Leaking Valve / Rocker Cover

[X5Kiwi]

The left side valve / rocker cover is leaking in my 2000 4.4 X5, and it is booked in to get repaired this thursday by BMW under warranty.

Any suggestions on other preventative maintenance that I should get done while they are at it?

FYI the symtoms of the leak were a few drops of oil on the floor of my garage, and also today some wisps of smoke coming from the vents on top of the bonnet / hood when I stopped at the traffic lights.

The BMW technician that had a look said that it was quite common, especially since my X5 has done 156000km (97,000miles). However he also said it looks like the cover gaskets had been replaced before, but not done correctly as there is glue all the way around the cover, not just in the certain points that BMW recommend.

[Werewolf]

With the valve cover off, you have easy access to the plugs. Change these if you haven't already

Also, make sure they change the grommets with the VCG and that they are gentle with the valve covers when scraping off the sealant gunk

[X5Kiwi]

Is it worth changing the plugs on only the one side, or should we replace the others, even though only one valve cover is being repaired?

Also, how can I tell if they are "gentle with the valve covers when scraping off the sealant gunk" unless I actually sit there and watch them?

[Werewolf]

Originally Posted by X5Kiwi

Is it worth changing the plugs on only the one side, or should we replace the others, even though only one valve cover is being repaired?

Also, how can I tell if they are "gentle with the valve covers when scraping off the sealant gunk" unless I actually sit there and watch them?

Change all the plugs at once. I have a I6 so I am not familiar with the v8 design. I am guessing the mech will take the engine cover off to get at one bank's VCG. This will still allow him to get easily at one set of plugs. He will then need to remove the VCG on the other bank (might be some additional labour for the other bank). The question is whether the v8 has two sets of VCGs or one. Either case, if one has gone bad, the other is also old and likely to go bad. The parts are rubber so they don't cost much. Maybe a v8 owner can weigh in here.

You can't tell if they're gentle, you need to trust the mechanic. The block can score/scrap/get nicked when you remove the sealant unless you take your time. If you tell them upfront this is a concern then a good mechanic will keep this in mind when he goes to work on your car