Valve Cover gasket Change

nebilex · #1 10-31-2011, 02:46 PM

Hello All,

Does anyone have a DYI for changing the valve cover gasket? It doesn't seem to be a hard work, almost possible to do it with normal tools (no special tool required). But I don't have the torquing requirement info and if there are any watch outs.

Naz24 · #2 10-31-2011, 03:12 PM

Check the how to section. Which engine do you have?

nebilex · #3 10-31-2011, 03:18 PM

I have the 3.0... I went through the How To's before posting and didn't see any DYI in there. Any input would be appreciated.

Naz24 · #4 10-31-2011, 03:21 PM

I actually saw a good DIY for the 3.0 engine on YouTube. Look it up.. Your engine is basically the same as a 3-series. Process will be the same.
Sorry I'm on my iPhone, otherwise I'd post the link

nebilex · #5 10-31-2011, 03:55 PM

I actually found it. Real good DYI. The only thing is, he tightened the cover (not torqued) If you have the Bentley can you tell me what the recommended torque is?

skeetjunkie · #6 10-31-2011, 06:12 PM

10Nm or 89 in-lb

nebilex · #7 11-01-2011, 12:31 AM

Thank you all. I have a local mech quoting me $140 to do it. I decided to get a quote cuz I don't have a garage to do it in. Is it worth it?

TwinTurboGTR · #8 11-01-2011, 06:24 AM

Yeah that seems pretty fair. Just keep in mind, once he gets in there, be prepared for the quote to jump from $140 to $500+ especially if he recommends new plugs, spots a valley pan gasket failure, CCV replacement, OSV replacement, etc. That quote can quickly jump and if those problems do exist, just be prepared for the extra cash. I am assuming you are replacing the VC gaskets because your X has over 60k on the clock, or you noticed oil in the spark plug sockets. And if you are at that mileage, belts, hoses, and water pump would be in order and a good idea to change.

nebilex · #9 11-02-2011, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwinTurboGTR

Yeah that seems pretty fair. Just keep in mind, once he gets in there, be prepared for the quote to jump from $140 to $500+ especially if he recommends new plugs, spots a valley pan gasket failure, CCV replacement, OSV replacement, etc. That quote can quickly jump and if those problems do exist, just be prepared for the extra cash. I am assuming you are replacing the VC gaskets because your X has over 60k on the clock, or you noticed oil in the spark plug sockets. And if you are at that mileage, belts, hoses, and water pump would be in order and a good idea to change.

Hey Thanks for the heads up. I am actually changing the gasket because of oil leak. Pretty bad oil leak. Car has 130k miles on it so it's time for a change. Unfortunately I have no information when the timing belt and all was done. Would a dealership be able to pull the service info on it if i take it in? What's the CCV and OSV? I actually decided to do the work myself. I've done it before on other cars and this seems much less complicated.

TwinTurboGTR · #10 11-02-2011, 09:04 AM

Not a problem. And the X5 doesn't use a belt, it uses a timing chain, so no replacement interval on that, but some on here have replaced it and other parts at 110K miles. As far as service records, that is another story, some dealerships will do it, some wont. I know BMW of Freehold here in NJ will not give service records, but Circle BMW in Eatontown NJ will. To obtain records, you just need to give them your key and they can scan the info from the key. And the OSV is the Oil Separator valve and the CCV is the Crank Case Ventilation valve.