Valve Stem Seal Repair in Atlanta/Georgia?

[uconnron]

Hi there,

I've been monitoring the valve stem seal repair threads for a while, and my 2006 X5 4.4i has been exhibiting white exhaust plumes when idling over the past few months.

I think it's time for me to get the valve stem seal repair done and I was wondering if anyone in the Atlanta metro area has a good shop for doing the job at a reasonable cost. I recall someone in the northern suburbs did them for $2,000-2,500, but didn't find the reference when I searched the forums.

Any leads or referrals would be appreciated.

Thanks!
-Ron

[Riggodeaux]

Can't speak to this service, but I would check Mike Lembcke's shop, bavarian imports, 404 351-2002 on Howell Mill, in town; south of town, I like the guys at Fayette Motors [though their top tech is a mercedes guy] and, in Peachtree City, Allspeed Autoworks is a fine shop that did good suspension work for me at a reasonable price and does quality work on European marques [benz, porsche, bmws, etc.]. You might also check with the very active BMWCCA group in Atlanta for their suggestions.

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by Riggodeaux

Can't speak to this service, but I would check Mike Lembcke's shop, bavarian imports, 404 351-2002 on Howell Mill, in town; south of town, I like the guys at Fayette Motors [though their top tech is a mercedes guy] and, in Peachtree City, Allspeed Autoworks is a fine shop that did good suspension work for me at a reasonable price and does quality work on European marques [benz, porsche, bmws, etc.]. You might also check with the very active BMWCCA group in Atlanta for their suggestions.

I did work for Bavarian Imports and Mike while in college over 25 yrs ago. Good guy. I did go by and visit him within the last 4 years or so. He seemed well, but the shop is much smaller than it was- in staff, not physical space.

Anyway, he's been at this for a SUPER long time and can probably handle the repair. If it were me, I would look for a shop that is at least aware of the valve stem guides tool from AGA, or maybe even a shop that has one. This would tell me that they know the repair well, have invested in making it easier for themselves and maybe even for their customers.

It's not so much about the AGA tool as it is the fact that the shop is aware of new processes and is willing to try new things to improve their service. That gives me a sense of comfort against anything else I might wish to undertake with them. At the time I worked for Mike, he was one of the first and only shops that was completely computerized in every aspect of the operation.

[Riggodeaux]

Good tip, Prop, on the technology. I haven't used Mike's shop in years, going back to my E28 in late 90s and an E36 circa 2000, but thought of him. It does appear his shop is less active than then, when it was hopping. Mike had a very hot E28 M5 in those days, if memory serves me.

[TiAgX5]

How many miles are you N62 owners driving before the seals go bad?

I purchased one of the last M62s to avoid the intermittent shaft issues and increased DIY hours on repairs like VCG/valley pan repairs. Seem like the guide seal issue was another bullet I inadvertently dodged.

What's so different with the N62 that causes them to destroys these seals? I have 200k on the M62 with no oil consumption.

[uconnron]

Thanks for the replies. I'll check those out. I got a quote of $4,500 from an independent shop which is lower than the pre-AGA tool prices, but it seems high compared to the going rate in other markets.

I've only got 70K miles with a lot of short trips, so it may be a function of time v. mileage.

[lhordmclain]

Don't mention yet that you need VSS repair job, have them do the initial diagnostic and troubleshooting ( if you have to pay one hour labor to compensate the techs time - do it).

Then gather facts based on the initial findings, review the parts list and labor associated with it. If you don't feel good about it walk away, get a second opinion (don't show the 1st finding, let them do the troubleshooting and compare the findings)

Good luck!

[BMW-x5-48is]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

How many miles are you N62 owners driving before the seals go bad?

I purchased one of the last M62s to avoid the intermittent shaft issues and increased DIY hours on repairs like VCG/valley pan repairs. Seem like the guide seal issue was another bullet I inadvertently dodged.

What's so different with the N62 that causes them to destroys these seals? I have 200k on the M62 with no oil consumption.

my seals started to fault at 50k... first small amount of coolant (few drops) to total failure this winter (oil spilled out under car). Got all the freken seals replaced at 78k miles - (car is 2006 year model) - cold winters have a big effect on seals as they compress & expand the material they are made of is cheap - so they fail - and fail bad... Total valves & seals* replaced for $4,000 - 2 day job for mechanic but i swear not having to worry about it now is pretty sweet

[uconnron]

Thanks for all the input…

I did find the guy that had very reasonable prices for valve stem repairs in Atlanta. The shop is MB Auto Care in Loganville, GA - it's a good 45 minutes outside the city, but a great guy who does things right. He's an ex Air Force mechanic who is very meticulous.

He does a lot of valve stem seal replacements and it was half the price of the independent shop's quote. I got both the VSS and CCV knocked out and it definitely runs better, especially not having it smoke when it's idling. I've got the pictures of the old VSS he sent if anyone wants to see them.

[///maniac]

uconnron, would you mind sharing the name of your mechanic and his price for this job either via PM or to my email? Jonathan Dot Sargent AT Gmail Dot Com.

Many thanks, I'm in this boat right now.

Jonathan