeah, thanks for the comment partner! Appreciate the support ❤️

[@SRK-VENT]

Did you drain the oil prior to removing the oil filter housing? May sound like a dumb question but I'm looking to do this tomorrow thanks to you and your video. Thank you for being detailed bro!

[@DayOffDIY]

there are no dumb questions my friend! no need to drain the oil, if you remove the oil filter most of the oil will drain down into the pan, when you remove the housing there will only be a little bit of a mess but nothing to worry about.

[@sreeharsha201]

hi i have n52 and my ac isnt working . I have replaced the radiator fan due to some blob did the scan and told me that it was bad. But it was the coolant temp sensor. I replaced that as well. Ac compressor isnt engaging and i dont see any wear on the compressor and am able to turn it freely. I am stuck and dont know what could be the problem. I checked the fuses and they seem ok. Any pointers is appreciated

[@chubbydad23]

Hi I wonder if you can tell me where’s the location for intake air temperature sensor for 2008 bmw 328xi thanks 😢

[@cameronscanlan1620]

Rouge can 26:55 Part 2 28:10

[@DayOffDIY]

Lolololol I love these time stamps

[@steveherzner]

Should have done the idler pulley also. FCP Euro has the whole kit.

[@DayOffDIY]

Sometimes I do em, Ill have to start shopping on FCP more often!

[@steveherzner]

@@DayOffDIY you do good work dude. But definitely check out FCP Euro. They have a lifetime guarantee on EVERYTHING THEY SELL. Great Channel tho dude.

[@Watchmefam]

Can you do a video on 08 328i if you ever replace one

[@DayOffDIY]

If I ever come across another one Ill get more content for ya!

[@Vyker]

ISTA is a free download on most BMW forums, just needs a laptop with enough storage - old laptops are fine. Enet cable of course. Save some dollars.

[@DayOffDIY]

I know I need to get it for home… maybe a spare laptop is the move

[@thomasstiglich3484]

It should be mentioned that it is quite common for the Oil Cooler / Oil Filter housing gaskets to leak on the serpentine belt, which causes the belt to come off and literally get sucked into the engine by wrapping itself behind the crank pully. Should that occur, engine failure is likely.

[@DayOffDIY]

absolutely! I actually have a youtube short on my channel showing exactly that. spat the belt and it wrapped around the crankshaft. what a nightmare. Thanks for the tip thomas. great info

[@robles]

Curious if your wobble socket trick will work on an n55 engine?

[@DayOffDIY]

its been a long time but i think it just might!

[@gail6904]

what kind of wobble socket is that?E10 socket? ALSO, I am having huge trouble reaching my vanos filters to change them on my 2008 328i any suggestions? tools?

[@DayOffDIY]

Yeah I think it’s an e10 for the oil filter housing. Good to have a whole set on hand, even better is wobble e torx sockets too, but a universal joint and regular sockets will do as well

[@Adee4750]

What size is that oil filter wrench I have the same motor in my 06

[@DayOffDIY]

www.amazon.com/Ruien-86-4mm-Cartridge-Housing-Removal/dp/B07VVKSM3D/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=n52+oil+filter+tool&qid=1672382237&sprefix=n52+oil+filter%2Caps%2C207&sr=8-3 this one would work! and cheaper

[@Vyker]

Do you know if the swivel trick works on the N55 oil housing? (Bolt under manifold) I need to do that job in the spring and could do without pulling the manifold off. 👍

[@DayOffDIY]

I don’t believe so, it may, haven’t done an N55 in some time, you have to pull the intake on the N54 I believe but it’s not too bad to crack it loose at the seal.

[@iiplaya]

it does hehe

[@robles]

@@iiplayahis wobble socket trick works on e9x n55??? No need to undo intake manifold?

[@janttax8079]

i have the exact same problems! needed this

[@DayOffDIY]

Glad I could help!

[@danielvoigt3070]

I have a question. why do you leave the cars running when you clean the engine compartment??

[@DayOffDIY]

I prefer to leave it running to make sure I dont damage anything with water, if i do, I know the area that I hit as it started to run rough. Also it helps evaporate the water, and a warm engine allows the grease to fall off easier when pressure washed. Ive done it this way 100s of times with only an issue a few times from water getting int ignition coils, so i leave the cover on the valve cover. Hope that helps!

[@danielvoigt3070]

@@DayOffDIY : D you have a point. Thanks for the answer. super cool your channel keep it up. I wish you a lot of fun. see you soon

[@Adee4750]

Did you pressure wash the engine bay with the car running

[@DayOffDIY]

I did! I always do it while running

[@eTriumph0719]

Wire brush on aluminum?

[@DayOffDIY]

correct, havent had any issues with it so far. are you aware of any?

[@93_caddy_boy35]

Bro why don’t you use your your “ Day off DYI “ introductory scene with the black background and creepy music in the background as your permanent skit for all your videos.

[@DayOffDIY]

hahah i dont know... not fully in love with it, and sometimes i like getting straight to the content, no intros, no wasted time... ya know?

[@93_caddy_boy35]

@@DayOffDIY I hear ya man, every time I see this video it takes me back to when I first discovered your channel. I really love the n52 engine content , I have a 2011 328i e90. Thanks Alec!

[@DayOffDIY]

youre awesome dude, makin me nostalgic for my early content too! id love to get some more N52 content on the channel, its truly one of my favorite BMW engines. very fun to work on too. Have a great weekend friend! @@93_caddy_boy35

[@damianspears2469]

Was this the sulev

[@DayOffDIY]

no this is a different car, I forget if this was a sulev or not

[@damianspears2469]

Question I have is I have a 2003 sulev 325i. Threw both belts and having trouble finding out if the pulleys are the same from the non sulev models M54

[@captbarb6642]

Good content I've subscribed but $50 to register a battery what a rip.

[@DayOffDIY]

Agreed, i wouldve charged a 6 pack of beer, but all good!

[@73SDR]

I'm not understanding why you're using both silicone grease and spray. Seems like one would be enough.

[@DayOffDIY]

I prefer both, it just makes a really slick surface for O rings

[@15Godrick]

Great vid but please include time stamps

[@DayOffDIY]

Youre right, i havent been good on time stamps, but ill update asap, thanks for the feedback!

[@berwhaletheavenger]

I've seen those belt tensioners so worn, the belt gets thrown off backwards into the crank pulley, past the crank oil seal and actually into the engine. I'm not a fan of any N series engine tbh.

[@DayOffDIY]

Yeah I’ve picked lots of belt material out of blocks and crank seals, seen lots of them catastrophically fail, not always fun. Used to get ‘em a lot at the bmw shop. You don’t even like the N52? I like it due to its reliability, but I am not a fan of the N54 or the N55

[@berwhaletheavenger]

@@DayOffDIY N52's are OK but would be better without the electric water pump. Luckily you guys don't get the N53 (or 2.0 four cylinder N43). They have direct injection and the injectors (Piezo) are a complete disaster. So bad that neither BMW or Siemens who make them can supply new ones - you haven't been able to buy them new for around 18 months. They were about £$450 each when available. Just a nightmare.

[@toonmag50]

Excellent video. Many thanks. My wife went out and bought a BMW e91 estate car, as her diesel was no longer welcome in greater London due to the tyrant green washing BS mayor. I never liked bmws but she bought this one and it's very nice ,the engine purrs and car is very good for what she paid. Unfortunately,all the defects in your car ,her car has. I'll follow your video step by step as a driveway DIY fiddler with moderate mechanical skills NB the arse mayor is up for re election in may ,so hopefully it'll be gone Diesel back on the road !

[@DayOffDIY]

brutal! I love diesel engines. Well luckily you got a good replacement! theyre easy to work on too. if you liked this video check out my most recent upload, i fully restored a 2006 E90 with the N52 engine.

[@Katrina_L]

Hi,are you still interested in reviewing the JS3000? I haven't received reply,wondering if you missed the email.

[@DayOffDIY]

emailed you this AM :)

[@lieutenantdan8170]

Such a shame they detuned the N52 x30i cars: (255 hp 221 lb⋅ft) x28i cars: (230 hp 200 lb-ft)

[@DayOffDIY]

Truly, still a strong engine though tuned down. Good to see you in the comments again! Thanks for watching

[@TheMelvingtx]

If Ed ever wants to sell his BMW, please let me know.

[@robertasb4911]

Yeah, these parts fail on pretty much any N series engine

[@DayOffDIY]

Seen tons of em, definite weak point, but once they’re addressed I do like the N52

[@mcb1801]

I don't think so...mine just hit 200k and i just change hoses and radiator because this one gets cracked, the water pump, thermostatic are original...always use motul auto cool expert fluid when the original bmw coolant gets expired..i think it's about doing the correct maintenance..

[@neddiesturchio6041]

🙄 Promo sm

[@DayOffDIY]

Not sure what you mean

[@MT-cr1to]

Good work, little tip though. Especially on the N55. After you do the filter housing, you need to do the oil priming SIB. Ive witnessed an N55 spin a bearing 1 mile into the test drive after OFH.

[@DayOffDIY]

I’ve actually been driving an N55 while this happened right after I did an OFH, it was a nightmare, had to replace the engine

[@DayOffDIY]

Never done the oil priming before, shame on me!

[@MT-cr1to]

@@DayOffDIY all good. N52 and N54 are better, but 55 and S motors id do it. Basically just unplug injectors and coils. Crank 10 seconds. Let starter cool 20 seconds, repeat 2 more times. That way at least if something happens ya did it.

[@DayOffDIY]

@@MT-cr1to It was such a terrible experience spinning the rod bearings on a road test... got on it through a stop light after about a mile and the engine dies, i threw it in neutral and coasted to the side, attempted to refire the car and the starter began smoking :/

[@MT-cr1to]

@@DayOffDIY brutal. Thats the general rule. It can idle in the shop an hour, but that first mile is critical for whatever reason. I know of one that 1.5 mile into the test drive, stop start activated at the red light. When he took his foot off the brake for the motor to restart, siezed up! Crazy