[Broken135i]

Hey there! Im actually a 135i owner but figure there's more 335's out there.... i have an N55 and was wondering if anyone can tell me if i need to remove the cams go access the head bolts... also, do i need to buy the cam alignment tool/holders to take the head off? Im already buying the fuel injector removal tool, just wondering how to get the head off once iv got the VC off... i know its a stupid question, but its not obvious to me

Im not looking for the people that will say "if you cant figure it out then let a professional do it" iv done many head gaskets and am aware of the oddities of doing it to an n55.. just need clarification before i take it apart.. thanks!

[rhm135]

You need the flywheel locking pin, camshaft locking tool and vanos timing plate for this job.

[Broken135i]

Originally Posted by rhm135

You need the flywheel locking pin, camshaft locking tool and vanos timing plate for this job.

So basically this? Do i have to remove the cams? I am expecting a damaged block or head, i really just need to see inside

[weehe126]

Yeah that's the kit. You do not need to take off the cams.

[ihernandez7910]

dam. if u weren't aware of the timing lock kit necessary to remove the cylinder head. I'd say let someone with more experience do this.

[Broken135i]

Originally Posted by ihernandez7910

dam. if u weren't aware of the timing lock kit necessary to remove the cylinder head. I'd say let someone with more experience do this.

Dont worry about me, i didn't know how to take an m20 head off when i started working on them. Now i could have one off in 30 minutes. Everything is hard the first time, thats why im asking about something i am unsure of.... iv completely taken apart an s52 head before with no ill effect, i am sure i'll be fine. Also, can you read?

[rhm135]

Originally Posted by Broken135i

Dont worry about me, i didn't know how to take an m20 head off when i started working on them. Now i could have one off in 30 minutes. Everything is hard the first time, thats why im asking about something i am unsure of.... iv completely taken apart an s52 head before with no ill effect, i am sure i'll be fine. Also, can you read?

Lol!

[ihernandez7910]

no. I also can't write.

[Broken135i]

Originally Posted by ihernandez7910

no. I also can't write.

You would have had much better luck typing in "bmw shop manual" on google...click on the first link.

Not sure how you made it this far without actually looking at some form of coherent instructions

[ihernandez7910]

Originally Posted by FCobra94

You would have had much better luck typing in "bmw shop manual" on google...click on the first link.

Not sure how you made it this far without actually looking at some form of coherent instructions

thats exactly what i was thinking.. but i cant read so what do i know.

[Broken135i]

Originally Posted by ihernandez7910

thats exactly what i was thinking.. but i cant read so what do i know.

I didn't make this post asking everyone to weigh in about their confidence in my ability to do any of this (which is what is obviously meant by the original post- so yes, obviously you cant read...) the picture of the open VC is not of my car (which is why i said "before i take it apart"... touching on the whole reading thing again) i was asking because from all the pictures i'v found, the head bolts aren't easily identifiable. So why not quickly ask someone who knows?

Anyways, i ordered...

[Supra2k6]

Originally Posted by Broken135i

Hey there! Im actually a 135i owner but figure there's more 335's out there.... i have an N55 and was wondering if anyone can tell me if i need to remove the cams go access the head bolts... also, do i need to buy the cam alignment tool/holders to take the head off? Im already buying the fuel injector removal tool, just wondering how to get the head off once iv got the VC off... i know its a stupid question, but its not obvious to me

Im not looking for the people that will say "if you cant figure it out then let a professional do it" iv done many head gaskets and am aware of the oddities of doing it to an n55.. just need clarification before i take it apart.. thanks!

SEARCH my diy for cam ledges on my older car you can rent the timing alighting kit for $40 i think it comes with the flywheel locking pin and you're going to need it to install it back in anyways.

and yes all that has to come off to remove the head. Keep in mind there are no timing marks in the sprockets or anything else hence why you need the alightment tool. Put it in DTC mode lock the flywheel alight the tool take pics of the chain make your own markings just to be sure and starting tearing it apart.

[Broken135i]

Originally Posted by Supra2k6

SEARCH my diy for cam ledges on my older car you can rent the timing alighting kit for $40 i think it comes with the flywheel locking pin and you're going to need it to install it back in anyways.

and yes all that has to come off to remove the head. Keep in mind there are no timing marks in the sprockets or anything else hence why you need the alightment tool. Put it in DTC mode lock the flywheel alight the tool take pics of the chain make your own markings just to be sure and starting tearing it apart.

What exactly is "all that" are you saying all that you see in the picture of the open valve cover? As in the valvetronic springs and solenoids?

[Broken135i]

So.. read the bentley... its saying pull the transmission THEN the motor THEN the head... can i do this in the car??

[weehe126]

Bolts are easy to see with the VC off. You better get the right torque sequence and a good angle torque wrench. You do not need to remove the engine/trans. The little pin in the kit is to lock the trans/crank if I remember correctly. So why have it if you are separating them. Better be strong and have a engine hoist. It's a bitch to get off/on.

[Supra2k6]

Originally Posted by Broken135i

So.. read the bentley... its saying pull the transmission THEN the motor THEN the head... can i do this in the car??

yes you can do it in the car, it's labor intensive and a lot of stuff hast to come out think about it your taking the cylinder head off you can't take short cuts.

[Broken135i]

Originally Posted by Supra2k6

yes you can do it in the car, it's labor intensive and a lot of stuff hast to come out think about it your taking the cylinder head off you can't take short cuts.

Yeah i read what needs to come off to get the head off, but how could it be less labour intensive if you pull the trans and whole engine out plus taking the head off the block?

[Supra2k6]

Originally Posted by Broken135i

Yeah i read what needs to come off to get the head off, but how could it be less labour intensive if you pull the trans and whole engine out plus taking the head off the block?

If i had access to a lift which the manual assumes you do. Bringing the engine trans cradle down would be easier then to remove the head on the car.

Once you have everything lowered it's easier to work on the timing, head swap, removing turbos alone is a pain in the ass (n54).

[Broken135i]

Its funny though, they want the transmission removed before the engine... like you slide it off the back of the motor, then grab the engine by itself... the manual still has you using a cherry picker anyways... if i dont have to pull the engine/tranny if i dont have to i wont!

[Supra2k6]

like weehee mention you do not have to separate the trans engine you lock it with the lock pin AFTER you set it to TDC.

it doesn't take long to lower the engine with a lift certainly worth it.

to set the car to TDC you need to look at the back of the camshafts with a mirror so it can be done but it would take longer and more cursing.

[Broken135i]

To the hater taters.... also like to add for anyone looking to do this, be prepared to use a 4mm Allen head to rotate the valvetronic worm gear to gain access to one of the T-60 Torx head bolts on the intake side, you'll also have to remove the 13mm stopper for the valvetronic eccentric shaft on the intake side. Its impossible to reach the timing chain area head bolt thats under the drivers side guide without removing the Allen head plug that reveals the upper guide locating sleeved bolt type thing that holds the guide in place (which is made even more apparent when trying to lift the head off, where you must squeeze the guides together) also, buy the special bmw or equivalent T-50 Torx bit (its really long and skinny with a 3/8" drive)