Quick update-
Engine is in time, front cover and upper oil pan on. Worried about how hard the direct injectors went in, I'm hoping I didn't shred the seals. I left the injectors in the freezer, gave them each a small layer of dielectric grease, and they still pressed in pretty hard. They eventually slid in on their own, I'm certain there's nothing I could've done differently. If I have fueling issues, I'll know where to go first
Waiting on the rubber washer gaskets for the lower oil pan, forgot to order them. Goal is to have the engine back in the car over the weekend, and then I can start adding all the goodies back to it. We'll see!
On a side note, I had the opportunity to purchase my dream winter beater.
Japanrot red E46 325xi. The guy knew me and let me take the car home to look over it. But, the floor had rusted out where the jack points go, and all 4 corners were trash. I shined up his headlights as a thank you for letting me take it home to check it out.
So hard to bring it back, but I know better.