[Tyronekndrck]

Do this type freeze plug screw in and out? It's leaking water and I'm wondering why it has star torx type insert in it. It's located on right side of engine

[dpaul]

I think those are the VANOS check valves/filters, not freeze plugs

[weehe126]

Vanos are on the left front, filters on the left side. Not sure where OP is looking.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by weehe126

Vanos are on the left front, filters on the left side. Not sure where OP is looking.

Both the N52 and N54 have VANOS filters on the right-side of the cylinderhead. The right-side of the engine is the exhaust-side (i.e. the passenger-side of the car for left-hand drive car).

That pic is of the VANOS filters, really called "non-return valve". Why the OP thinks it is leaking water is beyond me; the liquid stain doesn't even emanate from under the head of the filter. It would leak oil, not coolant. Plus there is an o-ring just under the head of the filter that would prevent any leak regardless.

If the N52 has freeze plugs, I've never seen them on either side of the block. There are two plugs on the back of the block on each side of the starter, but I'm not sure they sit in a water galley.

[Tyronekndrck]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

Both the N52 and N54 have VANOS filters on the right-side of the cylinderhead. The right-side of the engine is the exhaust-side (i.e. the passenger-side of the car for left-hand drive car).

That pic is of the VANOS filters, really called "non-return valve". Why the OP thinks it is leaking water is beyond me; the liquid stain doesn't even emanate from under the head of the filter. It would leak oil, not coolant. Plus there is an o-ring just under the head of the filter that would prevent any leak regardless.

If the N52 has freeze plugs, I've never seen them on either side of the block. There are two plugs on the back of the block on each side of the starter, but I'm not sure they sit in a water galley.

You right. I didn't know. But I think I figured how water was slinging up there. Thermostat was cracked so I'm replacing the pump and thermostat tomorrow.