Anyone in Northern California who needs to get there Valve Seals Replaced?

[Johnny_5]

Originally Posted by edogg

The indy I took my X5 to (Strictly BMW in Bellevue) quoted me 19 hours to do the job using the AGA tool set. So having the car for 3 days sounds about right.

The shop hinted that some of that time included replacing things while they were in there, though they didn't specify exactly what.

I'm hoping that I don't have to do it. They replaced my CCV valves and said to give it a few weeks to let any accumulated crud blow out. I'm on my 3rd week since the CCV's and it's still smoking - though not as much as it was before.

The tech at AGA I talked to said it can be done in 12 hours. I believe doing the compressed air way can take twice as long as the tech also stated that by not doing it that way saved him half the time to do the job now! Keep in mind 12 hours for someone who does this for a living. Im sure me being new to this and the tool is going to take me longer than that for sure!

I was in the same boat as you and replaced the CCV's and still have a smoking issue. Hate to say it but knowing that these are a common issue that would be the next step. Double check for leaky gaskets as that can cause oil to get sucked into the manifold through the CCV's. Hopefully you get lucky. Good luck!

[Johnny_5]

So I talked with AGA today regarding the process and to confirm how things are done, any tips and hints they can provide and so forth and one of the ones that really stuck out to me is that some of the guys there are no longer putting air pressure into the cylinders while doing this job. They stated that they are saving so much more time doing it this way than dealing with filling the cylinder with air!

The reason I got is when they are at TDC and adding pressure into the cylinders at times the air pressure would push the piston down and causing a higher chance of valve dropping into the cylinders and fighting to get it back to TDC one handed, etc. Stated that its happened to a few but they had each other to assist with getting it back to TDC. From what they are stating If at TDC when doing these the valve will drop but will rest on the piston anyways so it will never drop into the cylinder and don't have to worry about that happening.

Just thought I share what I heard it makes sense really and would shorten the process from reconnecting, disconnecting, reconnecting, etc with the air compressor!

[BMW_TUNER]

I was referred to a shop in San Carlos
Bimmers independent service
800 El Camino Real, San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 591-2474

Ask for Millenko

I have yet to make contact but I will as soon as I can travel.

[Johnny_5]

Originally Posted by BMW_TUNER

I was referred to a shop in San Carlos
Bimmers independent service
800 El Camino Real, San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 591-2474

Ask for Millenko

I have yet to make contact but I will as soon as I can travel.

Ive actually talked to him a few days ago and was also referred to him from another forum member as well and that his pricing was very reasonable. The forum member stated it was like $1800 or something like that. Anyways Milenko did the AGA way with the tool and stated he would never do that again. He actually charged that forum member way less than what he should have from what he stated to me! His pricing he quoted me was $4000. Im better off driving down to AGA and having them do it as its half that cost. Not trying to sway you off maybe you might get quoted better but that cost was for an X5. Im just going to do it myself!

Just a heads up!

[four.8is]

Guys, just talked to a BMW master tech and got a quote of 1600$ + parts which is really cheap compared to other shops.BUT, he advised before I decide to bring it in that I should try 20W50 motor oil..I'm like what??
He said yea it would have been a problem when the engine was fairly new but now over 100k there won't be a problem.
He said he's done it on a few smoking n62's and it did the trick ...

I don't know as much as I wanna believe him I think that oil is too thick...what do you think?

[Johnny_5]

Originally Posted by four.8is

Guys, just talked to a BMW master tech and got a quote of 1600$ + parts which is really cheap compared to other shops.BUT, he advised before I decide to bring it in that I should try 20W50 motor oil..I'm like what??
He said yea it would have been a problem when the engine was fairly new but now over 100k there won't be a problem.
He said he's done it on a few smoking n62's and it did the trick ...

I don't know as much as I wanna believe him I think that oil is too thick...what do you think?

$1600 is extremely cheap for this job with parts. Hell if I was closer to you I would just have him do it! Where exactly is this tech located?

Anyways as most people here will state no point on putting a band aid on a temp fix and putting in non recommended oil into the car. To me 20w50 seems pretty high. I don't see 10w40 being that much of an issue and some state that has cured the issue as its thicker oil but still doesn't cure the issue with the valve seals. Eventually you are going to have to get them done. I guess it really depends on the individual. If you want to cure the smoking but not the issue than thicker oil. If you want to cure the problem in general and have that comfort of knowing the issue is resolved than I would opt to fix it. But than again for $1600 I would just get it done! That's just me.

[four.8is]

Signature independent BMW.owner's name is Rick.
I asked how much he would charge and that's what I got-1600$ plus parts which still brings you well under 2000$
I'll get it done in the spring...
Thing is, he said he used the AGA tool but it's more of a pain than help and that he is still pulling the heads to change the seals.
Since he was the head of the service dept. at BMW Bellevue, he said he heard that they might be working on a recall for the N62 for the stem seals.
Don't know if it's true or not but it would be nice to know something like that is even possible..
Just throwing all this info out there..

[Johnny_5]

Originally Posted by four.8is

Signature independent BMW.owner's name is Rick.
I asked how much he would charge and that's what I got-1600$ plus parts which still brings you well under 2000$
I'll get it done in the spring...
Thing is, he said he used the AGA tool but it's more of a pain than help and that he is still pulling the heads to change the seals.
Since he was the head of the service dept. at BMW Bellevue, he said he heard that they might be working on a recall for the N62 for the stem seals.
Don't know if it's true or not but it would be nice to know something like that is even possible..
Just throwing all this info out there..

For people who do this for a living removing the heads and readjusting the timing its second nature to them. Also they have all the tools needed to do the job so I believe removing the heads are probably a better easier job than leaning over and using the AGA Tool but for diyers I think the AGA Tool is very good tool and meant for people like us.

For anything under 2k for that job removing the head and Im sure reconditioning is a very good price! Seriously jump on it before the pricing goes up. Just a simple calculation the AGA Tool is $750 + AGA Valve Kit $300 not including tax if applicable and shipping. That's over $1000 already. $600 - $800 more for the labor that's a no brainer. Now you can get the seal kit for less and the tool kit you can buy used for around $500 - $600 but still your saving yourself the headache, back aches, etc.....As stated if he was closer I would have just had him do mine. Hell I may even plan a road trip! I need a vacation anyways!

As for the recall people have heard that forever. Not saying it may not happen but with me being at 200k Im sure I wont qualify for it.

[BMW_TUNER]

I am stuck right now and may do the heavier oil. I have switched to slightly heavier oil but I think I may try a step up, will the 20-w50 cause any issues? I just need to move into my new house in December to get access to tools or to be able to spend 2k out of pocket.

Any issues using running 20-w50 for a few months?

[Mr.Wrong]

Speaking of changing the oil to band aid the issue, I've heard that as well from a German Indy shop. Owner said to try 10w50 and it should do the trick. He mentioned they've done that to several cars already and so far so good. Not that something I'd personally do or approve of, but thought this info should be shared.