$243 is very fair price. $19 for sealant is another cheap price for OEM part. Don't forget to get tube seal gaskets (2 of them). The middle gaskets in the picture below:

http://sites.google.com/site/khuelecorp/G8.jpg

Just completed changing the spark plugs and valve cover gasket! Thanks for your photo post, followed it step by step - A shop manual is no where near as good!

Used a gasket set from NAPA made by " Victor Reinz" from Germany cost $ 37.89 ( dealer was $101!)

I also installed NGK Laser Platinums BRK6EQUP plugs, $9.19 at Advance Auto.


One note: when I was putting things back together I found a small line that feeds a round component at the front left of the motor, that looks like a solenoid for what seems to be a charcoal canister broken. I was able to splice it with a section of vacuum hose. I suspect that it was broken previously as when I started the car, it ran like crap and the SES light came on. After about 4 miles the light went out and the car ran normally and continues to do so.


Thanks again for your great post!

Great DIY with photos! Hope you didn't get the camera too greasy!!!

Great DIY, I was looking for one a few month back and only one i found was the youtube video for a 3 series. Similar engine. The one thing I would caution anyone doing this is be careful putting it the cover back on, the round coil seal slipped a bit on mine and started leaking so I had to remove everything and put it back together. It's a lot quicker second time around. :-) take your time and havae fun

Jim - i am glad that you completed your job safety. I also used the same spark plugs NGK BRK6EQUP and $8.65 here = ~$55 for 6 spark plugs. :) They are last long for 100,000 miles.

Sammy - yes i abused my canon powershot while taking DIY photos :)

Neb - good point! i used a mirror to check the gasket in the back valve cover and everything was in place.

X5 has been running smoothly since then, little increase gas mileage 20 MPG highway before and now ~21 MPG.

Sammy, no i did not replace coil packs. I think they are still good for my X5. $400+ for coil packs sound expensive to me. I sent you a link where you can purchase genuine BMW coil packs for much cheaper than $400+. Check your PM.

I did not replace the coil packs as I have had no indication that they might be failing. Life of these seems to vary considerably - had a Isuzu Trooper that had the original packs when I donated it to a charity at 235,000 miles while my 2000 Nissan Maxima with 218,000 miles has had them replace twice.

Jim - we don't need to replace coil packs if they are not failing.

Sammy :) funny, you said your mailbox was full and unable to access the PM, and you requested me to send one more time. However, you replied my PM with original message i has been sent to you and saying that you can't see my message? it's weird or you are a liar LOL :D

Should have this done too while you were there
Beisan Systems - Procedures - Double Vanos Procedure
unless you had it done already. OEM Vanos seals are bad after 20K mi or so. They are all on my To-Do list.