Got leaks? My leaks are leaking! Need advice for repairs

[idfotou]

Just completed a purchase inspection on my 1997 840ci from a good indy BMW mechanic (the owner has an 850csi). The car needs the following:

Timing case cover gaskets (heavy leak)
Valve covers (both) Not leaking but need removal to get at timing case cover??
Total cost with parts/labor: $1215.70

Torque Converter Seal (medium leak)
$1307.00

Lower Oil Pan Gasket (medium leak)
$336.18

Motor Mounts (stated as "collapsed")
$697.40

A/C Service with Dye (freon/ac valves & dye)
$134.00

There are minor interior issues (instrument cluster bulbs/dead pixels OBC, etc) that I don't need to repair now.

I am "somewhat" mechanically able to do these repairs except for the torque converter seal. However, I would need "directions" through either manuals, videos or stick figure drawings to help me out.

The motor mounts and oil pan gasket should be straight forward repairs.

What about the timing case cover gasket? I can't seem to find any info on these forums that describes how to do this part.

When I bough this car last month, I had planned/budgeted about $4K for future repairs. Should I just suck it up and pay for the repairs or use that money for the other small stuff?

I just don't want to get in over my head with that timing case or torque converter.

Suggestions?

[Sniff38]

My recommendation is do as much of the work yourself because there will always be other projects that come up that you'll want to spend money on. Since this is the first time working on your car, start with a small repair you know you'll be able to handle. This will get you acquainted with the car and I think you'll find it isn't as complicated as you thought. Just take things slow and be methodical. At the end you'll be very pleased at how much money you saved.

Unfortunately I can't offer you advice on the 840 as my knowledge is with the V-12. But there are plenty of guys out there who will soon chime in.

Sean

[idfotou]

Sean,

I think I'm gonna do just that. Ordered all the parts a few minutes ago. Anyone have experience replacing the timing chain cover?

[shogun]

Torque Converter Seal ? Does the ATF come out where the plastic cover is for the air between bell housing and engine, # 7 http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=24_1296
if so, in 95% of all cases it is the trans input shaft seal # 04 Shaft seal 40X52X7 24311422671 http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=24_1272
For that the trans has to come out, at the same time do the rear output shaft seal http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=24_1280
and the small one on the side of the trans for the shift lever. These are the usual leaking points.
Check here, that is for the 4HP22/24 but procedure is the same http://bmwe32.masscom.net/

In case the grooves are too large on the shaft, you can use a speedy sleeve,SKF Speedi-Sleeve - the fast and easy solution for worn shafts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09LiVbqL6ss
That is even used for crankshafts https://www.knowyourparts.com/techni...n-crankshafts/
On the German 7 forum I recommended almost 10 years ago someone with an M70 to use a speed sleeve to seal the shaft for the distributor rotors, works since years http://www.7-forum.com/forum/showthr...=speedi-sleeve

[idfotou]

SHOGUN, THANKS for your reply and helpful information. Indeed, it is the input shaft seal. The part number (24311422671) on my invoice is the same as your link above. Most likely, I will have the mechanic do that seal replacement and I will try to tackle the other items.

Do you have any links/info on replacing the timing case cover seal?

[shogun]

Timing case cover seal: use the workshop manual https://www.bmwtechinfo.com/repair/main/
als check here if there is some info https://bmwtis.info/