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#1
03-07-2007, 06:33 PM
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Leaking valve cover gaskets in 4.4
 Now I am wondering if I might be able to get a little help. I was changing the oil in my 4.4 a little while back and noticed that the skid plate was wet with oil  . I removed the skid plate and cleaned it up, but I could see that the oil was all around the bell housing where the transmission bolts to the engine block. The leak looked like it was from the rear main seal, but with only 97,000 miles on my 2001 E53 (yeah ... only ) I thought that it couldn't be. I promptly took it to a trusted BMW mechanic that my father has used on his BMWs and Mercedes over the years and he said it was the valve cover gaskets (he said he put dye in the oil and used some sort of light to inspect where the oil was leaking out). He also says it's a 5 hour job to change the gaskets, and from looking under the hood, I'd tend to believe him.Is it normal for the 4.4s to have leaky valve cover gaskets with this kind of mileage and age? Also, is this something I should get the dealer to fix or is it more time consuming than difficult? Could it be the rear main seal? Any advice is sincerely appreciated!! 
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#2
03-07-2007, 06:40 PM
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__________________
00' 4.4i
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#4
03-09-2007, 02:10 PM
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relevant?
Hi,
Not sure if this will help or even if it's relevant to your situation, but several weeks ago, blinding smoke from burning oil started blowing through my heat vents in my '02 X5 3.0i. I had it towed to the dealership immediately. Although I'm not exactly clear on the mechanics of how or why, they told me that because of the unusually cold weather here in Maryland, a defect in the design of the valve cover caused the cover to crack. BMW has acknowledged this as a problem, and came up with a new design for the cover. Unfortunately, there is a huge backorder for this newly-designed part and I have yet to get my X5 back. Thank goodnes it's still under warranty. Not only is BMW going to take care of the repairs, but they are still footing the bill for my rental, just waiting for the part to come in. Apparently, there are other X5's in their lot waiting for the same part. S-X5
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#7
03-18-2009, 05:09 PM
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Quote:
My 2001 4.4 valve cover gaskets were leaking at 100k miles. It's a rubber gasket and it can only withstand so much heat for so long before it hardens and leaks. It is a relatively easy job if you have good mechanical aptitude, repair guide, and good tools. The one on the driver's side is the hardest to install especially if your battery cable runs across the front of the cover. You will need to unbolt the cable from the starter and give yourself slack. Good time to replace the plugs if you haven't. Also make sure to replace the rubber grommets under the bolts. You should also buy Drei Bond gasket sealer to seal the points where noted in the repair manual. Good luck.
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#8
03-18-2009, 08:23 PM
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I did a valve cover gasket replacement. It was 4 hours to unbolt, seat and rebolt using idiot DIY time. The only issue is that you do need tools to do it and you need to remove the radiator fan to get at anything.
If you wanna DIY it, let me know and I will walk you thru it to the best of my ability
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#9
03-23-2009, 11:51 AM
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remove fan to replace VC gasket? are you referring to a 4.4?
the driver's side is a PITA to change. you'll have to remove all the clips for the hoses and use something to pull the hoses out of the way. I used some velcro. I had to replace the driver's side a second time. I used gasket adhesive so the gaskets stay on the VC while I try to wrestle the cover on. put a dab of RTV at the edges of the half circle. I left the plastic covers off and so far no leaks.
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