N62 Valve Cover and Timing Cover Gaskets - Extra Things to Do
 

Going to replace the leaking gaskets in a couple weeks. Looking for advice on gasket brands and extra odds and ends I might need.


Valve Cover Brands:
Victor Reinz - I've had bad experiences with VR on my E36 valve cover gasket so avoiding VR unless I hear otherwise.
Elring - Have heard good things from E36 land, but no personal experience. Cheaper than VR which does make me question if they are in fact better.
Gen BMW - Most expensive, but if it's the best I'll definitely go this route so I don't need to repeat this job.


Timing Cover Brands:
I'm only seeing Elring and Gen BMW. I'd assume the same reasoning applies as the VCG above. Fortunately even Gen BMW is only ~$15.


Spark Plug Tubes:
Febi - No idea on quality

Gen BMW - More expensive.





Part List:
L/R VCG kits ((1) Valve Cover Gasket, (8) Valve Cover Nut Seals, (5) Bolts with Seals, (2) Grommets, (1) Camshaft Adjuster Seal)
L/R Timing Cover Gaskets
Spark Plug Tubes

Spark Plugs (on hand)
Thinking ignition coils


Anything else I'm missing? Any other seals/o-rings in there that I should replace? I've skimmed a few DIYs but except for the spark plug tubes nothing has jumped out as something that is a needed replacement as well, or a while you're there, you might as well.


It's in my sig, but '08 4.8 with 156k miles.

How many miles do you have now? Eccentric Shaft Sensors are inside the VCG and that's the only one, if fails, that you will need to remove the VC again so I replaced mine. Others are external. Just a thought. I finished doing my VCG and since everything in the engine bay was removed, I decided to just replaced the parts below. I am taking my time since I have the i3 to drive so yeah the X5 been out since January. Weather plays a major role too for me slacking off since it's been cold in my garage, Denver weather and it's been crazy cold and we got a lot snow this year.


1. Eccentric Shaft Sensors x2
2. Eccentric Shaft Sensor Gaskets x2
3. Camshaft sensors x4
4. Camshaft sensors gaskets x4
5. Lower timing cover gasket left and right
6. Solenoid gaskets left and right (4 total)
7. Spark plus x8
8. Spark plug tubes x8
9. Water Pump
10. Thermostat
11. Vacuum Pump O Ring gasket
12. AC Belt
13. Serpentine Belt
14. All Coolant Hoses
15. Secondary Water Pump
16. Oil thermostat gasket (in progress)

Since the list above last/need replacement every 100K more or less, I went ahead and purchased everything from BMW (getbmwparts.com)

I'm at ~156k.



Thanks for your post! Sounds like 1-8 I'll have to consider (probably not 5), 7 and 8 are planned.



9, 10, 12, 13 and most of 14 I've addressed at various points since June of last year.


11 and 16 were done ~2 years ago.



I also need to replace the alternator, ordered this morning. I was planning on dealing with these leaks a little later once it's warmer but I'd hate to leak oil all over a brand new alternator.

FYI, i've done a few VCG on these e70 4.8's and you don't have to take apart the 3 compartments on the back firewall. They don't gain you any room. You just have to find the right spot ( almost 90 degrees to their original position) to get the covers over the eccentric shaft sensor. Also remove the intake cam sensor for added clearance from the VC.
Just did my Valley Pan and transfer pipe in 3 hours today. I'm slowly learning the tricks to working in certain areas of these N62's in E70's

Cheers.