rt2jesus

Hi

I recently purchased the 2006 525i. I am new to 5 series.

I plan to replace an oil filter housing gasket and a cooler gasket this weekend. I searched the web quite a lot to gather the information of what tools do I need for this task. One thing I am not clear currently is that what tool do I need to loosen the bolt under the intake manifold.

In the Youtube video, swivel socket with a E-10 socket and an extension bar was successfully used through the gap between an oil filter housing and the intake manifold on the X3 with the same engine.

I am wondering if this method will work on my vehicle or not. I want to order a tool before I go back to home and work this weekend. The vehicle is not with me now.

In addition, does this vehicle have a coolant drain plug?

Thanks in advance.

E60I

This should help: https://5series.net/forums/diy-do-yo...cement-113877/

Tuppidsay

That combination should work well. Open the oil filter cap and pull out the filter to drain back as much oil as possible back to the oil pan. Don't worry about draining the coolant. Very little comes out, a pint at most. Just use a paper towel to soak up the small trace of oil that might enter the coolant port of the cylinder head.

buzz729

Were you able to get to the bolt with those tools. I plan on attacking these same gaskets on my '07 530i. Doesn't look as easy as the older N52 X5 motor on the YouTube video. I'm curious, Did you have to remove your alternator? I appreciate any guidance, thanks.

rt2jesus

I successfully replace both gaskets using swivel socket.
the combination of tolls are as follows:
E-10 (3/8") + 3/8" to 1/4" adapter + 6" extension bar 1/4" + 1/4" to 3/8" adapter + socket wrench.
i tried 8mm box wrench but i could not apply sufficient force to loose it.
Those combination could be reached to the bolt through the gap between the oil filter housing and the intake manifold. the gap might not large enough for 3/8" extension bar and swivel socket (universal joint).
If you need to buy a E-10 socket, i recommend a 1/4" E-10 socket, then you don't need any adapter and will have more space between the bolt and the intake manifold.
Good luck.

buzz729

Thank you tremendously for the reply. I took this on this afternoon. I was getting really frustrated with that bolt between the housing and the manifold and happened to take a break a read this reply. The 1/4" drive is definitely a must for anybody's future reference. I didn't have an E10 socket with a 1/4" drive but a 5/16" socket with a 1/4 drive did the trick. Also. for anybody's future reference, I was able to replace the gaskets without removing the alternator, belts, fan, power steering reservoir or any hoses.

rt2jesus

Congratulations!. 5/16 could work in this case in which the bolt was not torqued much. I would recommend an E-10 or a 12 point 5/16 (or 8mm) socket.