325i E-30 intake manifold gasket

[jhankes]

My local shop told me I need to replace the intake manifold gasket to fix my rough idle problem. In your general technical forum you have instructions to replace that for the E-36 and I would like to know how closely that applies to the engine in my E-30. If it differs how so and do I need any special tools to do this repair? Thanks for your help.

[e30driver]

I'm actually looking to do the intake manifold gaskets myself as well on my 87 325i. From what I've read, you've got to remove the intake manifold (surprise surprise) which has some hard to get at bolts. I don't think it requires any special tools, just a good selection of ordinary sockets/extensions/wrenches in case you have clearance problems.

The gaskets are 4 single port + 1 double port. Make sure you have them all when you start. Also, with the intake manifold off, it would be a good time to replace injector o-rings, which also can cause vaccuum leaks (and clean the injectors while they're out).

[Nostril Cheese]

you'll need some socket extensions and a u-joint. If I recall correctly, they are all 12mm nuts.

Not too difficult, just time consuming. Disconnect the battery before you start, as you will be working around the starter.

You'll have to also deal with the oil return tube that goes from the head to the manifold to the block. It's a 1 inch tube held in place with a spring, washers and seals at each end. It's kind of a ***** to get it place while re-installing the manifold. I just put zip ties around the spring to compress it enough, then cut the ties when it's installed.

[Nostril Cheese]

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=1113&mospid=47309&btnr=11_0119&hg=11&fg=10

The tube is no. 11 on this page. I reccommend replacing the seals on the top and bottom

[jhankes]

Thanks for the help and for going the extra mile with the diagaram Fred.

[jhankes]

I meant diagram. OOPS!