Engine Repair — Assembly Procedure (BMW 3 Series E46)

1. Before assembly, make sure you have all the necessary parts and tools. Read the entire procedure description carefully to know the order of actions and to be sure that you have everything you need for assembly at hand. In addition to the tool, you will need a compound to lock the threads. To assemble the engine, you will also need a tube of Drei Bond 1209 sealant to seal the joints assembled without a gasket.

2. To save time and avoid problems, the engine assembly can be done in the following order:

• a) Crankshaft (paragraph 17)
• b) Pistons/connecting rods (paragraph 18).
• c) Oil pump and balance shaft assembly.
• d) Oil pan.
• e) Flywheel/faceplate.
• e) Cylinder head.
• g) The camshaft drive chain, its tensioner and sprockets.
• c) External engine parts.

3. At this stage, all engine parts must be absolutely clean and dry, all faults must be eliminated in advance. Components must be in individual packages or laid out on an absolutely clean work surface.