[reelop19]

Just did the vcg, valvetronic motor gasket, and spark plugs. What a PITA. My parts cost was somewhere around $150 so I saved a ton of money over taking it to a shop So anyways, if any of you guys local to Orlando need some help let me know or if you have a question just pm me. BTW the link below was super helpful (I have an 06 325i)
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=697252

[nOshi]

good stuff, lol yea most things is a pita to do on this car .... well except changing the oil.

[nOshi]

good stuff, lol yea most things is a pita to do on this car .... well except changing the oil.

[GAM]

Originally Posted by reelop19

Just did the vcg, valvetronic motor gasket, and spark plugs. What a PITA. My parts cost was somewhere around $150 so I saved a ton of money over taking it to a shop So anyways, if any of you guys local to Orlando need some help let me know or if you have a question just pm me. BTW the link below was super helpful (I have an 06 325i)
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=697252

I'm gonna do mine next week, what was the most difficult part of it? Thanks

[tphaeng]

I'll be doing my valve cover gasket soon also. What was the hardest part of the job? And what tools did you need?

[.fLip.]

read that DIY. very informative and im prob gonna change that part at the same time i do my VC gasket in a few months. id hate to have to go thru all that again just do change that little part. preventive maintenance is what keeps these suckers on the road.

[reelop19]

Honestly nothing was too hard it is just time consuming and tedious because there are so many parts, bolts, and wiring connections (clips holding those connections can be a b!tch). As far as tools I might take some time to make a good list. Off the top of my head:
Flat head screwdriver
Needle nose pliers and curved pick for clips around wiring connectors
5/8 spark plug socket if doing spark plugs
Socket set. I used 6.5 to 14 mm sockets (6.5 was for valvetronic motor bolts)
Various extensions for 1/4" and 3/8" ratchets
Definitely get swivel attachments for the ratchet for the back 3 bolts of the valve cover
Razor blade to take of any of the old gasket
Rag and solvent to clean gasket surface (I used carb cleaner)

I might think of some others later

[reelop19]

T-25 bit to wind the valvetronic motor back into place

[Viper3812]

Originally Posted by reelop19

T-25 bit to wind the valvetronic motor back into place

The valvetronic motor uses an allen 4mm I believe not a torx.

[Viper3812]

The 2006 models (N52) are slightly different than the (N52K)07+ with the rubber gasket opposed to the metal gasket. The PITA part of the 07+ is making sure the gasket does not fall out when your seating it to the head.

[reelop19]

Originally Posted by Viper3812

The valvetronic motor uses an allen 4mm I believe not a torx.

Maybe you can use a 4mm (idk) but I used a t25 and it was a perfect fit

[mlifxs]

Congrats, OP. I do hear it's a PITA. I studied up on it and decided not to DIY. Cost me just under $800 for vcg at the dealer.

My biggest concern was the breaking the breather hose. How did you manage it?

[reelop19]

Squeeze two tabs in and jimmy breather hose out (pull towards drivers side)

[Viper3812]

Originally Posted by mlifxs

Congrats, OP. I do hear it's a PITA. I studied up on it and decided not to DIY. Cost me just under $800 for vcg at the dealer.

My biggest concern was the breaking the breather hose. How did you manage it?

Ouch....

[reelop19]

$800 is why I did mine. I'm not at baller status or else I'd pay someone to do it.