BMW Repair: 1995 540i intake manifold problems???, o2 sensors, head gaskets

Question
I own a 95 540i with 190,000 and it is running like crap.  I just replaced the o2 sensors and I fear that it is the intake manifold from the reading I have done.  I wanted to know is there a good repair book you can recommend or something I can use to do this repair myself? One site gave this a 5 wrench out of 10 on the difficulty scale. I figured if I could do the new radiator and the o2 sensors I might tackle this and save some money. I have the patience to do this if I had a "step by step" instructions with pictures.  I am trying to keep my husband from selling this car and telling me it is a money pit :)  Thanks for any help you can provide me! Laurel

Answer
Your husband's right...it's a money pit.  Better sell it to me right away...........

(Sorry)

A buddy and I did head gaskets on a '95 740 last winter (same engine), and doing "just" the intake manifols is really not that bad of a job.  But you do need a good manual, and there is only one choice:  Bentley.  You can find them often on eBay or other sites for less.   You will bless the day that you bought this book.


http://www.bentleypublishers.com/product.htm?code=b595


Nothing really tricky or need for special tools.  A couple of tips though.....

If you have a come-along or can string a pulley over a garage rafter, it's a help to lift the intake manifold vertically a bit, and not actually remove it. Just need to raise it about 6 inches to get new gaskets in there.

And before you even start....a good way to check for intake manifold leaks is to spray carborator cleaner near the intake gaskets as it's running....if it impacts the running, you know you have a leak


Good luck, and let me know if you reach a spot where you have a question, or if you make it cleanly, let me know.