I have a 2006 e60 with a n52 engine I am thinking about replacing this front seal myself but before I do I am wondering where I can purchase the tool and Loctite sealant /primer for the job and if anyone has done this already and is it a difficult job ?

 

Impossible without the factory tool. Impossible. Did I mention impossible? It is a 5 minute job with the right tool.

 

BMW Crankshaft Front Oil Seal Removal Install Kit N40 N42 N45 N46 N52 N53 N54 | eBay

seal and the installation kit for around $117.

 

Well, maybe not impossible What tool are you talking about? The crank holding tool or the seal removal/installation tool? Many have made their own crank holding tool and the seal can be easily removed and installed without any factory or specialty tool.

 

That tool does not work. I was working on my N54 engine (same seal), and spent $400 on tools before I found one that is same as the factory tool that works. It took 1 month.


That $117 tool above simply rips the hard plastic face of the seal apart. The improved factory tool screws into the seal at 50 Nm, then a separate tool presses the seal out.


I now have four different seal removal tools from that one job, and only one will work.


Try them, at your own risk.

 

You don't need a crank holding tool to change the seal.

 

Don't buy that ebay tool. That is the first version of the factory tool and it did not work well. They re-design the tool to be a much better version.

 

You should rent that tool [the one that works] to other members.

 

I will loan it out for free, you pay a $250 deposit and shipping.

 

Stilldre54, take that offer and get the tool from yelcab2.
If you don't think you can remove the crank pulley, take that tool to any decent mechanic and he can replace that seal for you in couple of hours.