Valve cover torque specs
#1
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Does anyone know what the torque specs are for the 11 bolts on the valve cover? Couldn't find a DIY for my 04 530i, but did google it for my engine (M54) and came across this. It says its 6lbs ... just wanted to make sure this is right. 6lbs isn't much at all.
http://www.beisansystems.com/procedu..._procedure.htm
http://www.beisansystems.com/procedu..._procedure.htm
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My Ride: 2004 530i
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I believe that is correct, I've read that over in the e46fanatics site as well.
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Originally Posted by cleung' post='1093333' date='Jan 19 2010, 09:31 AM
I believe that is correct, I've read that over in the e46fanatics site as well.
Thanks man.. This was the first time I changed a valve cover, and it went well.. aside from breaking a stud bolt (77cents at the dealer) everything works, and no smell..
For those that want to know how I did it:
Used member Lawr's Spark plug DIY to get to the valve cover
https://5series.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=91975
and used this DIY to get to the gasket, find out torque specs, etc..
http://www.beisansystems.com/procedu..._procedure.htm
#5
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I would recommend purchasing this socket to remove the injector ground plugs. My deep socket did not reach.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ch-83300495751
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ch-83300495751
#6
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Edit: I see that FCP says that's a tool for the N54 and not the M54. But I've also had the valve cover off (and I also replaced fuel injectors) on my N54 and I never needed a tool like that so I'm not sure what it's for. I've got a run-of-the-mill Craftsman socket set (deep and standard) so does that mean any old deep socket does the trick?
Last edited by kd7iwp; 03-31-2020 at 01:31 PM.
#7
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Which injector ground plugs? I currently have the intake manifold, fuel injectors, oil filter housing, valve cover, etc. all off on my 325i (M54) and I didn't need that socket for anything. Most annoying part was disconnecting the little clips on the electrical connectors to the fuel injectors.
Edit: I see that FCP says that's a tool for the N54 and not the M54. But I've also had the valve cover off (and I also replaced fuel injectors) on my N54 and I never needed a tool like that so I'm not sure what it's for. I've got a run-of-the-mill Craftsman socket set (deep and standard) so does that mean any old deep socket does the trick?
Edit: I see that FCP says that's a tool for the N54 and not the M54. But I've also had the valve cover off (and I also replaced fuel injectors) on my N54 and I never needed a tool like that so I'm not sure what it's for. I've got a run-of-the-mill Craftsman socket set (deep and standard) so does that mean any old deep socket does the trick?
You are correct. The tool I mentioned is for the N54 to remove the three grounding studs in the "valley" of the valve cover. My sockets were ever so slightly too short : the inside of the socket narrowed about halfway up, so that it got caught on the stud and didn't allow the socket to fully seat. In a Youtube video, someone drilled out the inside of his to gain the necessary clearance.
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My Ride: 535i/528ix
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You could do it!
I've just performed the valve cover gasket job on my daughter's 2008 535i during the shelter-in-place order (well, extra time to complete the job, while not hard, is a tedious and time consuming task). Here are a few tips:
1. Use a few drops of soapy water on the three air filter housing studs - makes removing it a whole lot easier (same goes for reinstalling it)
2. Typical 3/8" 10mm long socket (about 64mm) would work for the 3 injectors ground bolts, though the ratchet won't fully seat in the socket. If you don't have it, then get the right one for the job.
3. Injector fuel rails are very simple to remove - wrap a rag around the first loosen nut to avoid fuel spray
4. Make sure all 31 valve cover bolts are removed before you start prying/lifting it up
5. Use zip ties or strings to keep electrical lines out of the way for ease of valve cover removal
If you haven't done the turbo vacuum lines, it's a very good time to get this done as well.
I've just performed the valve cover gasket job on my daughter's 2008 535i during the shelter-in-place order (well, extra time to complete the job, while not hard, is a tedious and time consuming task). Here are a few tips:
1. Use a few drops of soapy water on the three air filter housing studs - makes removing it a whole lot easier (same goes for reinstalling it)
2. Typical 3/8" 10mm long socket (about 64mm) would work for the 3 injectors ground bolts, though the ratchet won't fully seat in the socket. If you don't have it, then get the right one for the job.
3. Injector fuel rails are very simple to remove - wrap a rag around the first loosen nut to avoid fuel spray
4. Make sure all 31 valve cover bolts are removed before you start prying/lifting it up
5. Use zip ties or strings to keep electrical lines out of the way for ease of valve cover removal
If you haven't done the turbo vacuum lines, it's a very good time to get this done as well.
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