Rebuilding an M50 check list

[NbAmTwE]

If you have an m50b28 get the e36 bentley that covers the 328i/is for an engine refresh on that. Most of the things are same or similar but I'd go with what the M52 actual walk through says over e34 walk through. That said; the only difference in e34 bentley should be oil pan/sump install with exception of a few connector locations of wiring harness and the obvious manifold refresh which will include vacuum lines.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong.


EDIT: Sry I just realized I bumped a terrible old thread. I forgot I was searching an archived discussion.

[mightywhitey]

Bump an old one. Where would i get the best literature on completely rebuilding a m52? I was gonna buy the e34 Bentley but i'm not sure its as much detail as I need.

[E34Dean]

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?

My m50 w/ vanos has 206k, everything stock on the head. Only routine maintenance performed, ~181 psi on all cylinders, runs great.

[E34Dean]

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.

is that what that is...? -.-

[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?

[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?

[RedTRex]

Do NOT use a victor reinz gasket. Elring only.

Why do you say that?

[jrdeamicis]

Do NOT use a victor reinz gasket. Elring only.

[1mz]

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

[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

[PiercedE30]

Just get a Dr.Vanos vanos replacement.

[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.

[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

[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.

[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.