11 12 101 Replacing cylinder head gasket (N52)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 16 other vehicles, including the 2008 BMW Z4, 2007 BMW Z4, 2007 BMW 530xi, 2007 BMW 530i, and 2007 BMW 525xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

11 4 430
11 4 470

IMPORTANT: Aluminium-magnesium materials.

No steel screws/bolts may be used due to the threat of electrochemical corrosion.

A magnesium crankcase requires aluminium screws/bolts exclusively.

Aluminium screws/bolts must be replaced each time they are released.

The end faces of aluminium screws/bolts are painted blue for the purposes of reliable identification.

Jointing torque and angle of rotation must be observed without fail (risk of damage).

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove Cylinder Head.

Insert special tool 11 4 430 into bores.

Remove head gasket.

IMPORTANT: Check identification (1) on cylinder head gasket (B25 or B30).

B= petrol/gasoline engine
30= displacement (3 liters)

Do not mix them up as this will cause engine damage.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool (11 4 430) And Special Tool (11 4 430)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove remnants of oil and dirt from pocket holes (1).

IMPORTANT: Work on sealing face on engine block and on cylinder head with special tool 11 4 470 only.

Do not use any metal-cutting tools.

Fig 2: Identifying Engine Pocket Holes

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Identification (1) of head gasket.

IMPORTANT: Rubber coating (2) on cylinder head gasket must not under any circumstances be damaged (electrochemical corrosion).

Gasket (3) is a sheet-metal gasket

Fig 3: Identifying Sheet-Metal Gasket, Rubber Coating And Head Gasket Identification

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Check adapter sleeves (1) for damage and firm seating.

Place head gasket (2) in direction of arrow on engine block.

Fig 4: Identifying Head Gasket And Adapter Sleeves

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Check cylinder head for Deviation From Flatness.

Check cylinder head for Water Leaks.

Assemble engine.