Originally Posted by
MLetterman
blake99, I just finished doing the valve seals on my 2006 BMW x5 4.4i. I purchased the valve seal tool from AGA (best tool ever invented). It took me a little longer then I expected; this was the first time I had ever dove under the hood of a BMW. I had several things I was having to fix on the vehicle, my main item was the $5 gasket/seal that is behind the alternator bracket (biggest pain in the rear I have ever done, I will sale the suv before I ever replace that seal again.)
As for the valve seals that job wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I spent about 4 days total on the valve seals, I spent one day removing all of the parts (covers, trim, washer fluid box, wires valve covers). On day 2 and 3 was spent changing valve seals. I have a not so good back so I couldn't spend a full 8hrs working on the car. Then on day 4 I put every thing back together (that was the easiest part) it took about 3hrs to have the car back running. Over all I spent about 18 to 20 hours on the valve seals.
I am by no mean a professional mechanic but I have always worked on my own vehicles. The only thing I had a problem with was maintaining cylinder compression on a couple of cylinders. I called AGA and asked what was causing this because I was concerned. After speaking to a tech he advised me that some of the cylinders would not hold compression when putting the intake rockers back on and not to be concerned that everything would seat back in. He was right, after running the car for a day I done a leak down test on the cylinders and everyone of them was great. I went and purchased a leak down test from Harbor Freight and Tools prior to starting the job and it done great. Also if you decide to do the job get your self a set of fuel line needle nose pliers from Harbor Freight, they are perfect for removing the old seals.
AGA's valve tool is defiantly a life saver. I couldn't imagine removing the cams and the heads. I priced around at a couple local garages and the cheapest I could find was $3800 to change the seals. For me to complete the job I spent about $1300 total. That was for the tools, valve seals, valve cover gasket set, antifreeze and 10 quarts of full synthetic motor oil. Over all it was worth it. I hope this helps out.
If you our any one you know is looking to purchase the AGA valve seal tool for the N62 I am looking to sale mine. I will make someone a heck of a deal on it. Only used once.
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