All I can say is Dayum! Keep us posted

 

how many miles on car you did not say?

 

wow, that is hardcore.

 

Phlfly:
Right at 130k but again i was amazed how well the seals held up. Like new. the only thing i had was a VCG leak.

545iMike:
I didn't see the need as it's allot more work. And plus i needed to learn how to do all of this in the car if i am going to work on others. So a wonderful chance to do so.

ActungE60:
I have waited and bought almost all of my tools with coupons. Harbor freight is great for some stuff and others i went and spent the $ at sears and bought better equipment. Sears actually has some decent stuff.


So here is today's progress. Installed both upper timing covers with new seals and the timing cover accessories. I just picked up more seals and a valley pan so that goes on this evening. Also is the dreaded alternator seal. That job just plain stinks. Have to tackle that this evening.

 

So on a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the design, build, and craftsmanship of the 550?

 

I was saying to a friend the level of engineering that went in just to fit all this stuff together in the engine bay blows my mind. As much as i love the E39 (great car), this car is absolutely superior in craftsmanship, build quality, ride comfort and performance. I realize they have their issues with leaks and such. One guy said it best that all cars have issues, its just that BMW owners what a meticulous car at high mileage where others would let a lesser car fall into disrepair. He has a good point. You see people putting 1000's into E36's. I think the E36 is an absolute piece of junk. And yes i owned one!

 

That's really a good news that 4.8L V8 can last 130000 miles and had only valve cover gasket leak. Do they leak both or only one side?

 

I couldn't see it leaking too well. Once i got everything out of the way i was able to see that there was a bit of oily dirt over on the drivers side of the engine, though not bad. But i did smell it on the exhaust. Still trying to look for the torque values of the alternator bracket. Cant find it anywhere. M10 bolts. Usually in the 20~nm range. But one 16mm M10 bolt is throwing me off with the value.

 

I can't find but it has some free online manuals, may be someone knows a link.
But I guess it's very good, I see they are really improve cooling system on 4.8L, because oil leaking from gasket is caused by the engine is running a little hotter for this type gaskets, in most cases. So I guess as my BMW foreman shop told me its completely different engine/block.

 

I found but they don't have torque value for some reason.

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