Quote:
Originally Posted by mississippiBMW
...I have never replaced a crank seal. Is this a difficult procedure? I understand that I need a special tool to remove and replace the seal.
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It's NOT a difficult job on older engines I have worked on, including Jag V-12. Bentley Manual (p. 119-6 & following) makes it sound pretty bad though, with at least 6 different "BMW Special Tools" along with Loctite sealer & primer. Most auto manufacturers try to wow you with their sophistication or psych you out of doing the job yourself, so you can probably do it with several picks and a seal driver (along with the Loctite products). On most cars, removing & replacing the crank pulley & belt(s) is the hard part, along with getting proper access to do that removal.
I would suggest posting a new thread on several BMW forums (as well as doing Forum Search & Googling -- UNrigged of course ;-) asking for tips on technique without special tools.
Here is a link to a searchable pdf version of the Bentley Manual:
http://www.georgebelton.com/335i.tech/bentley.php
See also TIS Online Manual:
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/
It sounds like you have already addressed most of the usual E9x repairs, so it ought to be good for another 100,000 miles (with fluid changes such as ATF & filter). I'd fix the seal and anything else contributing to intake leak, and see how long you can enjoy your handiwork.
George