2008 4.8i valve cover stuck
 

E70 4.8i

Ive got the driver side valve cover all taken apart and moving freely. It seems to be stuck on the steering column. Ive read through a bunch of threads with no luck. Does anyone have an experience or advice with this? Thanks! :thumbup:

I think you still have at least one spark plug tube attached to the valve cover.

Yes I did! Thanks! Still having trouble removing the cover. It is moving freely now just need to angle it around some more

Yeah I kinda figured as it doesn't need to go over that far to the side. In the back there's a sensor that sticks up through the VC. there's a gasket on it that's held onto the VC by two e-torx screws, you can gain alittle more wiggle room by removing that gasket.

Ultimately you'll be lifting it straight up to clear that sensor, then rotating it counterclockwise towards level and then forward and out.

I've got all sensors and gaskets off. You are referring to the essentric sensor correct? I've got both cam sensors off as well. I will be working on it again tomorrow. Temp dropped below 30 again here in Ohio.... Adds to the frustration!

Not sure what the sensor is, you can't remove it before removing the VC. The gasket I'm referring to is #4 in this diagram and they have a oic too:

RealOEM.com * BMW E70 X5 4.8i Cylinder head cover/Mounting parts

Yup that is it. Thanks for the info. I will update how it goes tomorrow

Most likely the alignment tabs inside the valve covers are heat cycled deformed. They are located on the exhaust side of the valve cover. Need to carefully pry on the corner closest to the alternator. When you do get the valve cover off, make sure you remove the 3 tabs inside the valve cover or you will never get the cover to seat. Another BMW gotcha! Also you have to remove the fuel rail to get the drivers side valve cover to clear the Valvetronic sensor. Be careful cause that sensor is 300 dollars! You need to rotate the steering wheel with the universal joint union bolt clocked properly to remove the drivers side cover. Do not ever force anything! This is a level 8 repair as far as mechanic skill, it is the most difficult valve cover gasket I have ever repaired! Oil pools in the rear lower corner of the cover, need sealer in that corner as well as the half moons.

Are these tabs separate from the VC? I don't remember seeing anything like that. I also didn't mess with my steering at all removing the VC.

The 3 separate tabs are screwed on to the inside lower section of the valve cover with a metal screw. the tabs fit into notches cast into the cylinder head adjacent to the mating surface. the look like humps. If the valve cover gaskets were previously done, they were probably removed.