2004 X5 4.4 OIL LEAK VERY LITTLE

[Skyline]

No...the valve covers are not easy to take off. There are some great tutorials online here that will show you how to do it. But basically, the coil packs must come out, and their harnesses pulled back. Injectors must be unplugged and the fuel rail moved out of the way. There a whole bunch of other items on top of the engine, (vacuum line, etc.,) that must be removed. Driver side access is VERY tight, and removing a few heater hoses is very helpful. Intake must come out. Cabin filter box must come out.

You need to not only replace the valve cover gaskets...but all the rubber rings around all the bolts and nuts. A torque wrench, (preferably 1/4" drive) is essential, as well as a good sized telescopic inspection mirror, (to make sure the back of the gasket that you can not see is seated properly). For someone who has never done this, and is pretty mechanically handy, expect it to take about a whole day, with the online tutorials at hand. I've heard of indy mechanics charging over $1k for this, and dealer much more. If you are not used to working on your cars, this is probably not a good first job...but check out the tutorials and see if it looks manageable.

To determine if they are leaking, run your hand all the way around, especially in the back.