Can really upper timing covers be removed without removing the valve covers?!!
 

A post in bimmerfest points out that the N62 engine upper timing covers can be removed without removing the valve covers. If the valve covers are not leaking, no point in removing them to fix leaking timing covers! I'm in this situation- valve covers are dry but driver side timing cover is leaking heavily. Has anyone done this? I really want to confirm from someone else if indeed what is said in bimmerfest is true and worth it. I'd hate to do that and find that the valve covers start leaking due to disturbance.

See post #19
E63 E64 N62 V8 Valve Cover Removal W/ Pics DIY - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

Indeed it can, just managed to do it- took about 2 hours. Driver side valve cover gasket not leaking at all but the timing case leaks a lot (last two pics). I'll ensure to put a little sealant on valve cover gasket where it meets the timing case gasket when her button up.

It was impossible to install the timing cover without ruining or compromising the functionality of the timing cover gasket. It goes in easily without the gasket but the gasket cannot be installed thereafter without ruining it. I just decided to remove the valve covers and get it over with since I have all the parts already.

My drivers side timing cover is leaking so badly so i decided to search to find out if the valve cover does infact need to come off. I changed my VCG 3 months ago and would much prefer not to go through that entire process again lol. What do i need to REALLY remove to take the timing cover off? It's leaking so bad the whole left side of the motor is covered in thick sludge mixed with dirt.

You should just do the repair the proper way by removing the valve covers and replacing with the timing and valve cover gaskets. You need to do it the properly so that you do not encounter the same problems that X5only encountered and risk destroying a gasket. I have to ask why did you do the valve cover gaskets 3 months ago and not address the timing covers at the same time?:(

Thanks for the reply Jay. When i did the VCG i started on the drivers side, and had a hard time taking it off.. i think i messed up the functionality of the timing cover while removing the VCG, at the time there was no leak in that area. Or it could have just crapped out on its own. Good timing huh? Lol

As pictured above you certainly can do timing cover gaskets without removing the valve covers. We typically recommend doing valve cover gaskets and timing cover gaskets at the same time whenever we are working on an N62 equipped vehicle. There is always a possibility of the valve cover gasket leaking when the front timing cover is disturbed. It is much more common on a vehicle that has original or old valve cover gaskets. If the valve cover gaskets have been replaced recently then they are much less likely to leak and far easier to reassemble.

Anyone have the part number for the drivers side timing gasket?

Key in the last 7 of your vin in the serial number box in the link below or just append it after the "=" sign and paste in in your browser:

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Hi, i just wanted to add in my experience. I just did the upper timing chain cover in my 545i E60 2005, and i was in the same spot as you (valve covers just done). It is in fact very much possible to remove it without removein valve covers, i manged to do it in 3 hrs. you just have to clear as much as possible and you have to take it out in a angle, tilt it and wiggle it out. Patience, patience, patience. And oo i almost forgot.. patience. Once you get it out, clean the mating surface and the reinstall the gasket and wiggle the cover back in. Been driving the car in 3 weeks now and no leaks so far.

Cheers :tgif: