How To: BMW E46 M3 CPV Install

Is your e46 M3 leaking oil and does it look like it’s coming from the bell housing? It might be your CPV.
captured video loosening and removing the cpv as well as a the install. It’s not a difficult repair, the key is getting a good angle while holding the extension with your left hand.
Skip to 8:30 if you want to see the removal.
Viton seal can be found here - tinyurl.com/334umrue
Viton cpv, seal, and bit - tinyurl.com/42a5b5vm
OR just the largest flat blade bit that you can find though you run the risk or rounding the screw.
Here is a bit that could work well - tinyurl.com/3uane9n7

[@bs2107]

Man, this was a tough job for me. Every bolt was a struggle. I don't think I could have done it without your video. Thank you!

[@thedriversapex]

Hey! Thanks for watching. So glad you got this done!! 💪💪 It’s definitely tricky especially if the bolts won’t budge. Great work!

[@lharvey16]

not an advertisement. the first sped up minute makes a great argument for quickjack:)

[@thedriversapex]

Hey! I have no idea how I missed your comment. I just watched that part and you’re spot on. I’m currently replacing rod bearings and went through that same routine and thought to myself, a quick jack would be so much easier. Thanks for watching!

[@digi051669]

Great video. Shows quite clearly where its located and remove. Thanks

[@thedriversapex]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate it. I have no idea how I got a camera (iphone 13) in there, but i am glad I did. Thanks again! - Tom

[@bootayyshakin]

Really appreciate how thorough you are with your videos. Just subbed

[@thedriversapex]

Thank you!! I’m hoping to begin reinforcing the rear subframe floor soon and also fixing the e30’s rusted windshield cowl. Thanks for watching/subbing!!! I appreciate it.

[@thiswasmytumblr]

Man. You just made this look easy! 😂

[@thedriversapex]

Haha, thank you! I honestly think it was luck. Thanks for watching.

[@MrCaps62]

Gave me the confidence to attempt the DIY myself !

[@thedriversapex]

Yay!! That’s awesome 👏 Thanks for watching.

[@eazy__m3]

thanks for this video. like you said its not really been shown clearly on video its a complicated place to access. very valuable information as all s54 cpv fail at one point or another

[@eazy__m3]

man it was really nice to see that break loose on camera!!

[@thedriversapex]

Thank you for watching! I now know why very few videos show the cpv as it’s incredibly difficult to place a camera in there. It was satisfying when I heard it break lose. One thing I would do is order the proper the socket as the one I had was a bit loose. Thanks again for watching. I really appreciate it.

[@koopsie]

Awesome video! gotta do mine and you made it look almost too easy :D

[@thedriversapex]

Thanks for watching. It was easier than I thought. I think a lot people make it sound harder than it is. If I were to redo it I would have bought the correct socket. Other than that, not bad. 3/8 socket wrench, 10” extension, and the socket. You got this!!!

[@williamwong7722]

Thanks for sharing this video. Others talked about changing it but nothing shows it better than seeing it on a video. Btw the manufacturer says to replace all of the bolts that you took off the reinforcement plate and torque them back to spec. They are not cheap and will add to cost of this job.

[@thedriversapex]

Thanks for watching.

[@BattleOfAssaultClan]

the metal skidplate underneath? not needed to replace those bolts.

[@thedriversapex]

Thanks! I didn’t think so. I recently had them off again and just torqued them. Thanks for watching.

[@BattleOfAssaultClan]

@@thedriversapex don't even need to torque. Just Tighten a bunch

[@johngambill9747]

First thank you for the video. I have 1 question, what are you using as a jacking point in the rear of the car?

[@thedriversapex]

Thank you!!! There is a small jack point behind the triangle brace near the rear subframe for lifting. I hope this link helps. m3support.net/thread/10/jacking-e46-m3-jack-stands
Thanks for watching!

[@guayo42]

I couldn't get my my fat hands and forearms thru the headers to the CPV.... I was pissed I had to pay a shop to do it.

[@thedriversapex]

Yeah! It’s definitely a tight fit. I think I had a bit of trouble getting my arms up there. Glad you tried and sorry you had to take it somewhere. Thanks for sharing and watching!

[@eazy_m3]

How hard was this for you? And how long did it take ? I think imma do it in the morning with the same flat head socket you used. lol.

[@thedriversapex]

I think you can knock it out in less than an hour. Make sure you have some good lighting and you’ll be done in no time. Good luck! You got this!