Subject: 1999 E39 M52TU completed today Author: bosoxfan : member since March, 2005 : 493 posts Posted on: 2008-05-05 19:16:04

I started the replacement this morning at 830, completed at 1230, new belts included.

I kept the laptop in the garage and after reviewing the entire process (several times) I did it. I must say that the directions, to the minut detail were outstanding. Just when I thought "ok, so what about that?", the next "Note" addressed it! If you have the list of parts and tools, you need nothing else...

While I did not have the idle drop problem others had, my 2nd/3rd gear acceleration was poor and normally had to pull it down myself (unless I got all the way down to the switch), to really get moving. For the first time today I broke the tires loose from a stand still, something this never did before (unless in a bleach box or on sand :o))

Once reassembled, I had zero codes, no leaks and all looks good after immediately staring up. I did notice that when reving the engine from under the hood, I immediately noticed the "rattle" at higher RPM was gone and I'll blame that on a loose VANOS piston as that was right where it used to come from.

I made a few comments while doing this and will send to back to you, Rajaie, for review and perhaps add to instructions. I also shot a video of the loose intake piston and will upload later.

I was a little worried getting the teflon seals onto the piston while trying to stretch as little as possible; it was a bit un-nerving...

I replaced my valve cover gasket while I was in there as it had begun to leak about two weeks ago. I had a problem with the spark plug well gaskets crumbling while removing them and had the shop vac there while I pulled them loose with pliers. Even with that, I found a small piece deep within upon final inspect before I buttoned it up.

I will update this with some of the pictures and video, and 500 mile report.

For those of us who bought these cars used, it nice to see what they were like when younger!

Gary

1999 528i Oxford Green (Repainted myself in 2005 with Dupont Chromabase and Clear)
Cold Weather, Convenience and Premium Packages
Factory Xenon, CCFL Angel Eyes

• 1999 E39 M52TU completed today - bosoxfan 2008-05-05 19:16:04 (325 views)
  • 550 Mile update (pic) - bosoxfan 2008-05-23 20:19:58 (227 views)
    • Wow, sludge and varnish build up - mtechnik3 2008-05-27 17:16:14 (104 views)
      • Wasn't as bad as I expected - bosoxfan 2008-05-27 18:01:41 (81 views)
        • I like and trust the lubromoly and wurth products - mtechnik3 2008-05-27 21:52:02 (89 views)
    • Re: 550 Mile update - bosoxfan 2008-05-23 20:21:55 (106 views)
  • Re: 1999 E39 M52TU completed today - earlabk 2008-05-11 01:19:33 (122 views)
    • Re: 1999 E39 M52TU completed today - Rajaie 2008-05-11 10:26:15 (110 views)
  • Thanks for the feedback! (nt) - Rajaie 2008-05-05 21:27:35 (112 views)
  • Additional info is 1999 E39 (528i) - bosoxfan 2008-05-05 19:20:55 (145 views)
    • Great job, where is mass are you located - dmako 2008-05-06 18:10:46 (87 views)
      • I have a M50b25tu to do in W. Springfield - mtechnik3 2008-05-12 19:34:28 (67 views)
        • Shooting for 5/31 but it will be up to my friend, weather etc - dmako 2008-05-13 17:27:32 (63 views)
          • I haven't gotten them done yet - mtechnik3 2008-05-24 20:07:29 (35 views)
      • A ways from there... Swansea MA (South Coast) (nt) - bosoxfan 2008-05-06 21:26:40 (66 views)