This explains why my alternator is covered in oil in my 2006 750Li. I have to get the valve stem seals replaced, might as well get this done as well. The is by far the best video on UA-cam for this repair. A $3 gasket with $3K of labor!!! Let me get my coins together!! I have above average mechanic skills, but lack the tools and time for a job that involved. Great video.
I did mine 2 months ago. I wish I had waited to see your video. I was too chicken to drop the subframe, so it took me a while to find the right tool to reach the PSP bolt, but I was able to do it. This is a mandatory repair for any n62 with > 100K. Keep up the good work.
Did this two years ago on my 545i. 70k miles and it was a mess. At the time I thought I had better do the valve cover gaskets and front timing chain cover gaskets. Getting the valve covers off even removing all the miscellaneous items is still a pain in the butt. Love the BMW but it is the biggest oil leaking unit i've every seen. Old detroit diesels are as bad now that I think of it.
Wanna give a huge shout out you bro. I’m sure this video has saved a ton of money for people that really needed to save it. As these luxury cars get older, people that can’t afford a new one end up with the car and all the problems they start having a little down the road. I’ve got a 2010 550i m sport so I love seeing you hell people keep them on the road so like doesn’t feel ancient!! Keep it up man!
I just did mines over the last three days myself this video helped very much at times but one thing I had to do was remove the power steering hose below to reach from angle i used jack stand engine support bar and 2 jacks job was relatively easy if you have all of the parts on deck...i had to make several trips to autozone for additional tools but I'd do b it again now that I've documented what went where also I had t o disconnect sway bar
I had to do this job this week I live in Chicago so you know it was cold. It took me the whole week never have I dug so deep into a car. Thanks for the video it helped me a lot.
Gosh - when I heard that a BMW alternator bracket leaks, I figured it was a 30 minute job to replace (after I assumed that an alternator bracket leaking was a joke). Watching this video reminds me why no one should not buy a BMW with a V8. A good video though!
great job , i like your strong patience and your attitude to perform the job . Dont mater where it is the important part to make the money to support your FAMILLY. I use to work the way you do without a confortable place Thanks GOD now i have a 2,000 sq/ft garage with everything possible in tools .keep up the good work . for me its like a dream come true. good luck , blesings !
Thank you very much from germany. I did the same replacement on my 550i in approx. 10 hours in my backyard. I did it without lowering the subframe. I only detached the engine mount on the left side an lift it up. For the other steps I did it the same way. But I was realy exhausted after that work...puh...Thanks again!
Glad to be helpful, i do this job in 2-3 hours tops, lowering subframe saves a lot of trouble but glad you did it on your own and saved some money, good job
One thing I would add is to undo the steering shaft coupler connection that goes to steering rack it allows the subframe to drop down a bit more. Don’t always need to do this but it helped a lot on a 7 series I did this on.
Yeah man your video helped big time I thank you for the easy step by step. The only thing I did not do( even know I bought one and set it up) was take off engine mount and drop the subframe, I loosened the 4 bolts on the transfer case so I had just enough room for a short 16 wrench and plus I took drive shaft out but man I worked on that thing for 3 days and about 5 hours a day. But your video helped big time. Thanks.
Thank you for the help! Your videos are great because you take the time and show every single step, unlike many others who just record after they remove the part. I have my 750i apart right now with the valve covers and gaskets off, the timing chain covers removed, the transmission pan removed (in order to fix the 1st-2nd shift clunk issue) and now i'm getting ready to do this job while its all apart. Do you recommend the stent coolant fix that i keep seeing an ad for on your videos? It says lifetime guarantee on the fix and wanted to know if you ever tried that, instead of the tube replacement? Also, I love your good attitude and hard work. If anyone deserves a nice garage with a lift, and parts wash station, it you! I build houses for a living, so that sort of thing is easy for me. If you lived near me, I would be happy to help! Again, thank you for the help, and nice work! I wouldn't have been able to do the job this easily without your videos.
Thank you for the feedback, i have never tried anything but expandable pipe replacement, other solutions don’t seem good enough for me, and as of garage and lift etc I don’t want that, not at all😉
Thanks for the video! It helped me a lot. I did not lower the subframe so it was a little tight getting some of the bolts. But thanks to this video I knew where they were located. Thanks again!
Hey man ! @Zeiten Ur video helped me a lot and im so thankful for making this video for us. I just replaced my gasket today but i ended up snapping one of the front bolts on the alternator bracket 😢. Do you think I’ll be ok ?
Thank you, no there isn’t any seal that can do that but if you have transmission oil cooler failure (it develops a whole internally) coolant and transmission fluid can mix and it will look like engine oil and coolant are mixing since transmission fluid color is yellow
Zeiten Llc. This engine requires the most work for a simplistic part. Bmw did not do well in thinking forward for engine repairs. Whether it’s the alienator bracket seal, valve and gasket replace, and having aluminum fittings. This philosophy is the worst for this era of engine design. Bmw will get no sales from my country. They must bring the new line engine creating a philosophy to make repairs easier or build an engine with very minimal repairs. AS FOR THIS VIDEO: you are outstanding. You spent time telling step by step details. Stayed calm and collective and appreciate that. Your camera person needs help. Overall great job. But bmw, this series engine I have as well, and sending to the junk yard. No, I’m going destroy it, I don’t even want this piece of crap on a salvage yard for spare parts!
I'm attempting this right now. I'm on day 5 and I don't even have the alternator bracket removed. Complete pita. Now my cars all taken apart during the virus.
I need to redo my bracket it started leaking even more I did something wrong GREAT VID ..... I didn’t drop the subframe IM DOING THAT THIS TIME 100% great video
i wish you were in the uk i would definitely call your to do my 645ci i found your film very educational , you make a big job look simple , i would only take on a alternator change and may be a valve cover gasket my opinion excellent
awesome helpful video.. nightmare of a job..i just completed my 650i after watching this vid.class.. however i didnt seem to need to remove both engine mounts and drop sub frame as per vid. i just took that 1 engine mount nut off amd carefully took weight of engine while i undid all 4 bolts then raised engine carefully(whilst makimg sure nothing was resisting anywhere) about 3/4 of an inch til bracket became free.. so never had to touch subframe..
I've just bought a low mileage 645ci for an absolute bargain and of course, it had a severe oil leak coming from the alternator bracket. Garage quoted me £1500 and I nearly vomited. I decided as this isn't my daily driver and I have tools and time to do it myself, I will. This video is a godsend for me, once summer comes back round I'll be studying this video and giving it a go. Thanks mate. Ps. I've heard on the e63, dropping the subframe isn't a requirement, is this true? I guess it would make the job easier either way.
It’s possible to do without dropping subframe but in my opinion and experience it’s easier and most importantly safer to just drop subframe for this job since you’ll have to lift the engine anyways you’ll have a safety of subframe hanging on control arms in case the engine hoist fails (happened before). And it the hoist fails while your hands are in there without subframe dropped that will be a disaster, be safe
This great man thank you for sharing I have the same BMW something is leaking but am not sure what it is hopefully is not this 😂 might be my oil thermostat,thank you again for sharing and keep that attitude up great job if you in the NYC area I would def come to you to get the job done 👍
I need opinions. Considering doing this and several other things on my 07 750li. It's at 150,000 miles. It leaks about 2 quarts between oil changes. I stick to the interval recommended by the car, even though I heard that you should increase the oil change frequency to save the valve stem seals, but that's a quart about every 7.000 miles. To fix them, I'll have to do upper timing covers, valve cover and alternator bracket seals. I need to do the bridge and mechatronics seal plus the flex disc on the transmission. I already did it once at 70,000 miles. I can tell it's acting up again. Also, I hear the CV in the back clink while letting off the accelerator or pressing it again like it has backlash. I will do the driveshaft support bearing too. I have a vibration when braking. Front control arms, all tires, all discs and pads replaced. It still does it. I'm going to tackle the integral links, rear upper arms and the bushings and see if that's it. Back tires seem pretty "floppy" when I kick them. Looking at the parts and getting it all in a basket, it's going to be $1100 in parts alone. I do all of my own work. I have no valve stem seal smoke or timing chain rattle. I'm trying to decide if I can do all of this work in a week and a weekend and get another 50K miles out of the thing, or if I should trade up to a 2012+ 750li Xdrive. Don't try and talk me out of a 7 series. Right now I have 3 in the driveway. My previous car was a 1996 750li. I have an 01' 740li and a donor 01'740li that will be losing it's transmission and some other parts to the other 740 for a cheap commuter for the wifey. What can I say, I like my 7 series.
well you can finish all the work in just 2 days or its gonna take you a month or more, all depends on your skills, if you want a newer 7 series i would recommend 740li, less problematic engine and it is still the same car, so it is all up to you
Yeah, I can't downgrade to a 6 cyl. I already lost 4 cylinders on this one from my 96', but I gained HP. The car itself isn't as cool as the e38 750 I had and doesn't have every option as the flagship 760 either. I see even less options on the 740. I mean, it has newer options, plusher seats, than the old one, but not everything like they throw in the top models. They didn't pull any stops and every option from trimmed backseat lights, adjustable rear seats and double pane glass was in the last one I owned. I think I have the skills to do it in 3-4 days. I already did the filter, bridge and mechatronics seal, plus the guibo in a day once before. With work, I'll be doing it in my spare time and on the weekends. It's too risky to try and squeeze it in 2 days. I'm just trying to decide if the car is worth the time and money. I think if I can get 200K miles out of it, it certainly would be. I hear if you keep on top of the transmission it'll do that many miles. By the time I hit that, other stuff will be failing and it'll be time to get rid of it. I have heard bad things about these cars and reliability, but minus what I'm doing now, in the 7 years I've owned it, I've only had to put brakes, tires. front control arms, pull and clean the gas tank vent filter, replace a thermostat and the transmission parts I previously mentioned. That's in 80,000 miles. I can't say that's too different than a lot of other cars. Only difference is you have to work on them yourself. A shop locally wanted $10K to pull and reseal the engine. He preferred to do it out of the engine bay. Ummm, no. Your videos will certainly be helpful. Thanks for sharing them.
@@Zeiten Funny, I put this off for 8 months and lived with the drip. Got the low oil warning yesterday while driving. Previously I only got it after turning the car off and it was 1 QT low. Put a quart in and got the warning again 2 blocks after. Drove it home and saw the oil slick in the driveway. Risky, but I was only one quart under when I checked it after I got it home. Lucky. Guess who is back on your video for pointers and has a greasy keyboard? This guy!
in fact to be honest dude why did u move sub frame?? just out of curiosity..was it just create even more room..i just didnt fancy tackling the subframe
Probably about 5k because shops get brutal when they see that Propeller pull up but this guy explains it so well all you need are the right tools a good memory flat covered surface if you a novice just flat if you been spinning bolts and time you would save yourself about 3k cause you might replace a lot while you got it apart like that
Damn dude all that for that one piece that's crazy if you could go about in a different approach how would you do it?or what would you change? and would having a lift be a better way? Again appreciate your time 🙏💪
Hi, technically it is similar water cooled alternator bracket will have to come off, and the process of alternator removal is obviously different but overall i would say you could follow those steps in the video
Awesome !! My problem is the 6mm allen bolt behind the PS pump... mine is rounded out/stripped... omg !! What do you suggest to get it out? I'm going to try an easy out. Any other suggestions??? HELP !!!
Hard to suggest anything but to say keep trying, may be work around it but it will be difficult for sure. May be try hammering in torx-45 socket little by little. The worst case you can take the whole bracket with pump still attached to it move it, replace the gasket without full removal of the bracket and put it back
@@Zeiten Man...I finally got that 6mm allen head bolt behind the power steering pump out.....I was able to get a small pair of vice grips clamped on the head of the bolt and break it loose.....I'M HAPPY !!! And thanks again for your awesome video.
hi mate sorry to hassle.you but did you bother getting correct torque settings for all bolts. also apart from the reinforcement plate are any of the bolts stretch bolts..thanks mate soz t bother you
No worries, i have over 10 years of experience and i kind of know when enough is enough, also there are no stretch bolts there at all. One trick is to remember the tightness of bolts when you take them out and reapply same tightness
hi master bmw tech. I have a bmw 550i sport. About a year i smelled smoke coming from the front my hood and moments later I didn't have any power from my alternator and it killed my batter after. I put another one in and within 5 minutes the alternator started smoking again. Any ideal what could have cause this problem.
I have an E65 750i 4.8. I’m looking to replace the engine mounts. Any tips for replacing them? Is dropping the subframe a few inches like you did here all I have to do to make room to pull the mounts out?
@@Zeiten Appreciate your reply. I saw some have loosen the differential just enough to swivel it out of the way to expose the last back bolt. Do you think it's necessary to use a engine lifter like yours to lift the engine up more to get access to the bracket? If so, then I would have to unbolt the engine mounts?
Yes you can take some differential bolts out to get access to last bolt, when i do this job i always use engine hoist and drop the subframe, yes you’ll need to unbolt motor mounts for that
I can't seem to find a 13 mm socket for the motor mount I want to know where you got yours because I can't seem to find it anywhere and the company that makes them needs to die. I don't know why they sell a set that goes from 12 to 14 to 16 when they should just sell all of them like every other f****** tool company it's really pissing me off but I like your video it helped keep it up, thanks.
Great Job glad to have found this. Keep up the Great work. Where did you buy the gasket from. I will definitely look for the coolant video. I have a 2004 645ci and have to replace seals and gaskets...Thanks
Thank you for this awesome video. Respect. Hey so my indy shop did this alternator gasket for me last year because it was leaking a lot. Ever since I've still got a small oil leak though. What could it be?
I had hard time putting cooling lines back in. I need to go back and redo it as they don't seem to be all the way in. Will I need to drop the subframe to re-install oil lines or can i do it just by removing the steering pump?
Are you planning to upload a video on valve stem seal job on the n62 or n63 engine? I think that is an unavoidable job that I will have to do at some point. It would be nice ot have your input.
Unfortunately not, it is a very long process, well depending on methods you choose everything is pretty much the same to the point of removal valve cover, after that it is long and boring process of replacing those seals one by one, as a mobile bmw repair company we don't perform this job (takes too long) so i won't be able to provide this material
Hello TIM When you lower sub frame there is 6 18 long mil which one stay in frame and which one take out completely before you lower sub frame. Thank you
Trying to do this repair this weekend. What size are the 4 bolts on the engine mount bracket? I was using E12 might have stripped one slightly. I can cant unscrew it. Please help.
@@Zeiten I took top one out but I am stuck at bottom long one. I am afraid I might have damaged the head a bit because it is pretty tight. I will try it again tomorrow. Will 10mm socket work?
@@Zeiten Thank you. Followed step by step video here to replace the bracket seal and oil rings. Put everything back, one of the 18mm subframe bolts (rear on passenger side) is not going all the way in, too tight to force it all-in, other 5 went all in perfect.
The coolant was drained previously while replacing water pump and coolant transfer pipe, have those videos too, power steering fluid wasn't touched at all because no power steering lines need to be disconnected, just moved aside
I'm removing mine known however I didn't drop subframe I have a hard time taking the engine mount bolts off only took one off so far so do I still need to put the engine hoist on since I didn't drop the subframe?
Without dropping subframe it will be more difficult to remove motor mount bolts and set it aside to reach final 16mm bolt, but you'll need to keep engine in place and for that you'll have to support the engine via hoist otherwise it will fall on one side where the engine mount is no longer present and also you can hurt yourself doing so (dangerous operation without proper equipment) i would say get the hoist its about 60$ at harbor freight, drop the subframe and save yourself a lot of time and pain, trust me its worth it
OK I got everything up and running my issue was when I was trying to put the plate back on the gasket fell out so when I turn the car on all the engine oil blew all over the place and so when I took the plate off the gasket was basically on the frame.... To resolve the problem of me putting the gasket back on and not falling out I got some gasket glue and glued it in there and then I lined up all the Bolton everything is running good as new thank you for this video is help me out tremendously
you are welcome, on the e70 x5 you don't have to drop the subframe to replace this gasket, although on e53 with n62 engine it is harder to do so because you'll need to move front differential aside to reach final bolt and drop the subframe as well
I have an issue with the passenger side front window working...it,s all the way up and all the others work and that one won't. it makes a faint noise when trying to roll it down. It happened suddenly... any suggestions???
@@Zeiten Is there a way to manually roll the window down once you get the door panel off? It has to come down to a point where you can remove the bolts that hold the glass in place.
21 and 47 NM I do believe. My hands have become strong over many years to the point I strip things out in aluminum on accident. Hand memory is no substitute for proper torque. Best to not have to worry you over or under tightened a bolt. Especially with a job as shitty as this.
@@Zeiten I'm completely beat down by this job. 5 days into this. Spent two entire days getting one bolt off the front motor mount. 2 more on the backside of the motor mount that are impossible to get the socket onto
Sorry to hear that, most repairs look easier than they actually are, I’ve done this job hundreds of times but still once in a while you can get stubborn bolts that need creative solutions to take out
@@Zeiten my 550i is fully spec out. Meaning there is all kinds of extra stuff on the car. I got the sub frame split from the engine thankfully. The e torx that hold the motor mount are being difficult, scared because I'm going close to stripping them
@@Zeiten got the gasket swapped. any idea how the 3 adjustment spacers work on the alternator bracket? Torx bolts that attach the motor mount no longer thread into the bracket
I like your video it is very helpful and you make it look easy brother I got a quote from the dealer and they said 2,670 smh I'm getting this done at the end of the month I'm looking for your price 650 tho I'm in Houston but looking at your video I think I can do it thanku for your video brother keep it up
Yes I will and how do you let the air out of the radiator too that's my question alot of the foreign s have like a bleeder srew I don't see one for the 2010 650i
@@jamilmctier5165 The best way to bleed the system is to remove coolant temperature sensor from water pump and fill up expansion tank to the point where coolant starts leaking through the hole where sensor was and when this happens put the sensor back and fill up expansion tank to max level, then start the car with cap off and rev it a bit and let it idle for a couple minutes, thats it, put cap back on and you are good to go
Nice job! Какой пробег у машины, что потекла эта прокладка？У меня 209k км,но пока славо богу не течет. Думаю что тоже когда нибудь предстоит эта процедура. Спасибо.
I have a question, there are 2 vacuum hoses behind the power steering reservoir. One hose run across the engine to the passenger head. I see that one. The other one run down toward the alternator. Where this vacuum hose connect to? My is broken and can't seems to find where it connected to. If possible could to send picture?
This explains why my alternator is covered in oil in my 2006 750Li. I have to get the valve stem seals replaced, might as well get this done as well. The is by far the best video on UA-cam for this repair. A $3 gasket with $3K of labor!!! Let me get my coins together!! I have above average mechanic skills, but lack the tools and time for a job that involved. Great video.
Maaaaaaaan!!!!!!!!he made so simple for me and broke my $20 a day 5w30 synthetic habit my Bad Mf Whip born again 🎉
I did mine 2 months ago. I wish I had waited to see your video. I was too chicken to drop the subframe, so it took me a while to find the right tool to reach the PSP bolt, but I was able to do it. This is a mandatory repair for any n62 with > 100K. Keep up the good work.
Thanks, well what matters is that you finished the job, it is a good accomplishment
Did this two years ago on my 545i. 70k miles and it was a mess. At the time I thought I had better do the valve cover gaskets and front timing chain cover gaskets. Getting the valve covers off even removing all the miscellaneous items is still a pain in the butt. Love the BMW but it is the biggest oil leaking unit i've every seen. Old detroit diesels are as bad now that I think of it.
How did you do the job without dropping the subframe
How did you do it, what tool did you use?
GREAT JOB, definitely the best video on UA-cam doing this repair. We might have to do this soon, WHAT A NIGHTMARE!!!!
Well i am sure when you start doing it, it won't be that hard, you do good job too, keep it up
@@Zeiten I definitely have to give your channel a shout out!!!
UPDATE: we got the car today to do this job!! We did a part 1, and in part two, I'm going to give your channel a shout-out. what is your name?
@@OnlineAutoRepairVideos thanks, my name is Tim
Nice work brother, Quick question for you is it necessary to remove the fan in order to replace the alternator? Thanks and cheers from Los Angeles 🍻
Wanna give a huge shout out you bro. I’m sure this video has saved a ton of money for people that really needed to save it. As these luxury cars get older, people that can’t afford a new one end up with the car and all the problems they start having a little down the road. I’ve got a 2010 550i m sport so I love seeing you hell people keep them on the road so like doesn’t feel ancient!! Keep it up man!
Thank you appreciate it🙌
I just did mines over the last three days myself this video helped very much at times but one thing I had to do was remove the power steering hose below to reach from angle i used jack stand engine support bar and 2 jacks job was relatively easy if you have all of the parts on deck...i had to make several trips to autozone for additional tools but I'd do b it again now that I've documented what went where also I had t o disconnect sway bar
Great job! Love your positive attitude! A true Bimmer Mechanic.
Thank you
@@Zeiten how much would you charge for this job?
I had to do this job this week I live in Chicago so you know it was cold. It took me the whole week never have I dug so deep into a car. Thanks for the video it helped me a lot.
You are welcome, glad you were able to do it yourself
@@Zeiten only one thing the subframe torque according to something's I saw online ask for 100 NM I can only get it to 77NM should I be worried?
@@getpaid38able i wouldn't worry at all
@@Zeiten thought so because it awfully tight and I can't get another budge.
Getpaid38 how much u charge me to do mine
That’s crazy all that work for just that area Wowwwwww.!!!!No lie I wish there was more mechanics like him he must be just a European mechanic
You are a excellent mechanic and make it look effortless.. JOBS WELL DONE. Wish you were local to me
With the knowledge and professionalism you display you should have a high tech shop.
Well we provide high tech mobile repairs, but thanks:)
@@Zeiten if only you were local to me I would sleep tight at night without worrying about an engine leaking oil.
Eventually we’ll be everywhere i hope:)
Wow, highly impressive work. This is a lot of work but you are a master mechanic doing this tedious job. Thank you for making this DIY video
Gosh - when I heard that a BMW alternator bracket leaks, I figured it was a 30 minute job to replace (after I assumed that an alternator bracket leaking was a joke). Watching this video reminds me why no one should not buy a BMW with a V8. A good video though!
great job , i like your strong patience and your attitude to perform the job . Dont mater where it is the important part to make the money to support your FAMILLY. I use to work the way you do without a confortable place Thanks GOD now i have a 2,000 sq/ft garage with everything possible in tools .keep up the good work . for me its like a dream come true. good luck , blesings !
thanks, i used to want a shop too, but definitely not anymore:)
Thank you very much from germany. I did the same replacement on my 550i in approx. 10 hours in my backyard. I did it without lowering the subframe. I only detached the engine mount on the left side an lift it up. For the other steps I did it the same way. But I was realy exhausted after that work...puh...Thanks again!
Glad to be helpful, i do this job in 2-3 hours tops, lowering subframe saves a lot of trouble but glad you did it on your own and saved some money, good job
One thing I would add is to undo the steering shaft coupler connection that goes to steering rack it allows the subframe to drop down a bit more. Don’t always need to do this but it helped a lot on a 7 series I did this on.
Yeah man your video helped big time I thank you for the easy step by step. The only thing I did not do( even know I bought one and set it up) was take off engine mount and drop the subframe, I loosened the 4 bolts on the transfer case so I had just enough room for a short 16 wrench and plus I took drive shaft out but man I worked on that thing for 3 days and about 5 hours a day. But your video helped big time. Thanks.
Great video !
Your video is helping me. I need to replace the alternator in my 05 E55, so I was looking for videos about it. Thank you
Thank you for the help! Your videos are great because you take the time and show every single step, unlike many others who just record after they remove the part. I have my 750i apart right now with the valve covers and gaskets off, the timing chain covers removed, the transmission pan removed (in order to fix the 1st-2nd shift clunk issue) and now i'm getting ready to do this job while its all apart. Do you recommend the stent coolant fix that i keep seeing an ad for on your videos? It says lifetime guarantee on the fix and wanted to know if you ever tried that, instead of the tube replacement?
Also, I love your good attitude and hard work. If anyone deserves a nice garage with a lift, and parts wash station, it you! I build houses for a living, so that sort of thing is easy for me. If you lived near me, I would be happy to help!
Again, thank you for the help, and nice work! I wouldn't have been able to do the job this easily without your videos.
Thank you for the feedback, i have never tried anything but expandable pipe replacement, other solutions don’t seem good enough for me, and as of garage and lift etc I don’t want that, not at all😉
Thanks for the video! It helped me a lot. I did not lower the subframe so it was a little tight getting some of the bolts. But thanks to this video I knew where they were located. Thanks again!
Nice, glad you were able to complete the job
In the process of doing this now. Was able to remove power steering pump without dropping subframe. At the stage of dropping subframe now. Good video
Hey man ! @Zeiten Ur video helped me a lot and im so thankful for making this video for us. I just replaced my gasket today but i ended up snapping one of the front bolts on the alternator bracket 😢. Do you think I’ll be ok ?
Probably, depends on the bolt. The most important ones are those that go through alternator bracket from motor mount side
Thanks for all you help
On n62 is any gasket get bad and mix water and oil beside head gasket
Awesome videos you make
Thank you, no there isn’t any seal that can do that but if you have transmission oil cooler failure (it develops a whole internally) coolant and transmission fluid can mix and it will look like engine oil and coolant are mixing since transmission fluid color is yellow
@@Zeiten is the coolant transfer pipe can do that I have a milky oil inside my engine car runs good no misfire or overheated?
@juanvh30 no coolant transfer pipe doesn’t interact with any engine oil related components
@@Zeiten for sure head gaskets right
Any suggestions to check please
Zeiten Llc. This engine requires the most work for a simplistic part. Bmw did not do well in thinking forward for engine repairs. Whether it’s the alienator bracket seal, valve and gasket replace, and having aluminum fittings. This philosophy is the worst for this era of engine design. Bmw will get no sales from my country. They must bring the new line engine creating a philosophy to make repairs easier or build an engine with very minimal repairs. AS FOR THIS VIDEO: you are outstanding. You spent time telling step by step details. Stayed calm and collective and appreciate that. Your camera person needs help. Overall great job. But bmw, this series engine I have as well, and sending to the junk yard. No, I’m going destroy it, I don’t even want this piece of crap on a salvage yard for spare parts!
I'm attempting this right now. I'm on day 5 and I don't even have the alternator bracket removed. Complete pita. Now my cars all taken apart during the virus.
I need to redo my bracket it started leaking even more I did something wrong GREAT VID ..... I didn’t drop the subframe IM DOING THAT THIS TIME 100% great video
i wish you were in the uk i would definitely call your to do my 645ci i found your film very educational , you make a big job look simple , i would only take on a alternator change and may be a valve cover gasket my opinion excellent
Thank you, i'm here to share the knowledge and experience
Man you are a beast,, come to Atlanta and work on my 750,,, on the real!!
Thank you, that would be expensive😂
awesome helpful video.. nightmare of a job..i just completed my 650i after watching this vid.class.. however i didnt seem to need to remove both engine mounts and drop sub frame as per vid. i just took that 1 engine mount nut off amd carefully took weight of engine while i undid all 4 bolts then raised engine carefully(whilst makimg sure nothing was resisting anywhere) about 3/4 of an inch til bracket became free.. so never had to touch subframe..
Dropping sub frame gives clear access and makes this job way easier and faster to complete, efficiency is the key
@@Zeiten yeh see what you mean mate.. so glad i watched ya video and attempted it. ££££s saved..
Glad to hear it, good job
I've just bought a low mileage 645ci for an absolute bargain and of course, it had a severe oil leak coming from the alternator bracket. Garage quoted me £1500 and I nearly vomited. I decided as this isn't my daily driver and I have tools and time to do it myself, I will. This video is a godsend for me, once summer comes back round I'll be studying this video and giving it a go. Thanks mate.
Ps. I've heard on the e63, dropping the subframe isn't a requirement, is this true? I guess it would make the job easier either way.
It’s possible to do without dropping subframe but in my opinion and experience it’s easier and most importantly safer to just drop subframe for this job since you’ll have to lift the engine anyways you’ll have a safety of subframe hanging on control arms in case the engine hoist fails (happened before). And it the hoist fails while your hands are in there without subframe dropped that will be a disaster, be safe
best demonstration of how to fix a weak link in BMW's 4.8i engine. Thanks!
Hey did anything break after having the subframe hanging like that? Also did u drain the oil/power steering fluid or is it not needed?
bmw should recall the $10 alternator bracket gasket. That would teach bmw how to design for fixability properly.
Will teach them how to make proper long lasting fkn gaskets
Can it be done without dropping the subframe ??
This great man thank you for sharing I have the same BMW something is leaking but am not sure what it is hopefully is not this 😂 might be my oil thermostat,thank you again for sharing and keep that attitude up great job if you in the NYC area I would def come to you to get the job done 👍
I need opinions. Considering doing this and several other things on my 07 750li. It's at 150,000 miles. It leaks about 2 quarts between oil changes. I stick to the interval recommended by the car, even though I heard that you should increase the oil change frequency to save the valve stem seals, but that's a quart about every 7.000 miles. To fix them, I'll have to do upper timing covers, valve cover and alternator bracket seals. I need to do the bridge and mechatronics seal plus the flex disc on the transmission. I already did it once at 70,000 miles. I can tell it's acting up again. Also, I hear the CV in the back clink while letting off the accelerator or pressing it again like it has backlash. I will do the driveshaft support bearing too. I have a vibration when braking. Front control arms, all tires, all discs and pads replaced. It still does it. I'm going to tackle the integral links, rear upper arms and the bushings and see if that's it. Back tires seem pretty "floppy" when I kick them. Looking at the parts and getting it all in a basket, it's going to be $1100 in parts alone. I do all of my own work. I have no valve stem seal smoke or timing chain rattle. I'm trying to decide if I can do all of this work in a week and a weekend and get another 50K miles out of the thing, or if I should trade up to a 2012+ 750li Xdrive. Don't try and talk me out of a 7 series. Right now I have 3 in the driveway. My previous car was a 1996 750li. I have an 01' 740li and a donor 01'740li that will be losing it's transmission and some other parts to the other 740 for a cheap commuter for the wifey. What can I say, I like my 7 series.
well you can finish all the work in just 2 days or its gonna take you a month or more, all depends on your skills, if you want a newer 7 series i would recommend 740li, less problematic engine and it is still the same car, so it is all up to you
Yeah, I can't downgrade to a 6 cyl. I already lost 4 cylinders on this one from my 96', but I gained HP. The car itself isn't as cool as the e38 750 I had and doesn't have every option as the flagship 760 either. I see even less options on the 740. I mean, it has newer options, plusher seats, than the old one, but not everything like they throw in the top models. They didn't pull any stops and every option from trimmed backseat lights, adjustable rear seats and double pane glass was in the last one I owned. I think I have the skills to do it in 3-4 days. I already did the filter, bridge and mechatronics seal, plus the guibo in a day once before. With work, I'll be doing it in my spare time and on the weekends. It's too risky to try and squeeze it in 2 days. I'm just trying to decide if the car is worth the time and money. I think if I can get 200K miles out of it, it certainly would be. I hear if you keep on top of the transmission it'll do that many miles. By the time I hit that, other stuff will be failing and it'll be time to get rid of it. I have heard bad things about these cars and reliability, but minus what I'm doing now, in the 7 years I've owned it, I've only had to put brakes, tires. front control arms, pull and clean the gas tank vent filter, replace a thermostat and the transmission parts I previously mentioned. That's in 80,000 miles. I can't say that's too different than a lot of other cars. Only difference is you have to work on them yourself. A shop locally wanted $10K to pull and reseal the engine. He preferred to do it out of the engine bay. Ummm, no. Your videos will certainly be helpful. Thanks for sharing them.
@@Zeiten Funny, I put this off for 8 months and lived with the drip. Got the low oil warning yesterday while driving. Previously I only got it after turning the car off and it was 1 QT low. Put a quart in and got the warning again 2 blocks after. Drove it home and saw the oil slick in the driveway. Risky, but I was only one quart under when I checked it after I got it home. Lucky. Guess who is back on your video for pointers and has a greasy keyboard? This guy!
@@capnmoench4246 Well, good luck to you, all seals replacement shouldn't take more than a weekend
I hear ya they are addictive and the more you learn about them the more you like them.
in fact to be honest dude why did u move sub frame?? just out of curiosity..was it just create even more room..i just didnt fancy tackling the subframe
Any tip how to change my catalytic in this kind of car? Do you have any manual Im in NJ.
The most difficult part are manifold bolts us a swivel. You will also need to drop the exhaust system.
Where did you exactly bolt up the chain to? To support the motor?
there is a bracket there right next to vent hoses on driver's side
Your video helped alot, I just did this to my 05 545i, thanks
How much does it cost to get something like this done
Probably about 5k because shops get brutal when they see that Propeller pull up but this guy explains it so well all you need are the right tools a good memory flat covered surface if you a novice just flat if you been spinning bolts and time you would save yourself about 3k cause you might replace a lot while you got it apart like that
Damn dude all that for that one piece that's crazy if you could go about in a different approach how would you do it?or what would you change? and would having a lift be a better way? Again appreciate your time 🙏💪
Yeeeep, i still do it the same way exactly the only difference is i use quick jack that raises the whole car so yes having a lift is a bonus
Can you do a rack and pinion on this car
Good day does this Apply to water cold cooled alternator as well... does the water cooled alternator have gasket also thanks again....
Hi, technically it is similar water cooled alternator bracket will have to come off, and the process of alternator removal is obviously different but overall i would say you could follow those steps in the video
Great job!!!!!!! Now what is the price to do this job?!
These problems makes you appreciate the e38 even more.
E38's with rusty fuel tanks, rusty arches, rusty boot lids, rusty rear sills, rubbish cooling systems, failing chain tensioners, waterlogged (and rusty) front under carpet fuse boards, breaking front springs?
Awesome !! My problem is the 6mm allen bolt behind the PS pump... mine is rounded out/stripped... omg !! What do you suggest to get it out? I'm going to try an easy out. Any other suggestions??? HELP !!!
just take a 12 point socket probably 8mm will be fine and hammer it over this bolt, this method usually works
@@Zeiten Thanks.....I'll try that !!! I'll let everyone know how it goes !!!
Well... could not get in there to hammer a socket over it so i'm stuck at this point. Not enough room. Any other suggestions???
Hard to suggest anything but to say keep trying, may be work around it but it will be difficult for sure. May be try hammering in torx-45 socket little by little. The worst case you can take the whole bracket with pump still attached to it move it, replace the gasket without full removal of the bracket and put it back
@@Zeiten Man...I finally got that 6mm allen head bolt behind the power steering pump out.....I was able to get a small pair of vice grips clamped on the head of the bolt and break it loose.....I'M HAPPY !!! And thanks again for your awesome video.
Another job knocked out thanks again young man
Happy to help
hi mate sorry to hassle.you but did you bother getting correct torque settings for all bolts. also apart from the reinforcement plate are any of the bolts stretch bolts..thanks mate soz t bother you
No worries, i have over 10 years of experience and i kind of know when enough is enough, also there are no stretch bolts there at all. One trick is to remember the tightness of bolts when you take them out and reapply same tightness
@@Zeiten thanks for reply mate..awesome
Grate job your videos are just soo helpful, good job.
Glad to hear it, thanks
21:07 I would HIGHLY suggest you put a bead of sealant around the block portion to ensure seal and create a barrier. Thank you though!
Hi, great work, is this the same for th3 E66 760LI V12???
Thanks, no v12 is completely different story, I would say v12 is a bit easier
@@Zeiten hey great fabulous work buddy, do you not have to lift the engine or drop it to change the alternator bracket gasket on v12, any advice, TIA
hi master bmw tech. I have a bmw 550i sport. About a year i smelled smoke coming from the front my hood and moments later I didn't have any power from
my alternator and it killed my batter after. I put another one in and within 5 minutes the alternator started smoking again. Any ideal what could have cause this problem.
How much do you usually charge for a job like this??
I have an E65 750i 4.8. I’m looking to replace the engine mounts. Any tips for replacing them? Is dropping the subframe a few inches like you did here all I have to do to make room to pull the mounts out?
Yep, just drop the subframe a bit and you are good to go
Great video!! I need to do this for my x5 4.4i. Do you have tips or videos for my job? Appreciate your help!
That’s the hardest on e53, possible to do without removing of front differential bit extremely hard, everything else is the same
@@Zeiten Appreciate your reply. I saw some have loosen the differential just enough to swivel it out of the way to expose the last back bolt. Do you think it's necessary to use a engine lifter like yours to lift the engine up more to get access to the bracket? If so, then I would have to unbolt the engine mounts?
Yes you can take some differential bolts out to get access to last bolt, when i do this job i always use engine hoist and drop the subframe, yes you’ll need to unbolt motor mounts for that
Thanks this helped me with mine
Hi
Excellent video. Liked and subscribed.
Can you post torque specs for ATT the bolts used in this video ?
I can't seem to find a 13 mm socket for the motor mount I want to know where you got yours because I can't seem to find it anywhere and the company that makes them needs to die. I don't know why they sell a set that goes from 12 to 14 to 16 when they should just sell all of them like every other f****** tool company it's really pissing me off but I like your video it helped keep it up, thanks.
Motor mount socket is e12 top bolt, bottom nuts are 13mm metric, those sockets set you can find in harbor freight tools 10-21mm
You all need to do more videos
There will be more, it just takes time
Great video best way to do it!!!! Keep up great work.
Great Job glad to have found this. Keep up the Great work. Where did you buy the gasket from. I will definitely look for the coolant video. I have a 2004 645ci and have to replace seals and gaskets...Thanks
We have a local parts supplier, you can easily find all parts you need online (just stay away from amazon)
Thank you for this awesome video. Respect. Hey so my indy shop did this alternator gasket for me last year because it was leaking a lot. Ever since I've still got a small oil leak though. What could it be?
Hard to say, might be o-rings on transmission cooling lines
I had hard time putting cooling lines back in. I need to go back and redo it as they don't seem to be all the way in. Will I need to drop the subframe to re-install oil lines or can i do it just by removing the steering pump?
Possible to do without dropping subframe but way easier if you do
Are you planning to upload a video on valve stem seal job on the n62 or n63 engine? I think that is an unavoidable job that I will have to do at some point. It would be nice ot have your input.
Unfortunately not, it is a very long process, well depending on methods you choose everything is pretty much the same to the point of removal valve cover, after that it is long and boring process of replacing those seals one by one, as a mobile bmw repair company we don't perform this job (takes too long) so i won't be able to provide this material
AGA tool rental is the key.
Can you give me a list of the tools you used?
Set of metric sockets 8mm to 19mm, set of extensions, e12 socket, screwdrivers, breaker bar, engine support hoist kit, all i can think of
Is it possible after changing alternator that it could be misaligned? Even after changing pulleys and tentioner car still squeels and shredds belts?
Haven’t seen anything like that before
Okay I ask BC my n62 keeps shredding belts. Maybe I could send you a pic tomorrow or video
Hello TIM
When you lower sub frame there is 6 18 long mil which one stay in frame and which one take out completely before you lower sub frame.
Thank you
Hi, i usually keep 2 in the middle and take out completely 4 corner bolts, then put jack to support subframe and you can take those 2 out
Zeiten LLC Thank you Tim.
Whats the average cost i should exspect to pay in a garage mines just gone through mot and on way back decided to shit the oil every where
Impossible to tell, call around depends on the area you are in shop etc
Trying to do this repair this weekend. What size are the 4 bolts on the engine mount bracket? I was using E12 might have stripped one slightly. I can cant unscrew it. Please help.
Those are e12, and they are pretty tough just take your time and do exactly as shown in the video
@@Zeiten I took top one out but I am stuck at bottom long one. I am afraid I might have damaged the head a bit because it is pretty tight. I will try it again tomorrow. Will 10mm socket work?
E12 is better than 10mm, e12 without any extensions may be hammer it in a little bit if you messed it up
@@Zeiten Thank you. Followed step by step video here to replace the bracket seal and oil rings. Put everything back, one of the 18mm subframe bolts (rear on passenger side) is not going all the way in, too tight to force it all-in, other 5 went all in perfect.
What are all the tools I'll need to do this.
Thanks for a great video. Did you drain the water first and power steering fluid? Cheers
The coolant was drained previously while replacing water pump and coolant transfer pipe, have those videos too, power steering fluid wasn't touched at all because no power steering lines need to be disconnected, just moved aside
BMW wants to charge me $2,400 to replace my alternator bracket seal. After seeing this I think I'll just pay them, lol.
do you need to drain any fluids? or oil?
Nope, some oil will come out when disconnecting the oil cooler lines but not much
Thank you for your information, great,thank you to the tech
Awesome job man👍
thank you
Impressive job!!! If the car has dynamic drive, does that make this repair much more complex and time-consuming?
Not really, almost no difference
@@Zeiten Thanks for your reply! So, which parts of the dynamic drive need to be removed or displaced, if any?
You don’t need to touch it at all, the only thing that differs is subframe won’t go down as low but still enough
@@Zeiten Great, thanks for your quick reply!
👌👍
Hello, can you show a x5 e70 v8 catalytic converter replacement ?
Nice work !!!!
I'm removing mine known however I didn't drop subframe I have a hard time taking the engine mount bolts off only took one off so far so do I still need to put the engine hoist on since I didn't drop the subframe?
Without dropping subframe it will be more difficult to remove motor mount bolts and set it aside to reach final 16mm bolt, but you'll need to keep engine in place and for that you'll have to support the engine via hoist otherwise it will fall on one side where the engine mount is no longer present and also you can hurt yourself doing so (dangerous operation without proper equipment) i would say get the hoist its about 60$ at harbor freight, drop the subframe and save yourself a lot of time and pain, trust me its worth it
@@Zeiten thanks for everything I did what u said got to it and fixed it. Zero leaks appreciate it.
@@marcusthomas8496 congrats, i'm happy to be helpful
job well done!!!
🙌
I started on this yesterday on my wife's 2006 X5 and it's a major JOB !!!
I told her to sale it as soon as I'm finish with the POS!!!!
FUCK BMW
Which way does the gasket go into the bracket? I’m about to work on the car Tomorrow
There is only one possible way, you’ll see
OK I got everything up and running my issue was when I was trying to put the plate back on the gasket fell out so when I turn the car on all the engine oil blew all over the place and so when I took the plate off the gasket was basically on the frame....
To resolve the problem of me putting the gasket back on and not falling out I got some gasket glue and glued it in there and then I lined up all the Bolton everything is running good as new thank you for this video is help me out tremendously
How many hours would bmw charge
Tim I have a 2008 BMW 550i and my alternator start smoking any idea what caused this.
If it is alternator itself probably it is fried, might be a stuck alternator pulley, you’ll have to remove it to find out
Of all the idiotic engineering crap BMW does, this has to be the worst. Thanks so much for this video, it helped so much!
Thanks for this sir, have to do this job soon on my x5, this helps alot.
you are welcome, on the e70 x5 you don't have to drop the subframe to replace this gasket, although on e53 with n62 engine it is harder to do so because you'll need to move front differential aside to reach final bolt and drop the subframe as well
also for anyone looking at this the motor mounts are e12 not e14....e14 will get them out but can strip them if you got shit luck like i do.
how much it cost this job???
As of right now 650$
Thank you🙏🌹🌹
your great thank you brother.
Thank you, happy to help🙌
I have an issue with the passenger side front window working...it,s all the way up and all the others work and that one won't. it makes a faint noise when trying to roll it down. It happened suddenly... any suggestions???
Window regulator needs replacement most likely
@@Zeiten Is there a way to manually roll the window down once you get the door panel off? It has to come down to a point where you can remove the bolts that hold the glass in place.
Usually you can push it down
Good video, thank you
Hello Tim,
I have an Question , What’s torque specs for the Alternator bracket?/
Thanks
Hi, it been a long time since i've been following torque specs, over time your hands just develop memory. I don't really remember anymore
21 and 47 NM I do believe. My hands have become strong over many years to the point I strip things out in aluminum on accident. Hand memory is no substitute for proper torque. Best to not have to worry you over or under tightened a bolt. Especially with a job as shitty as this.
Capnmoench I’m sure there are plenty of people that do this without a torque wrench, it’ll be fine.
Attempting this in my garage on my 550i. I'm stuck trying to remove the engine mount bolt on the passenger side. Wish I had your help rn
Patience is the key, keep on it and good luck to you
@@Zeiten I'm completely beat down by this job. 5 days into this. Spent two entire days getting one bolt off the front motor mount. 2 more on the backside of the motor mount that are impossible to get the socket onto
Sorry to hear that, most repairs look easier than they actually are, I’ve done this job hundreds of times but still once in a while you can get stubborn bolts that need creative solutions to take out
@@Zeiten my 550i is fully spec out. Meaning there is all kinds of extra stuff on the car. I got the sub frame split from the engine thankfully. The e torx that hold the motor mount are being difficult, scared because I'm going close to stripping them
@@Zeiten got the gasket swapped. any idea how the 3 adjustment spacers work on the alternator bracket? Torx bolts that attach the motor mount no longer thread into the bracket
I like your video it is very helpful and you make it look easy brother I got a quote from the dealer and they said 2,670 smh I'm getting this done at the end of the month I'm looking for your price 650 tho I'm in Houston but looking at your video I think I can do it thanku for your video brother keep it up
Glad to be helpful, follow step by step and i'm pretty sure you can do it
Yes I will and how do you let the air out of the radiator too that's my question alot of the foreign s have like a bleeder srew I don't see one for the 2010 650i
@@jamilmctier5165 The best way to bleed the system is to remove coolant temperature sensor from water pump and fill up expansion tank to the point where coolant starts leaking through the hole where sensor was and when this happens put the sensor back and fill up expansion tank to max level, then start the car with cap off and rev it a bit and let it idle for a couple minutes, thats it, put cap back on and you are good to go
Thanku very much brother and have a blessed one
@@jamilmctier5165 My pleasure
How long it takes to get this job done?
Depends on your skill, for me it’s about 3-4 hours
Dude your hired 😱
What state you live in if you don’t mind me asking
We operate in Los Angeles
Need some I was driving my 2003 745 li and then the car just shut off on me and would not start the p,n,r,d blinking or sure on what happened
Nice job! Какой пробег у машины, что потекла эта прокладка？У меня 209k км,но пока славо богу не течет. Думаю что тоже когда нибудь предстоит эта процедура. Спасибо.
mileage is about 150k miles
I have a question, there are 2 vacuum hoses behind the power steering reservoir. One hose run across the engine to the passenger head. I see that one. The other one run down toward the alternator. Where this vacuum hose connect to? My is broken and can't seems to find where it connected to. If possible could to send picture?
Seems like you are talking about the line to purge valve (tank vent valve) in front of driver’s side head
@@Zeiten yes I can't find where it hook up too.
@@spicythai2000 did you ever find out where it goes ? mine also seems to be disconnected
I took it apart. I cant get the 4 bolts is the transmission mount. Please help
Watch it again, i show how to get those bolts out (i think you meant engine mount), have you dropped the sub frame?
How u charge for this job??