BMW X5 E53 Oil Filter Housing Gasket Replacement 3.0 M54

This article describes how to replace the oil filter housing gasket on a 2000-2006 BMW x5 and other M54 2.5/3.0 engines.

Tools you will need:

• Flat head screw driver
• 10mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 16mm socket
• 3/8 short socket extension
• 17mm open end wrench
• 19mm open end wrench
• Fan clutch removal tool
• Small pick tool or a small flat head screw driver for removing the old gasket

Step 1:

Start by disconnection the battery in the trunk. The battery is located under the air compressor compartment that is held on with four 10mm bolts.

Step 2:
Using a 10mm socket with an extension, remove the 2 bolts for the air filter box, as well as the intake boot clamp. At this time also remove the 4 plastic rivets for the air duct.

 

Steps 3 and 4:

Remove the 3 plastic rivets that hold fan shroud in place.

Now remove the fan clutch and the blade, note the fan clutch has reverse thread.

Steps 5 and 6:  

Using a 13mm socket with an extension remove the 2 bolts for the power steering fluid reservoir, Move the reservoir to the side for more access room to the alternator.

Disconnect the electrical water valve, slide forward out of sleeve and set aside for more clearance.

Steps 7, 8 and 9:

Now that everything is out of the way, you are able to reach the tensioner pulley located directly under the pulley my finger is on.  By using a 16mm socket, apply tension and remove the belt.  Remove the idler pulley that my finger is on by using the same 16mm socket, the idler pulley will come off together with the bolt that holds the top of the alternator to the engine block. This step is not pictured but you will use a 17mm wrench to remove the alternator power supply and set it aside.  The power cable is located on the back top part of the alternator.  Remove the regulator sensor as well.

Step 10:

Pictured below is the lower alternator bolt, remove this bolt with your 16mm socket/extension and remove the alternator.

Step 11:

This is things look like with the alternator removed.  At this time you can disconnect the sensors connected to the oil filter housing assembly.  Be sure to mark the connectors so you can reconnect them in the same order.

Step 12:

After disconnecting the oil temp and pressure sensors you now have enough room to disconnect the Vanos oil line.  Remove the bango bolt by using a 19mm open ended wrench.  The Vanos banjo bolt uses two aluminum washers, the washers are not reusable.  Remove and discard the washers from the banjo bolt, sometimes the washer that touches the housing will stick to the housing, just use your finger nail or a pick to remove the stuck on washer.

Step 13:

You are finally able to start removing the 6 bolts that hold the oil filter housing assembly to the engine block. THE 6 BOLTS ARE DIFFERENT SIZES, PLEASE STORE ON A MAGNETIC PLATE OR PUT HOLES INTO A PIECE OF CARDBOARD TO KEEP THE BOLTS ARRANGED IN THE SAME ORDER AS REMOVED FOR PROPER RE-INSTALLATION.

Here is a picture of the filter housing out of the car for bolt location and gasket visuals.

Step 14:

This picture shows the engine block with the oil filter housing removed. Clean all of the mating surfaces with a lint-free cloth and some solvent (carb spray works pretty good).

Here is a picture of a new gasket; the gasket can only be installed one way.  Make sure everything is 100% clean before reinstalling.  Any foreign debris on mating surfaces will result in a new leak. Reinstall everything in the reverse order.