N62 Valve Seals Update

robertsen · #1 02-18-2012, 05:52 PM

I posted a while ago about a smoke problem and am now faced with replacing my valve seals.

The problem started last Sep. After reading up on the issue here, I replaced a torn CCV and thought my problems were solved - um....nope. Since then I have been trying to figure this out and it all lead to the valve stem seals. I live in CA and had to smog my car this last week. It passed smog levels but they failed it for visible smoke!! I had no choice but to take it to the dealer to confirm my (dread) suspisions of the seals....they did and quoted me $8205 for the repair. $7000 of this is labor.

At this point I am researching the special tools I will need to do the job myself (in car without removing the heads). The forum has been very helpful to me and I will promise to document prices, tools, part numbers, etc. Also, if anyone has gone through this, help would be appreciated for all of us out there that have or are going to have this issue. Seems pretty common to me!

I also tried to put "no smoke" additives in with oil changes and nothing really helped. I just tried to Bardahl product (super cheap) to see if it worked while I finish my research for the job. I will post results.

Also, FYI to all those that have a N62 engine. IMO, do not buy the Bentley Manual expecting to find any info on the engine. I looked on the Bentley site (after I purchased) and they recommend you go to www.bmwtechinfo.com for info on the engine. $30 for a 24 hr subscription, $250 for 30 days. If anyone has a different source please also post.

The symptoms are after warm up and after sitting at a stop light for instance, it will smoke on take-off. Smoke is bluish in color - apparently classic sign of the seal problem and a CCV proble. My advise would be to start with the CCV and cross your fingers.

I am not an expert by any means but unfortunately by the time this is over I might be. haha

Thanks all!

SlickGT1 · #2 02-18-2012, 06:53 PM

Damn dude good luck. I haven't sone it on this engine, but on others. Subscribing and hopefully can contribute.

Bulk · #3 02-18-2012, 10:10 PM

Good luck mate,

I have the Bently manual and yes there is pretty much nothing on the N62.

I use THIS to give me some information on the N62 Engine and THIS for more generic X5 stuff.

steelheader · #4 02-18-2012, 10:31 PM

You could just do the seals but the guides wear out too?there what the valves ride in iam sure thats what the dealer was gona do? Wow mine kinda smokes at start up and at a light to, 190000 k .A head set is 350 plus the head gaskets are 58 bucks each strange they wouldnt come with the headgasket set .if your getting into the engine that much change the timing chain guides, half the parts i just bought to do the guides are in that kit! shit iam gona just keep driving it till it smokes really bad or a valve guide falls ?

julezw · #5 02-20-2012, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertsen

I posted a while ago about a smoke problem and am now faced with replacing my valve seals.

The problem started last Sep. After reading up on the issue here, I replaced a torn CCV and thought my problems were solved - um....nope. Since then I have been trying to figure this out and it all lead to the valve stem seals. I live in CA and had to smog my car this last week. It passed smog levels but they failed it for visible smoke!! I had no choice but to take it to the dealer to confirm my (dread) suspisions of the seals....they did and quoted me $8205 for the repair. $7000 of this is labor.

At this point I am researching the special tools I will need to do the job myself (in car without removing the heads). The forum has been very helpful to me and I will promise to document prices, tools, part numbers, etc. Also, if anyone has gone through this, help would be appreciated for all of us out there that have or are going to have this issue. Seems pretty common to me!

I also tried to put "no smoke" additives in with oil changes and nothing really helped. I just tried to Bardahl product (super cheap) to see if it worked while I finish my research for the job. I will post results.

Also, FYI to all those that have a N62 engine. IMO, do not buy the Bentley Manual expecting to find any info on the engine. I looked on the Bentley site (after I purchased) and they recommend you go to www.bmwtechinfo.com for info on the engine. $30 for a 24 hr subscription, $250 for 30 days. If anyone has a different source please also post.

The symptoms are after warm up and after sitting at a stop light for instance, it will smoke on take-off. Smoke is bluish in color - apparently classic sign of the seal problem and a CCV proble. My advise would be to start with the CCV and cross your fingers.

I am not an expert by any means but unfortunately by the time this is over I might be. haha

Thanks all!

Robertson, I have the same issue and am curious what mileage you have on your engine?

Steelheader I take it you have 190000 kms?

My X5 started smoking at around 120000 kms

was the last thing I was expecting at this mileage. Its pretty sad, they must have had some poor quality seals being provided

I started trying seal additives which provided only a temporary fix and its not my ccv as this has been replaced.

I got a quote from an indy who has referred me to a specialist who rebuilds euro/ high perf engines and was quoted 4k for a complete rebuild of the heads including a check of the timing chains & guides.

I have decided to stall on the rebuild and will only get it done if smoking gets really bad or until I have clocked up a lot more kms on the engine. In the mean time I use BP ultimate which to my knowledge has a cleaning additive and will continue to get engine carbon clean so I don't get hot spots in the engine....dunno how the cats are going to take all that gunk though?

steelheader · #6 02-20-2012, 08:09 PM

The funny thing is with all the smoke coming out the exhust You would think It would burn oil it doesnt use that much to me,how about You guys ?

julezw · #7 02-20-2012, 08:49 PM

Steelheader, 190000 miles, man I'm jealous lol. The more idle the more smoke thus more oil you consume. So it depends on how much you idle, mine can consume a fair bit of oil way beyond the 'normal' oil consumption.

If your not consuming much oil you might have a different problem?

robertsen · #8 02-26-2012, 12:09 PM

@ SlickGT1 - Thanks! I need all the help I can get!

@Bulk - thanks for the references. Everything help. I will be paying for the 24 hr subscription to attempt specific information (torque values, etc,) and will let you know if it's worth it.

@steelheader - The dealer quote included removing the heads completely and machine shop time to replace the valve guides. I am going to replace the seals in car (without removing the heads) and do not plan on replacing the guides. I am betting (and crossing my fingers) that the seals are just a weak point and that the guides are ok. I don't see many issues about the guides and will see what happens. Unless I find a more complete package, I am planning on the head set (less head gaskets) to make sure that I have every little seal that I need.

@julezw - I have about 115,000 on the vehicle and this started at about 100,000. Oil consumption hasn't been too excessive but it does use oil...about a quart every 2-3 weeks.

Thanks for all the replies and please keep them coming! I really can't wait on the repair because I live in an area where if you don't pass smog you can't renew your registration without additional pains. My last attempt using the additive has failed as well. I am going to start buying my parts and tools now for sure. Been busy with work and won't start the job for two weeks but want to make sure I have everything before I start the job. Thanks all!

Bulk · #9 04-08-2012, 10:09 PM

How'd you go with the repair? Did you end up doing it yourself or taking it in? I will be doing the Valve stem seals myself in a week or so and if you've done it I would appreciate any assistance otherwise I'll do a write up myself which might help you.

Andrew

robertsen · #10 04-08-2012, 11:08 PM

Sorry for not putting on an update sooner! I actually never did the repair. My biggest issue was passing smog here in California. I ended up using 10/30 (vs. 5/30) oil and an additive. The smoking disappeared completely and it passed smog. It was never a performance issue just smog; my minor leaks went away also. I am personally going to continue to use this approach and change the oil more frequently.

As far as the repair goes, the biggest challenge for me was finding a proper manual with specs etc. I have a bently manual but it is absolutely zero help. I posted on their site but no help was suggested. I also paid for a 24 hr subscription to bmwtechinfo.com and it was no help either. I figured about 1000.00 us dollars including the required special tools.

Good luck to anyone with this engine! Also if anyone has any sources for a manual I would appreciate info.