Hi. I've got a 1994 525i with a M50B25 engine and I need help with the head bolt torque specs. I have the pattern but the torque specs i was given don't seem right. It was:

1. 24 ft lbs.
2. 90-95 degree turn
3. another 90-95 degree turn.

But it seems EXTREMELY tight after step two, and i don't wanna pull the threads. If anyone could confirm this or tell me the proper specs it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

there stretch bolts

the specs sound right

No that is correct but there are not technically called stretch bolts...all bolts are meant to stretch, this is what provide the clamping force. They are called torque-to-yield bolts (TTY)...and this does not mean that you literally yield the bolt. The reason some manufacture prefer this method of tightened the bolt is because they are blind threads and no way to measure the bolt stretch then they specify a pre-determined number of turns on the bolt to give a certain amount of bolt stretch. This also eliminates in-accuracies from surface friction depending on what type of assembly lubricant is used to lubricate the threads and under head washers...

Also don't forget to chase out the threads, lubricate the threads, washer and under the head... you can use straight 30w or I would suggest ARP assembly lube...

1) You don't have the cams installed do you? If so, you may be trying to push a valve through a piston (if the cams/crankshaft position are incorrect).

2) Yes, run the threads and lubricate lightly with 30W oil or ARP lube.

3) Do not pour oil into the bolt holes. If the bolt holes have a bottom...you may have hydraulic pressure (bolts will be squeezing oil instead of air and oil will not compress) resisting the bolts.

4) You really should use NEW bolts as BMW says because used bolts have already been stretched. The torque specs are for new bolts. You have to guess at the torque for old bolts (probably higher torque). You risk blowing a head gasket and warping the head because the old bolts do not clamp as well. I would not recommend using old bolts. But if I did, I would run the engine for a day and then re-torque the bolts (engine cold). I would probably do it again a week later (but your head gasket may not like this idea). You did number the old bolts, so they can go into the same hole where they previously lived in I hope.

5) Your torque specs are correct.

those specs sound correct. As was previously stated
1.) make sure there is no oil in the bolt holes (except to lube the threads, none pooled in the bottom though)
2.) you MUST use new bolts. These type of Torque-to-yield, or stretch bolts, are one time use.

everyone else pretty much nailed it. also, after the first 90 degrees, wait 15 minutes, then do the second 90 degrees.