Valvetronic Motor Replacement on the F10 535i

Paradise didn’t last too long. I started noticing the idle was a bit lumpy, and the low-end torque was practically non-existent. Then came the dreaded Valvetronic motor clicking when unlocking the car. I knew I was in for a long day.

I ordered a new Valvetronic servomotor, a valve cover gasket, and a cheap injector puller tool off Amazon to tackle the job. Unfortunately, BMW engineers decided to bury this servomotor ridiculously deep in the engine.

Disassembly

I got all the covers, intake piping, and electrical connectors out of the way and started removing the valve cover bolts. Surprisingly, this part was easier than removing the valve cover on the M54 in the E46.

Check out this cracked PCV hose, It had clearly been previously “repaired” with tape and silicone.

Valve Cover Removed

Besides that everything else came off cleanly.

Valve Cover Removed

The First Setback

Things started to go sideways when one of the bolts from the injector puller tool snapped. I had to run to Advance Auto for an extractor. Luckily, I got it out without much damage.

After about 2 hours of work, the motor was finally out.

Valvetronic Motor Removed

Installation & Relearning

  • Replaced the part
  • Put everything back together
  • Replaced PCV hose
  • Pulled the laptop with ISTA to relearn and run in the new motor

Overall, this job was easier than expected, just a bit tedious. Lesson learned: be wary of cheap Amazon tools. They might save money, but they can also cause headaches.