535xis Restore/build thread
#1
Thread Starter
New Members
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 12
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From: Massachusetts
My Ride: 2008 535xi
Engine: N54
535xis Restore/build thread
Hey everyone,
I am new to the e60 and N54 platform but not new to BMW's. I picked up a 2008 535xi that had a bad fms oil leak for super cheap and this will be my thread to document maintenance and build of it. I relied on threads like this to cross reference work so hopefully I can help someone in the future.
The car as I bought it:
The car had a leaking OFHG and degraded the belt. Belt snapped and you guessed it...sucked into the front main seal.
Main seal sludge
Before diving in
Belt sucked through crank side of seal
I am new to the e60 and N54 platform but not new to BMW's. I picked up a 2008 535xi that had a bad fms oil leak for super cheap and this will be my thread to document maintenance and build of it. I relied on threads like this to cross reference work so hopefully I can help someone in the future.
The car as I bought it:
The car had a leaking OFHG and degraded the belt. Belt snapped and you guessed it...sucked into the front main seal.
Main seal sludge
Before diving in
Belt sucked through crank side of seal
#2
Thread Starter
New Members
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
My Ride: 2008 535xi
Engine: N54
OFHG block was nasty. I think there might of been cross contamination of fluids happening here at some point
First round of surface cleaning
Bought some headlights to restore while waiting on parts
Passenger before
Drivers before
As you can see the drivers headlight the car came with was "repaired" in a questionable manner
3m kit worked pretty well
I ended up restoring the lights that came on the car and selling them for about the same price that I picked up the replacements for
#3
Thread Starter
New Members
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 12
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From: Massachusetts
My Ride: 2008 535xi
Engine: N54
oil collecting everywhere
Degreasing the alternator. This was a gamble but it worked out
FMS. Pretty chewed up
Had upsize the screws in the seal puller tool to get what was left of the seal out
Some more belt shreds
This is the eBay tool I used. Worked fine however I'd recommend larger diameter screws
#4
Thread Starter
New Members
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 12
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From: Massachusetts
My Ride: 2008 535xi
Engine: N54
Restored headlight that was sold
Deteriorated vacuum lines replaced
Valve cover pulled to inspect for belt pieces in the valvetrain. Found some pieces but none tangled in anything moving
Belt piece
Belt piece
Hoping this is normal
Cracked vac hose to be replaced
#8
Thread Starter
New Members
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
My Ride: 2008 535xi
Engine: N54
I dropped the subframe so I could remove the oil pan and check for belt pieces. It wasn't nearly as hard as some people make it seem. The right tools go a long way like any other job. I wish I took more photos instead of videos because it seems there is a 20mb file limit for uploads.
'
Mark your steering shaft to get the alignment somewhat right when reinstalling
Replaced these old motor mounts
pulled plugs, coils, and fuel pump fuse when priming oil system. I think these are factory plugs.
'
Mark your steering shaft to get the alignment somewhat right when reinstalling
Replaced these old motor mounts
pulled plugs, coils, and fuel pump fuse when priming oil system. I think these are factory plugs.
#9
Thread Starter
New Members
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
My Ride: 2008 535xi
Engine: N54
So that's where I'm at now. That was a lot at once but now I am caught up and will be able to make some higher quality posts. If anyone has questions on any of the work I'm happy to share my experiences.
Other maintenance performed not pictured:
sway bar end links
oil pan gasket and bolts r2
Serpentine belt and pulleys
Expansion tank
Vac lines
Brake booster line
wiper blades
ch11f replacement
axle seals and nuts
Diff fluid
Fog light assembly replacement
Eldor coils, plugs, Arm DCI, ARM chargepipe, JB4, on the way
Other maintenance performed not pictured:
sway bar end links
oil pan gasket and bolts r2
Serpentine belt and pulleys
Expansion tank
Vac lines
Brake booster line
wiper blades
ch11f replacement
axle seals and nuts
Diff fluid
Fog light assembly replacement
Eldor coils, plugs, Arm DCI, ARM chargepipe, JB4, on the way
Last edited by kysteez; 11-30-2022 at 09:08 AM.
#10
New Members
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 200
Likes: 21
From: Montreal
My Ride: 2010 535xiT Touring, N54, Individual Audio
Model Year: 2010
Engine: N54 3.0L Twin Turbo
You did the oil pan with the engine in the car? That's a lot of work on an x-drive - well done. Are you working on a lift, or with the car on jackstands / quickjack?