Rebuilding an M50 check list

[golde30]

oh and it does NOT include all the rubber seals for each bolt on the valve cover.

[e30serg]

Without opening up the bottom end kit, I can see:

Oil pan gasket
Oil filter housing gasket
Front main crankshaft seal
Rear main seal
Timing cover gaskets
Oil pump gasket?
Sensor washers (cps, etc)
Water pump
Thermostat

[e30serg]

Yeah, no seals for each bolt. I thought it did.

In short, you're 99% there if you get both the head gasket and bottom end kits. It would allow you to take the engine down to the block and head, and put it back together using new seals and gaskets.

If this is going to be a track-only car though, and the leakdown comes out good, you may want to save your cash and just throw it in after replacing the gaskets. You really don't want to mess with replacing them once the engine is in the car, especially the front and rear main.

[Aatos]

Removing/installing head and especially cams requires quite a few pricey special tools.

[PiercedE30]

^^^ No it doesn't. It can be done just fine with a flat edge on the back of the cams. The hard part is getting the Vanos unit put in place.

Jean, if you increase the displacement then you either have to run in SM or EMod. I am running in SM.

[Aatos]

I haven't ever done that job, I've just read the TIS procedures.

I went and read the pelican head article and counted three tools: deep torx socket for head bolts, tensioner tool and the cam holding tool, which is far more reasonable.

[Jean]

^^^ No it doesn't. It can be done just fine with a flat edge on the back of the cams. The hard part is getting the Vanos unit put in place.

Jean, if you increase the displacement then you either have to run in SM or EMod. I am running in SM.

SM is fine, I just need to confirm to make sure i'll be within the allowed specs

[hoveringuy]

I also replaced the VANOS seal on mine. Glad I did it, the old one was brittle and shrunken.

There's also an O-ring on the back of the oil housing that I wish I had done.

[PiercedE30]

Just get a Dr.Vanos vanos replacement.

[Jean]

Have you guys found out if there is an oem oil pump from any specific model/year (m50/m52/s50/s52) that's cheaper than the rest? I've checked on a couple part numbers on realoem and they were over $300...$$$

11411740155 over 300

m52 11411740154 over 330

[1mz]

good thread - I'm about to put in an order for all new gaskets/seals this week

[jrdeamicis]

Do NOT use a victor reinz gasket. Elring only.

[RedTRex]

Do NOT use a victor reinz gasket. Elring only.

Why do you say that?

[alexbaby88]

If you pull the head, PLEASE, PLEASE replace the oil check valve in the bottom of the head. It just unscrews with a flat head. It is what causes the valve tick that many M5x motors are plagued with on start up.

Are you referring to the "Non-return valve" part # 11121735180?

[TurboFox93]

Whats the life expectancy of a non vanos m50? I am getting a 92 m50 for free and was wondering what essentials should be replaced. The motor as 121,xxx on it. Any links on whats needed and how to preform a leak down?