E60I

Thanks for the pic and more info, Zgilbert!

For anyone who want to do this job later, below are a few links for additional info:

https://5series.net/forums/diy-do-yo...or-e60-112683/

https://5series.net/forums/diy-do-yo...ent-e60-86014/

preventive maintenance on N52 - starter replacement - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

https://5series.net/forums/e60-discu...er-r-r-132662/

Starter Replacement - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

pcy

I bought the starter and oil separator from RMeuropean dot com. Shipping is free on orders over $75. Very competitive prices.

Price of the starter includes the core charge and they will refund the core charge when you send the old starter to them. Make sure to buy new starter bolt set. Don't reuse those starter bolts (one short bolt and one long bolt).

As for the oil separator hoses, I replaced the hose from valve cover to oil separator and the hose that goes from oil separator to the oil pan.

zgilbert

This is where I buy parts from. Prices are good, parts are OEM.

BMW Parts - Authentic OEM BMW Parts direct from BMW of South Atlanta | BMW of South Atlanta

E60I

Thanks, guys!

Pcy,

Since your car is also a 2006 530i, if you have not already replaced them, check your oil cap filler and gasket. I think mine has a minor leak because I can see the oil spattered on ignition coil number #3 (the head cover gasket is fine).

I ended up ordering most of my parts at : Prices are so much better than Bavarian Autosport

https://www.bmwmercedesparts.com/mem...iteid%3D215771

pcy

While the oil filler cap gasket may be leaking, check the gasket around valvetronic motor. It's right above #3 and #4 plugs. If I were you, I'd wipe that entire area [including around the filler cap] clean with degreaser or brake parts cleaner and check after few days for source of the leak.

About BMWmercedesparts dot com...
The only problem with that site is that the time it takes to get the parts from them. It's a car dealer's parts dept. Parts dept orders the parts from warehouse and then after they receive, they ship the parts out. So, it takes more than 5 business days, UNLESS you paid for expedited/express shipping.

Correction: I was referring to valvetronic motor. Thanks zgilbert.

zgilbert

To add to pcy's post..... He means the gasket on the Valvetronic motor. It goes on the hole in the center of his pic.

The eccentric shaft sensor seal is at the front of the valve cover. It would spill oil on the #1 cylinder. If it does leak, it can ruin the sensor. Sensor is NOT cheap...Here is a read....
Eccentric Shaft Sensor Replacement

When I replaced my valve cover gasket, I also replaced the Eccentric Shaft Sensor seal, and the Valvetronic gasket at the same time. The valvetronic gasket was leaking at the time of replacement. Although, I didn't know it until I had it apart. So I was glad that I had ordered it.

E60I

Thanks, guys!

I think I see oil residue surrounding the gasket of the actuator. I am going to replace that too.

Part #11377516302

RealOEM.com BMW E60 530i Cylinder head, electr. add-on parts

beken

The starter motor on my car was replaced earlier this year also. I am now suspicious that there is a fairly (comparatively) short lifespan for starter motors on the E60 cars. Or was that for all BMWs? After almost 40 years of driving, this is the first car I've owned where the starter motor went in less than 10 years and it looks like I was not alone.

BimmerFan52

If it were limited to starter motors we could be thankful. But add alternators, water pumps, vacuum pumps, AC compressors, coolant reservoirs and umpteen gaskets to the list.

BMWs never rates higher than middle of the pack on quality, with certain models at the very bottom.

But of course we're not driving them for their quality, but rather the grin-factor after finishing a set of mountain curves.

E60I

Pcy or anyone,

How did you disconnect the return pipe (11157567801) and connecting line? Do I just reach my hand under the rear of the intake manifold, feel for it , press the clips together and pull? Please kindly explain and provide pictures if you have them. I can't seem to get it.

Sorry if this sounds like a stupid question, but did you ever have to go underneath the car to uninstall the intake manifold or starter?

Thanks!