[lordbmw]

Apparently my OFH gasket is leaking so I need to replace it.

I don't have an oil cooler which makes this job easier from what I understand.

Do I need to drain the oil and coolant first?

I saw this DIY video:

[feuer]

No.

[BMW_SYNERGY]

No.

I would recommend removing the oil filter so the oil can flow back into the engine before you open things up. I would also clamp off the coolant lines to reduce the amount of lost coolant. If you have shop towels, place them in front below the oil filter housing and in back under the intake manifold to reduce the mess. I never remove any coolant hoses, they get brittle and may break. Just remove the lower front bolt last in order to get that one out. Swap the gasket out. Reinstall everything. Top off coolant and be sure to bleed it properly & that's that.

[lordbmw]

So I won't lose a lot of oil doing this?

I was afraid that tons oil and coolant would spew out as soon as I removed the OFH.

I have an AT with no oil cooler in case that makes a difference.

[BMW_SYNERGY]

Not a ton of oil will come out if you drain the housing first as stated. But the small amount that does sure likes to gets everywhere.

As for the coolant...As soon as you release the housing gasket seal, coolant will flow steadily for some time if the hoses are not clamped off.

[jwebb335xi]

Originally Posted by BMW_SYNERGY

No.

I would recommend removing the oil filter so the oil can flow back into the engine before you open things up. I would also clamp off the coolant lines to reduce the amount of lost coolant. If you have shop towels, place them in front below the oil filter housing and in back under the intake manifold to reduce the mess. I never remove any coolant hoses, they get brittle and may break. Just remove the lower front bolt last in order to get that one out. Swap the gasket out. Reinstall everything. Top off coolant and be sure to bleed it properly & that's that.

+1,000,000 on not removing the damn coolant hose. I removed mine to get it out of the way; it broke and I had to run out to the dealer. Then, I had to snake that damn think down toward the water pump! Don't do it unless you're prepared for that work. And, if you do, make sure you've got coolant, proper water, etc... because you're basically draining and refilling the radiator.

[TemjinX2]

if your willing to take the time to prep it isnt too bad of a mess. i put a plastic bag over the alternator and i cut up a trash bag and put it over the serpetine belt and pulleys.

You can then wedge some newpapers between the radiator under the coolant and oil cooler lines.

You can take a clean turkey baster you can put any excess oil form the oil filter back in the oil pan put it in a separate pan.

Then the only oil lose would come from opening the oil cooler lines. The newspapers soaked up all the oil and coolant.

My coolant lose was minimal, i probably used maybe half a cup of coolant to refill and i didn't have to add any oil, since it only lost one hash mark from max according to the oil indicator.

[lordbmw]

Do you need to move the intake manifold to get that bolt out?

Apparently with the N52, you don't have to move the intake manifold at all.

[TemjinX2]

for the n54 and n55 yes. we have a upgrade intake manifold vs n52. you will need to pull back the intake manifold a inch or 2 until you can squeeze in the socket with extension.

[nissubaru]

Originally Posted by TemjinX2

You can take a clean turkey baster you can put any excess oil form the oil filter back in the oil pan put it in a separate pan.

This. I used one of those little snot bulbs people have for their babies. Like $3 at CVS. Suck out all the oil leftover in the housing and put it in a clean container to be replaced afterwards. Then put paper towels down everywhere like above the belts and alternator. Much less messy this way

Also get yourself a ratcheting 8mm wrench for the bottom bolt. You won't be getting a socket on this one easily

[TemjinX2]

Originally Posted by nissubaru

This. I used one of those little snot bulbs people have for their babies. Like $3 at CVS. Suck out all the oil leftover in the housing and put it in a clean container to be replaced afterwards. Then put paper towels down everywhere like above the belts and alternator. Much less messy this way

Also get yourself a ratcheting 8mm wrench for the bottom bolt. You won't be getting a socket on this one easily

i just used a e10 wrench for the bottom bolt. i didnt want to risk stripping it.