Help with Cyl. Head Gasket Change - BMW Forum

441tech · 02-05-2006, 03:52 PM

I bought a '99 323i with a bad motor (M52). I got an M54 with the car and put it in, only to find out the head gasket is blown. I have the factory Bently service manual, and I was reading the procedure for cylinder head removal, and there are several, probably expensive tools, that I will need for proper camshaft timing and Double VANOS setup. This will be the first time in years that I have had to subcontract engine work out of my shop, and is rather frustrating. My question is, are these tools available, do I need them, are there shortcuts, and how much would tooling be?

Thanks,

441tech

Hootie · 02-10-2006, 11:28 PM

Hey, a fellow Toledoan!!

Check the local BMW dealer for the tools. They might have some available for sale.. or check some internet sites. I haven't done a head gasket replacement on my car yet, but sometimes the tools BMW recommends can be substituted with others.

Good luck on the tool hunt. And if you find a website with prices, post it back in here. I'm in need of a few new bimmer tools myself.

Go Rockets!

Dirty_Tool · 02-13-2006, 03:34 AM

You can check ZDmak for a better price on the tools than the dealer. I think its zdmak.com but if not they have an ebay store and they are all over ebay. El paso tools is another big Ebay outfit that makes BMW tools. Ive personnaly purchsed ZDmak tools however and I can vouch for them.

Now, beyond this I am wondering more so about how you intend to install this m54 engine in a vehicle that came with an m52. I hope that you understand that they are not at all the same. You will need a different wiring harness, ECU, etc and then the Engine Module and the Driveaway protection module will have to be electronically aligned. Its a lot of work and headache. Just wanted to make sure you knew.
Good Luck
DT

441tech · 02-19-2006, 02:01 PM

Thanks guys, I appreciate the info. However, since I've posted this, I found another low-mileage M52 from Tennessee I had shipped and dropped in my car. Runs & drives awesome. I will check out the sites and resources you gave me though, 'cause now the wife wants one and you just never know....

441tech · 02-19-2006, 02:02 PM

Go Rockets!