(Yet Another) M62TU Timing Chain and Vanos Replacement

[caleballen]

TLDR: I (accidentally) purchased L322 4.4L, no rattle of death. Was planning a timing chain & Vanos replacement over the Summer. Death rattle started 2-3 weeks after purchase. Planned to spend around $1k. Went slightly over budget.
Current status: Awaiting parts.

So, as above, I purchased a 2004 L322 unintentionally.
On purchase, I listened very carefully for any rattles, both on startup and after a warm up. I knew the Vanos / Timing Chains might need doing at some stage, so budgeted that into the purchase price. I thought I would take my time researching the best way to complete the job, do plenty of reading and watching etc.
Fast forward a couple of weeks, and an oil flush and change. I lifted the bonnet one day while the engine was running, and wondered when someone had installed a diesel engine into my vehicle. It sounded a bit clackety, mainly when warm. Not wanting to take any chances, I decided a chain job may be in order.
So I turned to the internet, including, but not limited to FisherX's post here.

I will put a table below of the parts and part numbers of what I ended up ordering. I thought while I was in the engine, I would complete a couple of other jobs while I was there and things were apart. Some scope creep happened, and I think I am about 450% over budget (and counting).

I ordered the German Auto Solutions timing kit.

I purchased parts from eBay, AliExpress, FCP Euro, Island4X4, and Amazon. Some parts have arrived, other parts are making their way to me from around the globe.

Some of the other jobs I thought I would do include:
replace all cooling hoses
valley pan
thermostat - 88 degree one
water pump
serpentine belts
PCV
Transgo valve

I have made a start on taking things apart. It has been relatively straight forward so far. I thought it would take me a lot longer. My new favourite tool that I purchased with this job in mind is a (Makita DTW1002Z) battery ratchet wrench. Two thumbs up is my verdict.

I am waiting on my cam locking tools before proceeding further. I have removed the radiator, and have exposed the water cooling valley.
I did order a cooling fan removal spanner kit, but Toll seem to have misplaced it, so I made a fan bolt holder with a piece of aluminum flat I had laying around, and I already had a 32mm spanner.

I forgot to order a couple of gaskets and small things, so I had to order them from both the local BMW dealer and the Range Rover dealer (Adelaide BMW & Solitaire)
I forgot about the alternator gasket and cam sensor O-Rings in particular, but also decided to replace some water pump bolts (due to excessive rust on one of them).

I also lost a valve cover nut. When I dropped it, I couldn't find it and figured it would be a couple of dollars to replace. The part number is LDC000020 (Range Rover) / 11121747162 (BMW) incase someone else does the same thing. I would highly recommend spending the time to find it however, as a replacement one is $39 from Range Rover, or $49 from BMW. I found one at U Pull It (self serve wrecker).

I dropped my fuel injectors to KPM Motorsport (www.kpmfuelsystems.com.au (http://www.kpmfuelsystems.com.au)) to have them rebuilt. $30 per injector for a rebuild, with static and dynamic flow rate test results available after the rebuild. Once I receive them back, I will try and post my results if anyone is interested.

Anyway, below is a table of parts that may (or may not) be helpful to anyone else performing the job.
There are a combination of Land Rover and BMW part numbers.
I used RealOEM (I put in a 2003 BMW X5 E53 with 4.4i engine) (RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog (https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/partgrp?id=FB33-USA-01-2003-E53-BMW-X5_44i)) and Search Genuine Land Rover Parts For Range Rover 2002 - 2009 | Jaguar Land Rover Classic Parts (https://parts.jaguarlandroverclassic.com/parts/index/hierarchy/id/1F/brand/land-rover/) for most of my part number searches.

One other thing of interest is that I got hit by a $270 import duty bill on my Island 4X4 order. This was sent from and paid directly to DHL. This was unexpected. The order total from Island 4X4 was about $1,300 (I got a GAP IID tool, plus other parts).
If it is of interest to people considering ordering from Island 4X4, shipping was £75.

I did get a genuine coolant overflow cap, I think there is a post on this forum somewhere recommending against aftermarket.

Also, I take no responsibility if you order non genuine parts and your engine explodes / the part doesn't fit.

I'll add updates here as I progress.

Also of some interest (?), I absolutely love(d) driving the L322! I had a P38 when I purchased the L322. While the P38 is a fun / nice vehicle to drive, the L322 is in another league. Except in the comfortableness of the driver's seat. The P38 seat is like sitting in the most comfortable La-Z-Boy / lounge chair. Absolute bliss. The leather is soft and supple and pillow like. The L322 seat is like most any other European vehicle from that era.

Anyway, enjoy my table of parts below. Hopefully I haven't forgotten anything.




Vanos Orings / seals
With Press
Besian









thermostat (88 degree)
11512248542, 70807846, 70809216
Ebay



Transgo Valve
5HP-24-PR
Ebay
Transgo Pressure Regulator Valve ZF5HP24 Trans BMW Jaguar Rover (SK5HP24-PR)* | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/192024847852)


intake manifold gasket x4, PCV Gasket, throttle body gasket
11611433328, 11611729728, 11611729727
Ebay



Hylomar M

Ebay



Molykote 111

Ebay









Stahlbus Oil Drain Valve Plug M14x1.5x12mm

Amazon



Valley pan cover (black) & Valley Pan
11141736106, 11141742042
Amazon



water pump
11511713266, 11510393336, 11511742598, 8510324, PEB000030
Amazon



Trans Thermostat
PBM000010, 17107559966
Amazon









pcv (Crankcase Breather Valve)
11617508541 11611438272 LKR000040
aliexpress
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002553454087.html'spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.6af54c 4dcOMO1C (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002553454087.html'spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.4d ff738fm8L596&algo_pvid=479bf057-e9b9-42fc-a6fc-42338280ff4a&algo_exp_id=479bf057-e9b9-42fc-a6fc-42338280ff4a-0&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2212000021112973206%2 2%7D)


Timing Chain kit

aliexpress
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/l322-range-rover/275164-m62-tu-timing-chains-vanos-rebuild-2.html


Aux Fan Switch Temp sensor
13621433077, MEK105210
aliexpress
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32809185475.html'spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4d3Lh 7gi


Water Dual Temperature Switch in water pump
13621703993
aliexpress
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002947692584.html'spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c 4d3Lh7gi


MAF
0280217814 13621433567 MHK000230
aliexpress
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32729858083.html'spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4d3Lh 7gi


Vanos Solenoid x2
11367524489
aliexpress
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32853621053.html'spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4d3Lh 7gi


Air compressor rebuild

aliexpress
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33018565521.html'spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4d3Lh 7gi








Coolant hose kit
JHC000081, PCH001051, PCH001061, PCH001070, PCH001110, PCH001121, PCH001130, PCH001140, PCH001150, PCH001600, PEH000112, PEH000200LR
island4x4
https://www.island-4x4.co.uk/hose-cooling-l322-petrol-0205-p-38211.html


trans filter, gasket & oring
LPW000030, TYF000110, TYX000100
island4x4



serpantine belt A/C long
LR051050
island4x4



oil pan sump gasket
LVF000040
island4x4



Crank Pulley Bolt Jesus
LFH000050, 11231736585, 11231710298, 11231725000, 11231725636
island4x4



front seal Crankshaft
11141275466, 11141265431, 11141274346, 11141736932, LUC000010
island4x4



serpanine belt alt short
PQS000220
island4x4



Expansion Tank Cap (genuine)
PCD000070, 17111742232, 17111719167, 17112242256, 17114379048, 17137639023
island4x4









Blue Silicone Vacuum Hose x2
11731259996, 11747797082, 11731365136, 51731259953, 51731470038
FCP



VANOS oil check valve x2
11121706921
FCP



Oil Cap
11127509328
FCP



Dipstick o ring
11431707164
FCP



Dipstick Washer
11437838127
FCP



tornado oil separator
11151705237
FCP



Vent Hose A (oil)
11157556837
FCP



Vent Hose B (oil)
11157556838
FCP



Oil Return Hose A
11151438302
FCP



Oil Return Hose B
11157560068
FCP



Oil Return Pipe O ring x2
13821432344
FCP



Oil Filters x4
11427510717
FCP



Cooling o ring A x2
11531710048
FCP



Cooling O RIng B x2
11531710055
FCP



Hex bolt with washer x20 (m6x25)
07119905400, 07119900249, 07119900601, 07119913110, 88100150315, 9905400
FCP



thermostat / water accumulator gasket x2
11531731833
FCP



Water Pump Gasket beaded
11511731372
FCP



coolant expansion tank
PCF000033, 17137501959
FCP



Camshaft Solenoid Gasket x2
11141435023
FCP









timing chain tensioner to timing cover
07119963355, 07119963357
adelaide BMW



alternator o ring
12317507996
adelaide BMW



Water Pump Bolt x4
07119906123, LR009824
adelaide bmw / solitaire



Trans cooler o-ring
17101439140 / PYX000070
adelaide bmw / solitaire



Camshaft position o ring x2
12141748398 / NYX100070L
adelaide bmw / solitaire









Cam locking tool

German Auto Solutions
https://germanautosolutions.com/store/master-cam-timing-tool-kit-bmw-m62tu/

[FisherX]

WOW that's a lot of parts :o

Good luck and keep us up to date on your progress when you start.

[NUTTTR]

Rather than a new cap for the coming system, you definitely want to get a new coolant reservoir.

They are known for splitting...

Unless your radiator and transmission cooler are less than 8 years old, you should definitely replace those too.

FCPEuro is your friend - worked out at $200 USD inc shipping for a Mahle-Behr radiator which is incredible value.

When you say "death rattle", when the timing chain guides go, usually it sounds like someone rattling a whole box of metal tools together... It sounded from what you said in your post that you are describing vanos / diesel knocking sound?

How many km has it done?

[irubix]

welcome to the m62 party. much of that parts list looks familiar haha

[caleballen]

Well, progress has been slow. I am awaiting my timing tools from German Auto Solutions - which have been stuck in Chicago for about 3 weeks now. Thanks USPS.

I removed the rear cooling manifold to replace the gaskets - one of the bolt heads snapped off, which provided some fun.

I am also part way through the PCV replacement, I can't progress further until the bolts for the coolant manifold arrive.

When I was replacing the oil separator, I noticed the short hose at the bottom had been replaced at some stage in its life. It had a tridon branded hose clamp on it, and some generic 3/8 transmission oil hose at the bottom - certainly not factory parts.

Nutttr:

I did indeed purchase a new coolant reservoir. Originally I intended to purchase a new radiator and trans oil cooler, however I went well well well over budget, so I will save them for another time in the not to distant future. I am aware that they may fail sometime, and will keep a close eye on them. The radiator has a 2010 date stamp on it - it has obviously been replaced at some stage. I have been an FCP customer for a long time now. $200 USD sounds a bit cheap - Nissens brand from FCP is USD $163, Mahle-Behr was USD $215, and shipping is USD $102. I'll probably get one from China when the time comes.

The vehicle has about 240k on it.

I suspect the rattle was more Vanos - sounded like a diesel as opposed to tools rattling around, however I didn't particularly want to roll the dice and end up having to replace / rebuild the engine!

In other news, it looks like I will need to replace the airbags all round, they only held air for about 2 days before dropping to access height....

[NUTTTR]

Airbags leaking can be many issues....

The air system wakes up every 6 hours and tries to "level" the car to the wheel that's "highest" (i.e. if you park on a slope it tries to make the car semi-level, i.e. flat, not so angled...).

You are best putting it to normal height, feel around the base of the airbags in the front and see if there are any cracks or splits... The rear bags rarely go, but do the same.

Then once you are convinced there's not obvious big cracks (any splitting means it's on borrowed time, I've got a leaking front bag at the moment!), remove the air suspension fuse from the fuse box (I think the air ECU is in the front fuse box behind the glove box and the pump fuse is in the rear, don't remove it, only remove the front one)... Then next day or so, see which one has dropped. It's that corner that's the issue. If you park it in the right conditions, you can sometimes come back to a car on the bump stops... And it happens automatically, not because they are leaking.

Also, there could be a leak in the valve block or the air lines, but the bag itself is much more likely.

And those radiators have gone up a bit in price! I paid $180 for the radiator and $30 for shipping to Sydney (and then a $10 discount voucher)... I got the Behr one.