[E91WAG3N]

Originally Posted by M-technik-3

Thanks for the part number, I just ordered one as well, what knob are you using? I plan to use a ZHP knob.

Very nice!

I have the stock M Sport knob which I quite like but I’m going to mix things up a bit. Deciding between the OEM golf ball, M5 ZHP, and Performance knob. I may buy all 3 and occasionally rotate. Tires first though!

[mattpete13]

Thanks brother. Just did oil change yesterday 🤣
Too damn cold to be working now without a garage! I have the OEM m sport knob too and like it's unusual shape. I've had the MP knob and it's ok. I'm planning to go w the ZHP at some point. It will match my M3 steering wheel much better.

[E91WAG3N]

Originally Posted by mattpete13

Thanks brother. Just did oil change yesterday ��
Too damn cold to be working now without a garage! I have the OEM m sport knob too and like it's unusual shape. I've had the MP knob and it's ok. I'm planning to go w the ZHP at some point. It will match my M3 steering wheel much better.

It's not particularly fun in a cold garage (by Las Vegas standards in the 30's and 40's), can't blame you for not wanting to work totally exposed to the cold!

You really can't go wrong with any of the BMW offerings. I've had about 8 years with the M Sport knob between my E92, E82, and current E91 so I'm due for a change. Prior to that I had a ZHP knob on E36s, loved that as well.

[E91WAG3N]

This past weekend the Sparkling Graphite car got some attention. I flushed the brakes and went to replace the Eccentric Shaft Sensor gasket however...



It was dry as a bone which meant something else was causing the leak.





A valve cover gasket is on order. There is oil pooling in the cover recesses and a couple drops seeping into one of the spark plug chambers. It's a bit surprising considering the previous owner replaced the valve cover and gasket roughly 5 years and 40k miles ago.

In any case, with the holidays I won't get my parts until 2021 so I put everything mostly back together for now.



Prior to pulling all of the engine bay beauty covers off, we took a trip down to Nelson ghost town which is about an hour south of Vegas.

[M-technik-3]

That is one of my next jobs,Valve cover gasket and the front strut replacements. I am hoping that my choice of oem Sachs is not a mistake but they lasted 100k.

Why are the 161's back on Sparkling? I thought it was wearing the 194's?

[E91WAG3N]

Originally Posted by M-technik-3

That is one of my next jobs,Valve cover gasket and the front strut replacements. I am hoping that my choice of oem Sachs is not a mistake but they lasted 100k.

Why are the 161's back on Sparkling? I thought it was wearing the 194's?

Where were you able to find Sachs struts? I can only seem to find the rear shocks and started looking at Koni SA's to put on Sparky. They can still be had through BMW but they're $$$. I want a cushier OE+ ride on that car.

In regards to the wheel situation, It's a long and rather stupid story but I had the Pilot Sport All Seasons mounted on the 161s prior to locating my second set of 260s. Right now I have the 194's on the black car and 161s on the Sparkling Graphite. Once I have tires for the 260's I'll do a big wheel and tire switch-a-roo. I did order a wheel/tire rack for the garage to at least contain the mess

[M-technik-3]

I got them at eEuroparts part number 311405 and 311406 less than 100 each. I want to add a wheel machine into my garage but I don't have the floor space.

[mattpete13]

Originally Posted by E91WAG3N

This past weekend the Sparkling Graphite car got some attention. I flushed the brakes and went to replace the Eccentric Shaft Sensor gasket however...



It was dry as a bone which meant something else was causing the leak.

Mind sharing that gasket part number as well? Any insight on replacing without breaking anything? Specific tools?

Pulled my engine cover the other day as I noticed some oil and it looks like the ESS gasket is leaking. I had the valve cover gasket done 20k miles ago so I'm relieved it's not that but I'm hoping I can change this gasket myself.

Thanks again for all the help!

Matthew

[M3_Legend]

Love your build!! Ps do you have the rears wheel for the M3 still?

[E91WAG3N]

Originally Posted by mattpete13

Mind sharing that gasket part number as well? Any insight on replacing without breaking anything? Specific tools?

Pulled my engine cover the other day as I noticed some oil and it looks like the ESS gasket is leaking. I had the valve cover gasket done 20k miles ago so I'm relieved it's not that but I'm hoping I can change this gasket myself.

Thanks again for all the help!

Matthew

Part number for the gasket is 11127559699. There are a couple different valve covers, I'd recommend reviewing realoem for your build date to get the correct one.

I'll be doing the valve cover gasket this weekend and should have some feedback on the install. Looks like it should just pop off with a pocket screwdriver or trim removal tool.

Originally Posted by M3_Legend

Love your build!! Ps do you have the rears wheel for the M3 still?

Thanks!

I have 4 Style 260 rears in addition to the 4 fronts now. Undecided on what to do considering how (apparently) rare they are.

[mattpete13]

many thanks!!

[eljay]

Originally Posted by mattpete13

Mind sharing that gasket part number as well? Any insight on replacing without breaking anything? Specific tools?

Pulled my engine cover the other day as I noticed some oil and it looks like the ESS gasket is leaking. I had the valve cover gasket done 20k miles ago so I'm relieved it's not that but I'm hoping I can change this gasket myself.

Thanks again for all the help!

Matthew

The ESS gasket is a press-fit. To remove it, don't use anything sharp. Ideally a flat angled pick to work around it and lift it evenly out of the valve cover.
To install, press it down into the opening and again, ideally using a large socket and tapping on it lightly to ensure it goes down evenly.

[E91WAG3N]

Originally Posted by eljay

The ESS gasket is a press-fit. To remove it, don't use anything sharp. Ideally a flat angled pick to work around it and lift it evenly out of the valve cover.
To install, press it down into the opening and again, ideally using a large socket and tapping on it lightly to ensure it goes down evenly.

Great advice! There's a pretty solid pictorial over on Pelican, as well. Definitely don't want to mare the valve cover surface when removing the old gasket.

[mattpete13]

Curious if you have any thoughts on brakes? I'm due for pads and rotors soon and have been thinking about upgrades. Don't want to break the bank as this is a daily car but wouldn't mind something fresh.

You have great insight into these cars!

[E91WAG3N]

Originally Posted by mattpete13

Curious if you have any thoughts on brakes? I'm due for pads and rotors soon and have been thinking about upgrades. Don't want to break the bank as this is a daily car but wouldn't mind something fresh.

You have great insight into these cars!

There's quite a few routes but the best bang for the buck is a 335 upgrade in my opinion. I have a set of calipers in need of refinishing and a rebuild and I also picked up a pair of F30 front backing plates. I'll use Z4 floating rotors for the front, standard for the rear and am undecided on pads.

StraightSixAutoparts was advertising 335 front calipers for $100 shipped. I'm sure a deal could be had to include the rears as well.

Another plug and play option is the OE Performance/135i setup. Others have gone with F30 M Performance brakes which require some modification at the rear.

Once the tires and Style 260s are mounted and the suspension is tackled on the Graphite car, I'll likely shift my focus to the brake retrofit. My current setup is fine with life left in them still.

[mattpete13]

I knew you'd have some good suggestions! Never knew about the 135i setup. Thanks!!

[E91WAG3N]

Originally Posted by mattpete13

I knew you'd have some good suggestions! Never knew about the 135i setup. Thanks!!

It's an option but I've read that the pistons can crack on the 135i/performance calipers under high heat (track) situations. The 335i setup seems to be more reliable in that regard, plus I already had them on my prior E92 and was happy with their performance. After market pads of my choosing along with the Z4 floaters up front should be the perfect setup for my needs.

[E91WAG3N]

Two weekends ago I had all the parts in hand to begin replacing the valve cover gasket on the Sparkling Graphite car. I've had numerous challenges and am half way through the job at this point between "working on the car" (more like uncovering poor work by someone else), making matters worse myself, and waiting for new parts and tools to arrive. The combination of 15 year old brittle parts and someone previously playing world's strongest man with repairs has made this quite the adventure.

Ruined parts:

• Coil pack release pull
• Rounded VC torx bolt
• Crankcase breather hose
• Valvetronic gasket
• Valve cover gasket

My new under hood work light was nice, though!


Let's start with all the broken stuff:

Coilpack still works fine, no misfires, CEL, etc.. but someone physically manhandled the pull tab and snapped it off. Of course it was on the cylinder closest to the firewall which made it fun to remove.


Now to the bain of my existence for the last couple weeks, the bolt at the rear passenger side of the valve cover. Access is super tight. The torx bolt was rounded off and I made it even worse using a Harbor Freight T10. I really thought I was stuck at this point. I tried using a more snugly fitting BluePoint socket borrowed from a friend, an 8mm, various wrenches, locking pliers, and an easy out bit. All attempts were without success over the course of a week. I finally figured force was the answer and I attached an 8mm to a long wobbly extension and hammed the thing down onto the bolt. I was able to crank the bolt loose!




At this point I was able to wiggle valve cover free, 2 weeks after I started the job.


I used the hose clamp trick on the rear heater hose, however it was so brittle that it snapped AFTER I had it off of the valve cover. Sigh.


I'm really happy with how clean it is for 125k. It definitely looks like it's had frequent oil changes and quality gas through its entire life. Finally some good news


Next up, cleaning the valve cover and removing the old gaskets. The cover itself was replaced in 2015 and was in good condition with no cracks. The leak was coming from the middle 2 cylinder gasket and the valvetronic gasket.


New parts pile


New seals


Old junk


I just put in another parts order for the replacement breather tube, the correct replacement bolt on the VC (ordered the wrong one last week), and I decided to go ahead and replace the spark plugs while I'm in there. The plugs are only 30k old but 2 of them had fairly gunky tops from the leak, so why not replace. I also have a spare brand new Bosch N52 coil pack on hand that will go in.

I'm hoping I can remove the alternator and sneak the breather tube out and back in vs. removing the manifold. I'll buy a 3IM if I have to go down that rabbit hole.

All I can say halfway through this job is that I miss my S52!!! Clearances are super tight on this chassis and there is so much in the way. Wobble extensions and proper tools are your friend. I'm going to start investing in SnapOn or BluePoint sockets after this debacle. FCP Euro had a great DIY video that walks you through step by step and advises of all the perils. I would highly recommend watching for anyone looking to tackle the job. Luckily, we don't need the car to be up and running with the pandemic and WFH so I'm able to chip away at this project. It's been a pain but is still the preferred route over paying someone $500-750 in LABOR to do it. I'd much rather spend a few hundred bucks on some new tools and be ready for the job on the black car.

For the record I have pulled an engine in this very garage so I'm not a complete novice. E9X are just a bit of a pain in the butt to work on. In any case, it's still rewarding for me to work on cars.

[E91WAG3N]

The work on the Sparkling Graphite continues. First things first -



My FCP Euro arrived with new

• Valve Cover Bolt
• Crankcase Breather Hose
• Serpentine Belt
• Alternator Mounting Screw Set
• Spark Plugs

First off, I maneuvered the valve cover back into position. It really helped to spend a few minutes loosening the cowl. Wiggling the valve cover out was fairly easy but trying to get it back in, while keeping the gasket on was tricky. Worth the extra few minutes removing the wipers and cowl to have some more wiggle room.



Next, had to pull the airbox and alternator to get the broken crankcase breather hose out and snake the new one in. It was tight but there was enough room to maneuver and pop the old one off and new hose in. My iPhone got all artsy with the installed picture!!





Figured I'd replace the serpentine belt while I had the old one off. What a crappy design the N52 has, yet again. Total pain in the butt to keep tension off while installing the new one.





New plugs while everything was apart. Cyl 3 and 4 had oil collected on them from the leak. These were last replaced at 97,000 miles almost exactly 4 years ago. Can't believe BMW recommends some ridiculous interval like 75,000 miles.



I put everything except for the plastic covers and cowl that extends over the engine bay then took it for a spray down over at the local self service wash. I've driven it about 25 miles so far and no issues. I'll put all the rest of the plastics (strut bars are back in) on after a few hundred miles so I can monitor for leaks.



I'm really happy I'm done with the job and even with the extra parts and tools I bought along the way, including a new inch pound torque wrench, I'm still way under what it would have cost if I gave up and had a shop do it.

After all is said and done, I have the valve cover leak sorted, new plugs, and accessory belt. Lessons learned: Harbor Freight torx are junk, and I could do the job a lot quicker the second time around. Wobbly extensions are your friend on this job and the FCP Euro video on the job was much more helpful than the Bentley Manual. And finally can't believe the jerk that manhandled the repair last time around. Rounding bolts and snapping the coil plug pull.

And PS, the N52 ticked SOOOO bad when it first started up. I was 90% convinced I broke something. I've left E36s sit for a long time and they never have this much noise when they fire up after a slumber. Rough idle yes, but they never sounded like a diesel like this N52 did. Sounds normal now after 24 hours and some driving.

Up next...
[ ] Annual oil service on the unicorn
[ ] Suspension overhaul on Sparkling Graphite, likely going with Koni S/A and OE springs and new everything for the install.

[M-technik-3]

Nice write up sorry to hear of your pains during this what should be a simple job.

[E91WAG3N]

Originally Posted by M-technik-3

Nice write up sorry to hear of your pains during this what should be a simple job.

Glad to hear it was entertaining to read, at least! If it weren't for all the roadblocks I could do the job in a day no problem.

[E91WAG3N]

Last weekend I added another wagon to my garage!

It left the factory nearly 250k miles ago as a 2002 525i automatic in Titan Silver over gray leather. It was highly optioned with sport package, self leveling suspension, xenons, heated electric seats, sunroof, and M steering wheel.

I've actually known the car for about 4 years since my good friend and prior owner rescued it as an almost non-runner. The guy he bought it from had questionably modded it and had halfway completed a 5 speed swap. Anyways, my friend bought it, completed the manual conversion and ultimately discovered valve damage once he got it running. He ended up sourcing a junkyard M54B30 with around 150k miles on it, refreshed it and swapped it in. My friend got most everything sorted and used it as a daily and slowly let some deferred maintenance pile up as he focused his attention on his E30 (S52 swapped) and bikes.

We've joked through the years that I'd end up owning the car some day and sure enough he was looking to downsize his collection and get a new Tacoma. The timing worked out and a deal was struck!









I'm really excited about the car as it has lots of potential. It's definitely a rolling project at this point, though.

The good

• It's a wagon!!!!
• It has 3 pedals!!! Clutch is in good order, trans is a little crunchy from 4th to 3rd sometimes
• 3 liter M54
• M bumpers, rear is OEM, front is replica
• Cluster completely rebuilt with no dead pixels
• Suspension is better than most E39s with Fortune 500 coilovers in the front and functioning airbags in the rear
• Refreshed cooling system

The bad

• Oil pan gasket is puking
• Valve cover gasket is seeping in the back, thinking the cover itself is warped since he replaced the gasket twice
• Hood and hatch shocks are shot
• Tires are garbage
• Cosmetics in general
• Missing underpanels
• Front bumper and hood do not fit well
• Rear bumper is missing diffuser
• Interior is half swapped to black from gray
• Rear suspension and subframe bushings need an overhaul

I've had the car about a week and have only driven it home from my friends house and took it to get smogged on Wednesday. As I'm sure the case is with most states, it's impossible to get into the DMV quickly. I have an appointment in late March so won't be driving it much until it has plates assigned.

I'm not really sure what my plans are since I've been wanting a project car to replace my brother's E36 that was scrapped about a year ago. I wasn't really looking for another wagon as I just want something for my son and I to tinker with that isn't our daily or the unicorn. I've been thinking a lot about E46s and E39s over the past few months as I absolutely loved that area of BMW and it's a bit nostalgic for me having worked at the dealership in the early 2000's. For now my plans are to reseal the motor, get the tire situation sorted, and work on some of the cosmetics. My first order to FCP Euro was placed this week and should hopefully have some parts in before next weekend. In terms of longer term items, I need to pick a direction for the interior and I'd love a set of Style 65s or 37s as I'm not a fan of the E60 wheels. The car really needs a full respray but time will tell how deep I go with this one. I may turn it into a track rat or go for a full OEM+ restoration. I'm going to let my 5 year old pick the mods, wheels, and see where he takes us!