Necessary Preliminary Tasks

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 BMW 530i, 2002 BMW 530i, and 2001 BMW 530i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove intake filter housing with air-mass flow sensor. See 13 71 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING INTAKE FILTER HOUSING (M54)
Remove fan impeller with fan clutch and fan cowl, refer to 11 52 020 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING FAN CLUTCH (S52/S54/M52/M52TU/M54/M56) .
Remove cylinder head cover, refer to 11 12 000 REMOVING AND INSTALLING, SEALING CYLINDER HEAD COVER (M52TU/M54/M56) .
Remove all spark plugs, refer to 12 12 011 REPLACING ALL SPARK PLUGS .