Worlds Most Reliable BMW Engine?

In this video I finish building a BMW e46 M54 backup engine for @ChrisFix
I tried really hard to squeeze as much information as I could without making the video 2 hours long. I hope you enjoy it!!
Check out Jamie's Store!: ourwearhouse.com/collections/...
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Video Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:37 Upgrade oil pump
9:41 Timing chain and cover
11:23 Rear main seal
12:44 Oil pan
14:19 Water pump
15:14 Oil filter housing
16:43 Belt tensioner
17:28 Harmonic Balancer
18:53 Oil return check valve
19:37 Cylinder head gasket
20:34 Piston return springs
21:15 Cylinder head
22:55 Exhaust manifold studs
23:59 DISA valve upgrade
28:49 Intake manifold prep with injectors and CCV
31:21 Vanos Rebuild
34:30 Camshafts and lifters
35:54 Setting up timing
38:34 Installing vanos
39:32 Spark plugs
39:47 Valve cover
40:12 Thermostat
40:19 Intake cam sensor
40:29 Coolant pipes
40:48 Knock sensors
41:06 Vanos oil supply line
41:15 Upgraded pulleys
41:22 Intake manifold
41:29 dipstick tube with "racing" dipstick
41:48 Preparing to ship with custom built stand and box
42:46 Delivery and wrap up
Consider subscribing, Thank you!
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Upgraded parts used in this video:
- Oil pump upgrade bit.ly/3ntLLEK
- "racing" oil pump chain bit.ly/3Abqzef
- "racing" timing chain bit.ly/3a91FkR
- Water pump bit.ly/3OyC4AY
- DISA Rebuild Kit bit.ly/3I0OK0Q
- Vanos Rebuild kit bit.ly/3Nxu7L9
- Vanos Rattle Rings bit.ly/3ntPq5s
- Aluminum water / power steering pump pulley kit bit.ly/3AiSadA
- Piston return springs bit.ly/3y1oQFT
- Beru spark plugs bit.ly/3AeVdDt
- Braided ss vanos supply line bit.ly/3NB0dWa
- Silicone radiator hoses bit.ly/3a0dmdR
- Racing Billet Aluminum Dipstick bit.ly/3QYNwar
- WPC treated rod bearings bit.ly/3y7z8UO
- WPC treated main bearings bit.ly/3OUlYS3
- Forged Pistons bit.ly/3OUm4Jp
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Replacement parts in this video
- Oil pan gasket bit.ly/3bDzXgF
- Timing cover gaskets bit.ly/3y37yrO
- Timing chain tensioner bit.ly/3NvgADQ
- Oil level sensor bit.ly/3nrZZ9h
- Rear main seal bit.ly/3OPhDiJ
- front crank seal bit.ly/3Nym4xv
- Head bolt kit bit.ly/3ywvxAY
- Head bolt washers bit.ly/3u803Ph
- Head gasket bit.ly/3bzvN9w
- Head gasket +.3mm bit.ly/3I3Y1pd
- Harmonic balancer bit.ly/3OE3Tbe
- Lifters bit.ly/3OvFDaY
- Injectors https bit.ly/3R5iTQI
- Intake manifold gaskets bit.ly/3I0pWGs
- Crankcase vent valve kit bit.ly/3a3urU4
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Supplies and tools used in this video
- Detailing brush amzn.to/3I2ARiM
- Engine assembly lube: amzn.to/3uc51KR
- Degreaser (not the same as I use but will work the same) amzn.to/3NwPzQ8
- M54 timing tool kit bit.ly/3QYzdCN
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**Consider Subscribing to / jamiesgarage1
--I really appreciate it!
---As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Jamie is the Owner of Elite Motor Works in Sarasota Florida, Check out his social media in the links below:
-- TikTok: / jamiesgarage
-- Jamie’s Garage Instagram: / jamiesgarageofficial
Check out Jamie’s Shop Elite Motor Works
-- Elite Motor Works Website: www.elitemotorworks.net
-- Elite Motor Works Instagram: / elitemotorworksfl
-- Elite Motor Works Facebook: / benzandbmwrepair
-- Elite Motor Works KZbin Channel: / benzandbmwrepair

[@chrisfix]

This video was an awesome wrap up to a really cool collab! So with those spec piston return spins, hypothetically speaking, how much boost can this engine take?

[@JamiesGarage1]

Approximately 42 Nibbles of pressure at 350 furmans above sea level.

[@danieltv1943]

The spring has returned :"")

[@mustafaz5893]

We wait long time for this video. Thanks

[@mohammedsafar3155]

Oh god does this mean…..

[@tinpony9424]

Until Jamie's technical explanation of piston return springs, I thought ChrisFix was just giving a flex by using them.

[@texannationalist5887]

as someone who owns an e46, seeing this engine with no oil or grime on it makes it completely unrecognizable as an m54. i honestly didn't know they were bright silver like that

[@aqib2000]

Lol you’ve never seen a VW PD (diesel)

[@josephz4573]

I thought they were black from factory

[@YorkyPudinz]

Bad service history.

[@MDM1992]

The m54 is a truly great, reliable and beautiful engine, well worth spending the extra time and money to keep in good order. And they handle a turbo like it was meant to be and words can't express how fun they are with boost. Even if your not a BMW fan, these engines are well worth swapping into another shell, though I've always liked my e46's personally of all shapes and sizes (except the compact of course) currently own a boosted 325ci and a boosted 330i touring, wouldn't change that either, why buy new cars when you can buy new parts lol the touring has taken some serious abuse in the shell department though so will be needing a new one of those soon, but pre facelifts without a sun roof are getting hard to find these days, too many kids drifting them into walls and barriers every five minutes which saddens me.

[@xankpc]

@@MDM1992 ha yup took me about a year and a half to find a single decent pre facelift e46 for 3k that Didnt have a welded diff or missing fender….very happy to own this car at 20

[@htownblue11]

Piston return springs are absolutely a necessity for a client as special as Chris. They compliment the harmonic balancer I’ve read. Jamie you really are an elite level musician….i mean mechanic😀😂😅🤣

[@JamiesGarage1]

😂

[@lucasniemeyer3381]

@@JamiesGarage1 2:59 There would be a better way of measuring in this case: You have to use the backside of the caiipers. there are two "steps" that show up if you open it... I cant describe it by word very good, otherwise you have to look it up

[@eduardocapamadjian6031]

please link to get does springs

[@juanignaciocaino]

@@lucasniemeyer3381 this would be the perfect application for a machinist's ruler, a dept gage like the starrett 237 or something like that. You don't rely on the veniers caliper crowfoot for a precise measurement.

[@mikesavage8379]

36:25 A is for Exhaust, E is for intake

[@alli333o]

Exactly. Auslass = exhaust Einlass = intake

[@JamiesGarage1]

Yep, I said it backwards.. I got it correct in the engine teardown video though. lol

[@TopDedCenter]

A = auspuff

[@alli333o]

@@TopDedCenter ähh... was? :D definitiv nicht.

[@dikecastle4476]

@@alli333o einlass und auspuff seite, nicht auslass

[@panzerveps]

I did the piston return spring upgrade on my mk4 Jetta, and I can confirm that this is one of the best upgrades you can do to your engine. Since the engine use less energy to return the pistons, you will also see significantly reduced fuel consumption.

[@JamiesGarage1]

Just make sure you get the mark 4 piston return springs for your mk4 Jetta

[@ShopLifeTV]

Engine build and the video both came out amazing! Even if Chris doesn’t use the engine it will make for a great display piece with how clean and new everything looks!

[@JamiesGarage1]

Thanks dude! 🤘

[@GhostMan2013]

Actually, For this endurance race engine you should have used the 240 spring rate return springs it will increase the horsepower by 69%.

[@JamiesGarage1]

Yes but the downside is increased gauge deflection and everyone knows how much tension that causes on the belt diaphragm.

[@shepshepson]

Sorry to point it out, but you BETTER make sure you got your muffler bearings greased, and in tip-top shape in order to keep your exhaust sounding like a genuine race-car.

[@DummyDumDum542]

Yeah, and dont forget to get stiffer springs for those piston return springs as well!

[@bagelbandit6076]

@@shepshepson first off, this is not Jaime’s car. Second off, the owner of the cat has multiple videos on common problems like said muffler bearing and blinker fluid (especially in these BMWs). I’m sure ChrisFix has it all taken care of.

[@shepshepson]

@@bagelbandit6076 lol yes

[@mattstorr]

I wish I had time, tools. location and knowledge to do work like this. Love the attention to detail and the breadth of knowledge in terms of where the attention to potential problem areas are. You make it look so straightforward (I know it isnt!). Video editing and positioning of shots is perfect for someone like me wanting to understand more.

[@rhettkroninger7018]

This is incredible. I loved watching this entire series.

[@grahammcallister7743]

I really loved this series, great explanation and visual for each step and it’s nice to get expert knowledge on what needs upgraded and replaced. Would love to see maybe more engine content like this 🥺

[@tristanthompson8032]

I started watching slightly before you did this for Chris but I'm liking seeing your channel grow, quality is compatible to Stephan's

[@gfrom085]

Your caliper can take four kinds of readings: outside, inside, depth, and step. Yes step measurement with the back end of the jaw and the dial/screen frame! I love your content man! I was so exited for part 3! Beautifully delivered!

[@sm0kzor]

I love the way you explain things, clean and simple as it should be, i'm learning a lot from you. you're awesome Jamie

[@lordjaashin]

BMW cars - where customers have to upgrade components in the car engine to make it drive able

[@jatoxo]

Yea, finally undestood the importance of piston return springs

[@dazeboy79]

Jamie is DA MAN!! Great rebuild sir!!

[@rossszabo3748]

Jamie keep up the amazing content, then post notifications come handy to see your awesome content!

[@ashtonm.3825]

There are some people who are born with the gift of expression and communication. You my friend were definitely blessed with that. I can listen to your explanations for hours. You are such an amazing presenter. I hope you keep producing your amazing videos. Thank You!

[@reiannaidoo]

Now that's how you rebuild an engine. Perfection on every detail. Just so satisfying to watch.

[@dobbygfred8452]

An awesome rebuild! Those piston return springs would be best complimented with the Brock Energy Polariser that aligns molecules for top racing performance.

[@dasfahrer8187]

20:35 ... You need to use spring compressor to install those properly, otherwise they can create too much angular wall pressure and blow the gasket nipple. BMW makes a tool for it, but it's $420.69.

[@killuminati2112]

Nice

[@tomsbondars]

Gasket nipple 😂😂😂

[@joeishere500]

im even shocked to see springs , i not even know they can put springs to sit on top of the pistons . im not even sure how it works like that but how would you even use a tool as the head has to be on

[@L3xou97]

@@joeishere500 that's a joke. Chrisfix used to make jokes every 1st april. Like changing blinker fluid and stuff.

[@L3xou97]

This might also blow the engine brake pads up and the PRNDL

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

Thanks for sharing the involved process of resolving the "weaknesses" of the BMW engine to make it more reliable. All three videos show you every step you took to make this engine as reliable as you could.

[@pezzrod]

Gotta say I watch a lot of car stuff on KZbin, but this is by far the most satisfying and exactly how I would do things myself. Kudos!

[@goodfth]

Thanks Jamie, the level of detail in this assembly video is great! I’ve been slowly refurbishing my E53 3.0i 5 speed and this helps me prepare for some of my upcoming tasks.

[@JamiesGarage1]

Thank you for watching! I really appreciate it 👊

[@jeroen1914]

27:50 ... never smear loctite or silicone or any substance on the female part, doing this will always scrape of most of the substance and it can block the port. If you smear it onto the male part the excess will scrape off outwards and it wont get into the hole or whatever part it is you are connecting.

[@dank8489]

I bought a 330i as a track car project a while ago and to have a series like this is incredible! I really enjoy the quick, to the point delivery and its inspired me to get moving on my project!

[@SahilSharma-bt5vs]

So satisfying to watch as parts go into each other like hand and glove

[@abbashaider8668]

Take a shot every time Jamie says ‘this is a common failing point’

[@JamiesGarage1]

🥃

[@jesusfernandez5632]

Good one :)

[@Ratkill9000]

And I wouldnt be surprised if it wasn't a common failure point.

[@Ephoros]

Sorry, i blacked out. Did i miss the piston spring instalation?

[@brenton9492]

You explain yourself very well and with great detail. Makes it easy to follow, thanks for videos

[@JamiesGarage1]

Thanks for watching!

[@ttbalog]

Your attention to detail is out of this world. Well done, man!

[@FriesenAutomotive]

I enjoy the in depth explanations. Keep doing them, KZbin needs more of that.

[@DannysGarage]

Another fun tip for studs is to buy N54 exhaust studs, they work for all M5x engines and have little e-torx ends on them which makes installing them a total breeze.

[@chadriddle3517]

Jamie! 430k subs ! Super fast growth! But it’s well deserved is why.’ Your channel is amazing..Absolutely love this m54 content . E46

[@JamiesGarage1]

Thanks dude. It’s been growing like crazy. I’m glad you like the content 👊

[@SupraSav]

Channels like this deserve all the followers and likes in the world.. Hate those commercial/flashy/showy automotive channels that get everyone else to do all their work and steal all the limelight. Thanks for making an awesome, detailed video of this. I don't even own this platform.

[@bettybutler8306]

The reveal of the completed engine with the ChrisFix logo is icing on the cake. Excellent detail. Great job as always!

[@krunker7371]

The goat back with another vid! 🐐

[@Vass046]

Brilliant video man! In the middle of an M54 rebuild myself so this has been a great summary of the work, especially some of the upgrades were good to know. BUT regarding the camshafts, you did install them correctly but got the comment mixed up. E is for intake, A is for exhaust. Don't imagine you can install them that way anyway but best to clarify. Keep up the top work, loving the channel!

[@CrAzZyTheCodingBoss]

[@janthom91]

Einlauf = inlet and Auspuff = exhaust. Had the same problem with a MAK M32 where our apprentice managed to adjust the valve clearance wrong because he thought the A meant air and the E meant exhaust. Luckily we found out before we started the engine.

[@_bimmerfun639]

That is right. E = "Einlass" = Intake side; A = "Auslass" = Exhaust side

[@LSmiata]

Nice catch! I was also worried at video 36:15 into video. And it is wrong to complain about markings. This is a German vehicle. Respect the language of the engineers that produced this engine! Hopefully, this was caught and caps between intake and exhaust are not compatible. YIKES! At ~36:48 in video, looks like he got it correct, but explained backwards. Can see timing chain for "A" cam and caps on exhaust side of engine......wow.....very scary! P-Chi

[@hectorfmaldonado5875]

A real Master Mechanic, builds a master piece. And what a remarkable production, for the video. Thank you very much guys.

[@taz391]

The most satisfying video on KZbin to date. Can’t wait to get mine rebuilt. Much love from the UK 🇬🇧

[@rogerhinman5427]

Came here because of ChrisFix. Staying here because this rocks.

[@JamiesGarage1]

Thanks dude!

[@kozmaz87]

For them sticky labels: grab a spraybottle of isopropyl alcohol soak the label with it and try to catch one of its corners and pull gently. Keep spraying the underside of the label while pulling it up and away. It comes completely clean off. What's more it does not hurt the adhesive just deactivates is and it will re-stick those antitamper stickers pose no problem to this method.

[@paulgarcia458]

I like videos like this where they get straight to point n don't waste no time, good info!

[@rjordansr65]

You shop is Super clean!! Great content and outstanding upgrades!!

[@MrCourty89]

Firstly I want to say the quality of your build is 10/10, as someone who builds BMW engines and auto transmissions in the UK I can really appreciate the attention to detail you have gone too. There's just one issue I picked up on from your voice over regarding the camshaft caps fitting order. You said that the A caps were for intake and the E caps were for exhaust but you got this the wrong way round, I know it was just a mistake as in the video the A caps are fitted correctly to the exhaust side. I don't know if this can easily be edited into a video that's already up but thought I'd let you know but it's a great video nonetheless.

[@iHelpSolveIt]

A dyslexic error🤣 no wait, left hand drive side, not right.😆

[@JamiesGarage1]

Exactly 😂

[@Dawsel21]

It's kind of opposite of what you would think, the “E” is for the Intake and the “A” is for the Exhaust just in german

[@rabbitdrink]

gonna be einsomething and aussomething

[@nostrasimpus8359]

These M54 vids are great. Excellent explanations with great camera work. Subscribed

[@WildDigger]

Very educational video. I have built plenty of old school American V8 engines in my time. This was a different experience to watch. Great work!

[@FAB1150]

I find it fascinating how fast those 45 minutes passed. Great video! Also just a quick question, do you think installing piston return springs could help my Peugeot 206+ reach 500hp? Its 1.1L engine currently makes 60 but I reckon that with a bit of boost and the springs we could do it

[@JamiesGarage1]

You can do anything you put PRS to. 🤘

[@magictrickdev]

20 minutes deep, spaced out, tired, and ya'll almost got me on the piston return springs. We both know 240 springs are much better for high performance applications.

[@CrAzZyTheCodingBoss]

This is built for reliability imo

[@joeishere500]

shit man ,,,, i not even now about using springs ..

[@MatarM0]

i was watching with my dad when this clip showed up we almost believed it xd!

[@tcpnetworks]

That's a fine engine build there. The attention to detail is fantastic.

[@Bd73551]

Love how clean and organized your shop is!!!

[@aliciaAnthonySandoval2011]

Piston return springs🤣 you forgot the blinker fluid🤦🏽‍♂️🤣or the muffler bearings🤣🤣🤣

[@Lipitoarea]

I hope Chris does not uses this engine.. this is a masterpiece for display only! Gg. Hard work!

[@ezeeboy]

Invaluable information. Thank you so much sir!!

[@petersgarage6125]

What a great video. That engine will stand the test of time. Perfection.

[@rane2324]

12:17 smoothly cut to flip the rear main seal gasket around

[@JamiesGarage1]

Camera magic 😉

[@KenMrKLC]

I scrolled comments before posting figuring someone else def noticed also... I loved the camera fade away while spinning the bolt into the gasket which was just up against the gasket because the hole wasn't there lol

[@tsurutuneado5981]

21:05 I can see from the barcode that you got the premium "πston return springs"

[@JamiesGarage1]

Only the best

[@simonbailey2151]

Thanks. I always wondered what the windage tray was for. Great concise explanation.

[@512TXSDIY]

Wow! Love it. I like how clean your work area is.

[@renardarctique]

Personally I would have gone with 110 piston return springs for better fuel economy, otherwise nice build!

[@williamsnyder193]

"No special tools needed here" *uses hydraulic press* 😂

[@JamiesGarage1]

You got me on that one! Lol

[@williamsnyder193]

Cool to see the whole assembly like this! Thanks for the video

[@2010ngojo]

What, you don't have a mutli-ton hydraulic press lying around, just in case you need to build an engine?

[@cptgarlic4955]

Engine looks great, and don't worry about the cleaning habbit, everyone I know who builds engines does that so there is no chance for debree to fall into it. And it looks neat.

[@wiseman1688]

I learned soo much from this video, the details, and take time to explain in detail. Love how you keep your shop so nice and clean. Can't wait for your next video, keep up the good work.

[@JamiesGarage1]

Thank you so much!

[@tiger75ify]

The engine looks awesome! What I don’t get is how the cost of this engine with all its upgrades fits in the budget that Chris had to comply with.

[@maxminutiae1170]

It’s a replacement engine in case the factory engine fails, that’s legal for the race he’s using it for.

[@busterscrugs]

since it's not in the car, it technically isn't part of the "$500" budget. if they put it in before the race then it'd count.

[@tiger75ify]

Thanks for info!

[@Mr.Nabil.Belhaj]

The after market and repair shops are doing BMW's job for them by engineering better parts. Legend says that the best BMW engine is the one built by Toyota 😂

[@Christopher_Jason]

idk the M5x Motors are pretty bullet proof even in stock form with maintenance

[@Andy-by2jx]

Great video glad someone finally covered the return springs.

[@quinnemery1228]

Really clean work man. Good job.

[@seandillon3340]

$500 lemon race and they have very expensive rebuild and upgraded secondary engine... 🤔

[@motube2389]

How’s this legal to ChrisFix competition 😬 Isn’t supposed to be a $1000 build or something This bullet engine cost 5k easy

[@TheJanis1993]

thank you for this . i couldnt sleep and a motor build especially if its m52 or m54 for me is the best relaxation.

[@Naranjas1160]

I love all the handy tools he has like the spinning the wire tool to keep the nut from backing off the fuel pump sprocket

[@stephenanderson1103]

Watched this M54 B30 video series twice so far!!! Excellent

[@cpfb68]

I'm not a huge BMW guy but totally respect them. You are an excelent mechanic and I appricate your OCD cleaning everything! I woudl do exactly the same thing! GReat video and great rebuild!

[@MagnumX2000]

Getting ready to swap my m54, so I will be following this guide very soon

[@dazeboy79]

great job and thanks for sharing!! loved it!

[@Mzwandile_Makhowane]

This way too impressive man! WOW!!! How I wish I could ship my own M54 To be rebuilt by your awesomeness. JUST BRILLIANT! 🙌🙌🙌

[@louiscardinale1701]

Thank you Jamie, and Chris.

[@avrel820]

Amazing work you definitely know what you are doing. Can't wait to see a new video :-)

[@ntsikha]

Great series and a great collab Brother. Enjoyed every bit of it.

[@Raven-rl7gj]

Vert technical Jamie. It was interesting to watch. Great videography from your dad too!

[@peevee605]

Big Up for the attention to detail, dude. Superb work.

[@zimmy700]

I love your work Jamie, clean precise, informative, meticulous. Well done man 🙌🏻

[@JamiesGarage1]

Thanks

[@machtschnell7452]

Well done and you covered a lot of little things most builders ignore or gloss over.

[@JohnChuprun]

Ever since seeing this video - I had to give Return Springs a try. After a few months testing, I get much better gas mileage and it runs so much smoother. TY for that tip.

[@BryanClementi]

This is so amazing! I had heard about Chris Fix's race car. I'll have to check out your video history but hopefully you have a video made on how to rebuild an M50 motor! I'm going to tackle that project very soon. Great video!

[@31acruz]

Wow.. I have to say I have been very impressed with how thorough and conscientious you are about your work. You are not a mechanic sir, you are a craftsman! If I ever have my BMW 2.3 Z3 engine rebuilt it will go to YOU. Really, great work ethic and attention to detail. BTW, I am like you, when I take something apart I "can not" put it back dirty, often I clean it make it look new or even paint it if applicable. lol

[@Giuseppe_De_Bellis]

What a video! Keep up the great work! Cheers from Italy! :)

[@edwardkarran4963]

Loved this video, very interesting and satisfying seeing the rebuild.

[@martinpavser3211]

Excellent video! Very detailed and thorough explanation!

[@juanignaciocaino]

Never seen piston return springs before! I love your OCD on everything else.

[@ibrahimmoussa3711]

You just put a standard for m54 rebuild, thanks for your effort really appreciated 👍

[@TheGrandtheftautops3]

11:27 I saw that, backwards gasket. Glad that you noticed it too.

[@J4rn0]

Realy enjoyed this series, thanks

[@Nneoh1]

This series is so amazing!

[@kvng.camzzz2123]

Loved this series!!!

[@johns.townsendv6203]

Really enjoyed this series. I'm honestly surprised you went with head bolts and not stronger head studs.

What a great series.Thank you.

[@dasfahrer8187]

Zip ties on the gasket is clever.

[@pop_smoke1453]

this engine looks like a new engine and Chris will be sow happy when he gets his engine and i love your videos

[@marksantos2276]

Jamie this was AWESOME thank you

[@nelsonjackson5835]

Nice to watch I'm glad I'm not having to do that to my car yet. I seen you put the rear main seal gasket on backwards nevermind you still done a 10 10 job

[@TheCamstillworksout]

When you started talking spring stats, I felt like I was watching that Rockwell Automation Retro Encabulator video 😅

[@jacobwilson7363]

Ive been waiting for this video forever 👍