Replacing the cylinder head gasket

Preliminary work

Refer to BRINGING FRONT COMPARTMENT LID IN THE SERVICE POSITION .
Refer to DISCONNECTING ALL BATTERY GROUND LEADS .
Refer to REMOVING THE ACOUSTIC COVER .
Refer to REMOVING THE COVER FOR THE CENTER ENGINE COMPARTMENT .
Refer to REMOVING FRONT ORNAMENTAL GRILLE .
Refer to PARTIALLY REMOVING THE FRONT SECTION OF THE FRONT WHEEL ARCH COVER .
Refer to REMOVING FRONT BUMPER COVER .
Refer to REMOVING BOTH HEADLIGHTS .
Refer to REMOVING THE CENTER TOP CROSS CONNECTION .
Refer to REMOVING THE FANFARE HORN ON THE LEFT .
Refer to REMOVING THE FANFARE HORN TOWARDS THE RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING LEFT AND RIGHT WIPER ARM .
Refer to REMOVING THE COVER OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT THE REAR LEFT .
Refer to REMOVING THE COVER OF THE REAR RIGHT ENGINE COMPARTMENT .
Refer to REMOVING THE SEAL FOR THE HOOD REAR .
Refer to REMOVING THE COWL COVER .
Refer to REMOVING THE COWL UPPER PART IN THE CENTER .
Refer to REMOVING TRAILING LINK AT SPRING BOLT .
Refer to REMOVING LEFT INTAKE SILENCER HOUSING .
Refer to REMOVING THE LEFT-HAND AIR DUCT .
Refer to REMOVING LEFT INTAKE PORT .
Refer to PARTIALLY LOOSENING THE LEFT-HAND CHARGE AIR COOLER .
Refer to REMOVING LEFT THROTTLE VALVE ASSEMBLY .
Refer to REMOVING RIGHT INTAKE SILENCER HOUSING .
Refer to REMOVING RIGHT AIR DUCT .
Refer to REMOVING THE RIGHT THROTTLE BODY .
Refer to PARTIALLY LOOSENING THE RIGHT-HAND CHARGE AIR COOLER .
Refer to REMOVING THE REAR TOP CROSS CONNECTION .
Refer to REMOVING FAN COWL .
Refer to REMOVING THE ENGINE VENTILATION LINE FROM THE INTAKE SYSTEM .
Refer to REMOVING THE TANK VENT LINE .
Refer to REMOVING THE INTAKE PLENUM .
Refer to REMOVING THE LEFT-HAND VENTILATION LINE .
Refer to REMOVING IGNITION COILS .
Refer to REMOVING COVER FOR THE DME CONTROL UNIT ON LEFT .
Refer to REMOVING THE DME CONTROL UNIT FOR CYLINDERS 7 TO 12 .
Refer to REMOVING THE HOLDER FOR THE DME CONTROL UNIT ON THE LEFT .
Refer to PARTIALLY RELEASING THE WIRING HARNESS FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD COVER ON THE LEFT .
Refer to REMOVING TOPPING CLEAN AIR PIPE AT LEFT .
Refer to REMOVING CHARGE AIR PIPE ON LEFT .
Refer to REMOVING LEFT HIGH PRESSURE LINE BETWEEN HIGH PRESSURE PUMP AND RAIL .
Refer to REMOVING FUEL DELIVERY LINE .
Refer to REMOVING ALL HIGH PRESSURE LINES BETWEEN RAIL AND INJECTORS .
Refer to REMOVING THE HIGH-PRESSURE RAIL ON THE LEFT .
Refer to REMOVING LEFT HIGH PRESSURE PUMP .
Refer to REMOVING INJECTORS .
Refer to REMOVING FRONT RIGHT WHEEL .
Refer to REMOVING THE FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION OR FRONT THRUST FIELD .
Refer to REMOVING THE UNDERBODY PROTECTION OF THE STEERING GEAR AND THRUST FIELD RESPECTIVELY .
Refer to REMOVING THE STIFFENING PLATE .
Refer to RELEASING THE OIL DRAIN PLUG .
Refer to TIGHTENING THE OIL DRAIN PLUG .
Refer to RELEASING THE OIL FILTER COVER .
Refer to REMOVING THE OIL FILTER ELEMENT .
Refer to REMOVING THE COVER FOR THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ON THE RIGHT .
Refer to LOOSENING THE ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT FROM THE ANTI-ROLL BAR .
Refer to REMOVING THE ACTIVE STABILIZER IN FRONT .
Refer to REMOVING THE LEFT LAMBDA OXYGEN SENSOR .
Refer to REMOVING THE UNIVERSAL JOINT AT THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT .
Refer to REMOVING THE REAR DIFFUSER .
Refer to REMOVING THE TRIM FROM THE REAR BUMPER PANEL .
Refer to REMOVING BOTH EXHAUST TAILPIPE TRIMS .
Refer to REMOVING THE CONNECTING SUPPORT FROM THE TUNNEL .
Refer to REMOVING EXHAUST SYSTEM .
Refer to REMOVING REAR UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Refer to REMOVING THE RETAINING PLATES .
Refer to DISCONNECTING THE TRANSMISSION OIL LINES .
Refer to REMOVING THE HEAT SHIELDS .
Refer to REMOVING TRANSMISSION CROSS-MEMBER .
Refer to PARTIALLY LOOSENING THE PROP SHAFT .
Refer to REMOVING THE PROP SHAFT FRONT AT THE FRONT AXLE TRANSMISSION .
Refer to REMOVING THE TRANSFER BOX (ATC 13-1) .
Refer to REMOVING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FOR CYLINDERS 7 TO 12 .
Refer to INSTALLING THE TRANSFER BOX (ATC 13-1) .
Refer to INSTALLING TRANSMISSION CROSS MEMBER .
Refer to DRAINING COOLANT .
Refer to DRAINING THE COOLANT FOR THE LOW-TEMPERATURE COOLANT CIRCUIT .
Refer to RELEASING THE COOLANT LINE FOR THE TURBOCHARGER ON THE LEFT .
Refer to REMOVING LEFT CYLINDER HEAD COVER .
Refer to REMOVING BOTH SOLENOID VALVES ON LEFT SIDE .
Refer to REMOVING THE TOP TIMING CASE COVER OF CYLINDERS 7 TO 12 .
Refer to INSTALLING THE PROTECTIVE SHIELD ON THE RADIATOR .
Refer to REMOVING THE DRIVE BELT FOR ALTERNATOR 2 AND THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR .
Refer to REMOVING THE DRIVE BELT FOR ALTERNATOR .
Refer to REMOVING THE BELT PULLEY .
Refer to PARTIALLY DETACHING THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR .
Refer to REMOVING THE COOLANT HOSE ON THE LEFT FROM THE RADIATOR .
Refer to REMOVING THE HEATER RETURNING HOSE FROM THE COOLANT PUMP .
Refer to REMOVING ALTERNATOR 2 .
Refer to REMOVING LEFT CLEAN AIR PIPE .
Refer to PLACE THE 1ST AND 7TH CYLINDER INTO THE TDC SETTING .
Refer to REMOVING THE SPECIAL TOOLS TO DISCONNECTING THE CRANKSHAFT .
Refer to RELEASING THE CHAIN TENSIONER .
Refer to REMOVING THE HYDRAULIC CHAIN TENSIONER .
Refer to INSTALLING SPECIAL TOOL TO PRE-TENSIONING TIMING CHAIN .
Refer to CHECKING TIMING .
Refer to INSTALLING SPECIAL TOOL FOR FASTENING CAMSHAFTS .
Refer to SCREW IN SPECIAL TOOLS 11 9 895 1 TO 6 AND 7 TO 12 .
Refer to FASTENING THE CAMSHAFTS WITH THE SPECIAL TOOL .
Refer to REMOVING THE UPPER SLIDE RAIL .
Refer to LOOSENING BOTH CENTRAL BOLTS OF VANOS GEAR .
Refer to REMOVING SPECIAL TOOL TO PRETENSION TIMING CHAIN .
Refer to REMOVING INTAKE ADJUSTER AT CYLINDER 7 TO 12 .
Refer to REMOVING THE EXHAUST CAMSHAFT ADJUSTER FOR CYLINDERS 7 TO 12 .
Refer to REMOVING LEFT CYLINDER HEAD .

NOTE: RISK OF DAMAGE
Damage to the surface.
The use of metal-cutting tools (e.g., emery cloths) for cleaning surfaces can damage them and lead to leaks and/or engine damage.

Do not use any metal-cutting tools.

NOTE: Description is for left component only. Procedure on the right side is identical.

Remove the cylinder head gasket (1) .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Insert the special tool 2 364 711 into the bores.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove coarse residues on sealing surfaces with special tool 0 495 103 (11 4 471) from cylinder head and crankcase.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove fine residues on sealing surfaces with special tool 0 495 104 (11 4 472) from cylinder head and crankcase.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove special tool 2 364 711 from the bores.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Check the flatness of the cylinder head sealing surface with a conventional straightedge (1) .
Maximum deviation: 0.10 mm

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Check the flatness of the cylinder head sealing surface with a conventional straightedge (1) .
Maximum deviation: 0.05 mm

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
NOTE:
RISK OF DAMAGE
Damage to threads.
Fluids in the threaded hole can damage the thread if screws in it are tightened.
- Dry threaded holes (e.g. using compressed air).
Clean all threaded holes (1) .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Schematic diagram is for example purposes. Some parts may differ in certain details.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
If no work has been done on the engine block that changes the piston protrusion, use a new cylinder head gasket with the same gasket thickness.
If work has been done on the crankshaft drive or piston, the gasket thickness must be determined again.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Cylinder head gasket interchange leads to engine damage. Check identification on cylinder head gasket.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Check number of holes of the old cylinder head gasket:
Check all fitting sleeves for tightness and for damage (1) , replace if necessary.
Replace cylinder head gasket (2) .
Parts: Cylinder head gasket
Place cylinder head gasket (2) on the engine block.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Follow-up work

Refer to INSTALLING THE LEFT CYLINDER HEAD .
Refer to INSTALLING THE EXHAUST CAMSHAFT ADJUSTER OF CYLINDERS 7 TO 12 .
Refer to INSTALLING INTAKE ADJUSTER OF CYLINDERS 7 TO 12 .
Refer to REPLACING THE CENTRAL BOLT .
Refer to SECURING BOTH CENTRAL BOLTS OF THE VANOS GEAR .
Refer to INSTALLING THE UPPER SLIDE RAIL .
Refer to INSTALLING SPECIAL TOOL TO PRE-TENSIONING TIMING CHAIN .
Refer to SECURING THE CENTRAL BOLT OF THE VARIABLE CAMSHAFT TIMING CONTROL OF THE INTAKE .
Refer to SECURING THE CENTRAL BOLT OF THE VARIABLE CAMSHAFT TIMING CONTROL OF THE EXHAUST .
Refer to REMOVING THE SPECIAL TOOLS TO FIX THE CAMSHAFTS .
Refer to REMOVING THE SPECIAL TOOLS TO DISCONNECTING THE CRANKSHAFT .
Refer to CHECKING TIMING .
Refer to REMOVING THE SPECIAL TOOLS TO DISCONNECTING THE CRANKSHAFT .
Refer to REMOVING SPECIAL TOOL TO PRETENSION TIMING CHAIN .
Refer to INSTALLING THE HYDRAULIC CHAIN TENSIONER .
Refer to INSTALLING THE TOP TIMING CASE COVER OF CYLINDERS 7 TO 12 .
Refer to INSTALLING BOTH SOLENOID VALVES ON THE LEFT .
Refer to INSTALLING LEFT CLEAN AIR PIPE .
Refer to INSTALLING ALTERNATOR 2 .
Refer to INSTALLING THE HEATER RETURNING HOSE ON THE COOLANT PUMP .
Refer to INSTALLING THE LEFT COOLANT HOSE ON THE RADIATOR .
Refer to CONNECTING THE COOLANT HOSE TO THE AUXILIARY COOLANT PUMP .
Refer to MOUNTING AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR .
Refer to INSTALLING THE BELT PULLEY .
Refer to INSTALLING THE DRIVE BELT FOR ALTERNATOR .
Refer to INSTALLING THE DRIVE BELT FOR ALTERNATOR 2 AND THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR .
Refer to REMOVING THE PROTECTIVE PLATE AT THE RADIATOR .
Refer to INSTALLING THE LEFT CYLINDER HEAD COVER .
Refer to ATTACHING COOLANT LINE FOR LEFT TURBOCHARGER .
Refer to REMOVING TRANSMISSION CROSS-MEMBER .
Refer to REMOVING THE TRANSFER BOX (ATC 13-1) .
Refer to INSTALLING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FOR CYLINDERS 7 TO 12 .
Refer to INSTALLING THE TRANSFER BOX (ATC 13-1) .
Refer to SECURING THE JUNCTURE SHAFT IN FRONT ON THE FRONT AXLE DIFFERENTIAL .
Refer to INSTALLING TRANSMISSION CROSS MEMBER .
Refer to CHECKING/TOPPING UP THE TRANSFER BOX OIL (ACTIVE TORQUE CONTROL 13-1) .
Refer to FASTENING THE PROP SHAFT (PARTIALLY REMOVED) .
Refer to INSTALLING THE HEAT SHIELDS .
Refer to CONNECTING TRANSMISSION OIL LINES .
Refer to INSTALLING THE RETAINING PLATES .
Refer to INSTALLING EXHAUST SYSTEM .
Refer to INSTALLING THE CONNECTING SUPPORTS ON THE TUNNEL .
Refer to INSTALLING REAR UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Refer to INSTALLING BOTH TRIM PIECES FOR THE EXHAUST TAILPIPE .
Refer to INSTALLING THE TRIM ON THE REAR BUMPER PANEL .
Refer to INSTALLING THE REAR DIFFUSER .
Refer to INSTALLING THE LEFT LAMBDA OXYGEN SENSOR .
Refer to INSTALLING THE UNIVERSAL JOINT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STEERING SHAFT .
Refer to CONNECTING THE COOLANT HOSE TO THE RADIATOR .
Refer to INSTALLING THE ACTIVE STABILIZER IN FRONT .
Refer to SECURING THE ANTI-ROLL BAR LINK ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT TO THE ANTI-ROLL BAR .
Refer to INSTALLING THE COVER OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ON THE RIGHT .
Refer to INSTALLING THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL .
Refer to INSTALLING THE OIL FILTER ELEMENT .
Refer to TIGHTENING THE OIL FILTER CAP .
Refer to INSTALLING THE STIFFENING PLATE .
Refer to INSTALLING THE UNDERBODY PROTECTION OF THE STEERING GEAR OR THE FRONT THRUST FIELD .
Refer to INSTALLING THE FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION OR FRONT THRUST FIELD .
Refer to PREPARING THE INJECTOR FOR INSTALLATION .
Refer to INSTALLING INJECTORS .
Refer to INSTALLING THE LEFT HIGH PRESSURE PUMP .
Refer to INSTALLING THE HIGH-PRESSURE RAIL ON THE LEFT .
Refer to INSTALLING ALL HIGH PRESSURE LINES BETWEEN THE RAIL AND THE INJECTORS .
Refer to INSTALLING FUEL DELIVERY LINE .
Refer to INSTALLING THE LEFT-HAND HIGH PRESSURE LINE BETWEEN THE HIGH PRESSURE PUMP AND THE RAIL .
Refer to INSTALLING CHARGE AIR PIPE ON LEFT .
Refer to INSTALLING TOPPING CLEAN AIR PIPE ON LEFT .
Refer to PARTIALLY FASTENING THE WIRING HARNESS ON THE LEFT CYLINDER HEAD COVER .
Refer to INSTALLING THE HOLDER FOR THE DME CONTROL UNIT ON THE LEFT .
Refer to INSTALLING THE DME CONTROL UNIT FOR CYLINDERS 7 TO 12 .
Refer to INSTALLING COVER FOR THE LEFT DME CONTROL UNIT .
Refer to INSTALLING THE IGNITION COILS .
Refer to INSTALLING THE LEFT-HAND VENTILATION LINE .
Refer to INSTALLING THE INTAKE PLENUM .
Refer to INSTALLING THE TANK VENT LINE .
Refer to INSTALLING THE ENGINE VENTILATION LINE ON THE INTAKE SYSTEM .
Refer to INSTALLING FAN COWL .
Refer to INSTALLING THE REAR TOP CROSS CONNECTION .
Refer to MOUNTING THE LEFT-HAND CHARGE AIR COOLER .
Refer to INSTALLING THE LEFT THROTTLE BODY .
Refer to INSTALLING LEFT INTAKE PORT .
Refer to INSTALLING THE LEFT-HAND AIR DUCT .
Refer to INSTALLING LEFT INTAKE SILENCER HOUSING .
Refer to MOUNTING THE RIGHT-HAND CHARGE AIR COOLER .
Refer to INSTALLING THE RIGHT THROTTLE BODY .
Refer to INSTALLING RIGHT AIR DUCT .
Refer to INSTALLING RIGHT INTAKE SILENCER HOUSING .
Refer to INSTALLING TENSION STRUT ON SHOCK TOWER .
Refer to INSTALLING WINDSHIELD PANEL COVER .
Refer to INSTALLING THE CENTER COWL UPPER PART .
Refer to INSTALLING THE FRONT HOOD SEAL AT THE REAR .
Refer to INSTALLING THE REAR RIGHT ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER .
Refer to INSTALLING THE COVER OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON THE REAR LEFT .
Refer to INSTALLING LEFT AND RIGHT WIPER ARM .
Refer to INSTALLING FANFARE HORN, RIGHT .
Refer to INSTALLING THE FANFARE ON THE LEFT SIDE .
Refer to INSTALLING THE CENTER TOP CROSS CONNECTION .
Refer to INSTALLING BOTH HEADLIGHTS .
Refer to INSTALLING BUMPER COVER, FRONT .
Refer to INSTALLING FRONT SECTION OF THE FRONT WHEEL ARCH COVER (PARTIALLY REMOVED) .
Refer to INSTALLING FRONT ORNAMENTAL GRILLE .
Refer to INSTALLING THE COVER OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CENTER .
Refer to TOPPING UP THE MOTOR OIL .
Refer to INSTALLING ACOUSTIC COVER .
Refer to CONNECTING ALL BATTERY GROUND LEADS .
Refer to FILLING THE COOLING SYSTEM WITH THE VACUUM FILLING UNIT .
Refer to FILLING THE LOW-TEMPERATURE COOLING SYSTEM WITH THE VACUUM FILLING EQUIPMENT .
Refer to CHECKING/TOPPING UP THE OIL LEVEL IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION .
Refer to VENTING THE HIGH-TEMPERATURE COOLANT SYSTEM .
Refer to VENTING THE LOW-TEMPERATURE COOLING SYSTEM .
Refer to TAKING HOOD OUT OF THE SERVICE POSITION .
Refer to ADJUSTING HEADLIGHTS .