VANOS replacement

Ok so after some reading and advice i have realized that replacing the vanos seal is gonna be the best way to restore the pep into my 528... What i want to ask is how hard is the job? I've seen the write up on it.. the seal itself doesn't seem to be the most involved part.. seems like getting to it is the trick.. but I wanna know is this something people should fool with? im mechanically inclined but i dont want more issues.. thanks in advance

You have the M52 which is a bit trickier than the M54 engine. You need to lock the cams to prevent the timing from changing. Other than that, the process is turning bolts. A lot of bolts. Figure 6 hours for a first time job. Read the procedure at least 4 times and then read it again another 3 times. You'll then realize it's pretty straight forward. Just time consuming. And I would wait until Spring...

ok...If i may ask.. Why wait till spring?

It's a LOT warmer. 6 hrs+ in a cold garage makes this a VERY tough job to finish in one shot.

gotcha lol.. thanks a lot..

Originally Posted by Fudman

It's a LOT warmer. 6 hrs+ in a cold garage makes this a VERY tough job to finish in one shot.

yes.. I have agree with this guy...

I did mine about a week ago.. and let me tell you.. it is not a good feeling to be in the cold.. I had no choice cuz I had to change my valve cover gasket cuz the oil leak was getting out of hand.. when I turn on the heat , I would get burnt oil smell in the cabin.. and you know it will get colder and I will need to heat.. so.. I worked in the cold for 6 hours!!! and in the process I cracked my valve cover and also stripped one of the bolts!!! cuz I over tighten it.

do it in warm weather where you can take your time and trust me it will be more enjoyable.. I was out in the cold my hands were cold .. water was dripping from my nose.. just horrible man. but finally I got everything done.. took me 2 days.. 3+ hours first day.. and 3+ hrs second day.. if I had to do it again.. I think I can finish much faster.. now since I already know the process.

man that sucks... thanks for the advice.. I had to replace my starter a week ago.. thats not a fun job but after the experience i can do it pretty fast now.. but i was in the cold for about 3 hours.. I have to replace my valve cover gasket as well because i have the burnt oil in the cabin smell as well.. so hopefully i can hold off another 2 1/2 months..