Leaky Valve Cover Gasket..

[RPX5]

I had my front end links replaced at the dealer yesterday, and the service advisor mentioned that I had a leaky valve cover gasket, and then told me that I didn't really have to replace it, and on an 8 cyl it will just begin to leak once again, within the next year and a half. He mentioned that it is a very normal issue on an 8 cyl and really nothing to spend money on (about $550-$600 to replace both at dealer).

I knew of the leaky valve cover gasket, and I planned on replacing them with an indy shop. Should I just go ahead and replace it? Or should I listen to the dealer's service advisor and save my $450 (cost to replace at indy)?

[RPX5]

Originally Posted by RPX5

I had my front end links replaced at the dealer yesterday, and the service advisor mentioned that I had a leaky valve cover gasket, and then told me that I didn't really have to replace it, and on an 8 cyl it will just begin to leak once again, within the next year and a half. He mentioned that it is a very normal issue on an 8 cyl and really nothing to spend money on (about $550-$600 to replace both at dealer).

I knew of the leaky valve cover gasket, and I planned on replacing them with an indy shop. Should I just go ahead and replace it? Or should I listen to the dealer's service advisor and save my $450 (cost to replace at indy)?

[Weasel]

I don'y knw what that SA was smoking, but valve cover gaskets are not supposed to leak. My V8 X5 is not leaking, and had not ever been changed in vehicle history... and at just over 90k on an 03 miles I would say it's been more than a year and a half .

[JohnD]

I had mine replaced last fall by the dealer and it cost $900. I would have done them myself but I was too busy with work.

[Hit Redline]

I had mine replaced about a month ago. Here is a thread I started about my valve covers with some pics.

http://www.Xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-my-4-6-a.html


I would say do it if you care about the X and plan on keeping it. Oil leaking should never be normal for any car except a rotory .

The oil on the plugs will cause your coils to go bad and surge from misfire. I have replaced 2 coils and they were the ones that had oil on them. I think the total for the gasket job was around $900. I also ended up getting new valve covers as well, $300 each . But the old valve covers were so bad and the local machine shop tried cleaning them and I didn't care for how they looked.

[RPX5]

Hey, thanks for the responses. I just read your thread Redline.. my valve covers have chipping paint as well, and I was thinking of cleaning/painting them as well, but if new valve covers are cheap enough, I'd rather just buy them new! I spoke with a guy who I went to HS with, hes a tech at the local BMW but does work on the side, and he said he'd help me with these repairs.

During this I'd like to:
Change valve cover gaskets.
Refinish or replace valve covers.
Put some new hoses in behind the valve covers running to and from the oil separator (they're spongy with holes).
Replace the oil separator.
Change the oil..

I'm pretty sure I can get all this done for $400, but I'm not sure how much the valve covers themselves will run me.

What do you all think?? I do plan on keeping the car, I'd like to try and run it to 200K. Do you think this affect my cars performance at all? Maybe help with fuel economy, or maybe help it to warm to temp quicker?

This is all on a long list of things to do. I'd also like to powder coat my chrome window trip to black, do something with my headlights, get some LED tail lights, install the DICE Silverline i just ordered, possibly add some bass, and MAYBEEE throw on some aluminum side steps... all vanity stuff but it will help me stay happy with my X until 200K.

Thanks again guys.. I'll let you know how i mAke out!

[Hit Redline]

The valve covers are going to run you Around $300 each. The only problem with getting them refinished is time. You will have to have them removed. Take them to a machine shop. Most likely taking a few days.

$400 is a good price for that work. Not that changing the gaskets is hard, just time consuming. Also there is more than just the valve cover gasket. A bunch of small gaskets that should be replaced at the same time.

I would also change the spark plugs while doing this repair. Depending on the mileage I would consider the fuel filter as well.

[RPX5]

Originally Posted by Hit Redline

The valve covers are going to run you Around $300 each. The only problem with getting them refinished is time. You will have to have them removed. Take them to a machine shop. Most likely taking a few days.

$400 is a good price for that work. Not that changing the gaskets is hard, just time consuming. Also there is more than just the valve cover gasket. A bunch of small gaskets that should be replaced at the same time.

I would also change the spark plugs while doing this repair. Depending on the mileage I would consider the fuel filter as well.

$300 each is a bit more than I'd spend. Maybe i'll just degrease and clean the exterior of my valve covers.

I actually just replaced my spark plugs, and that's what sort of lead me in the direction of replacing my valve cover gaskets. The car has 78k, and it needs a bit more work than just valve cover gaskets for sure. There are some hoses needing replacement and someone mentioned something about changing out my oils separator while where in there. What about the fuel filter? Do you think it's worth changing out while we're in there too?

[Hit Redline]

The fuel filter is back by the tank. I bought my X used and never know what has been put in the tank. The filter is not cheap as it has pressure regulator built in. I just worry about fuel deliver and from owning turbo cars. Low fuel and engine goes bye bye.

[amacman]

the fuel filter is under left / driver seat , under car .