BMW 328i E90 How to replace Valve Cover Gasket N51/N52K E91 E92 E93 2006 - 2013

In this video I will replace the Valve cover gasket on a E90 with the N51 SULEV engine. This will be the same procedure for the E91, E92 and E93 including the N52K engine.
Parts:
Valve cover gasket: 11-12-7-582-245
Gasket for valvetronic motor (football gasket): 11-12-7-552-280
Eccentric sensor gasket: 11-12-7-559-699
2x Bolts for strut towers (not necessary to replace): 07-14-6-963-730
1x Bolt near the windshield (not necessary to replace): 07-14-6-954-965
6x metal sleeves for ignition coils (not necessary to replace): 11-12-7-575-422
Vent line towards the back of the engine if it breaks: 11-15-7-559-528
6x intake manifold gaskets (get these only if replacing the above vent line): 11-61-7-547-242
Coolant overfill line if it breaks: 17-12-7-618-510
Screws for Micro filter housing: 07-14-7-118-369
Screws for panel that micro filter housing sits on: 07-11-9-904-268
Tools:
1/2" Ratchet: amzn.to/3ZX5ZZN
E18 3/8" Socket 1/2" drive: amzn.to/3l6q4gm
3/8" ratchet: amzn.to/3h9zshn
- I recommend getting a ratchet with a flex head. This provides ease of movement and more flexibility,
especially when used with other jobs
3/8" extension set: amzn.to/3Fxtnoq
3/8" Torque Wrench: amzn.to/3Pcue0V
10mm Socket 3/8": amzn.to/436Yu45
or
10mm Socket 3/8" Deep Magnetic: amzn.to/43NF9VS
13mm Socket 3/8": amzn.to/3Fd7BVs
E10 3/8" Socket: amzn.to/3U7kppo
E14 3/8" Socket: amzn.to/3h67T8S
Universal Joint Socket 3/8": amzn.to/3vB5NVk
highly recommend this for the E10 screws near the back on the valve cover
1/4" ratchet flexhead: amzn.to/3VQGdDA
1/4” extension set: amzn.to/3Y95WJt
1/4" magnetic bit driver 5/16": amzn.to/3vJ0G5h
This comes in very handy when removing the 8mm screws. the 5/16" size will still fit the 8mm.
T30 1/4 socket: amzn.to/3W4LM1r
E8 1/4" Socket: amzn.to/3FARsdZ
Craftsman Pick set: amzn.to/3W0etwl
Pocket Screw Driver : amzn.to/3HkKHym
- This is a combo kit comes with a small Philips screwdriver. We will only need the flathead but this is the best value for the price
Flat head screw driver: amzn.to/3iJpp32
Pry Bar: amzn.to/3RViD8l
Disclaimer
---The Friendly Mechanic assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information/Reliance contained in this video. The content of this video is available for informational and educational purposes only. Always seek professional advice from your mechanic who has thoroughly inspected your vehicle and can make suggestions or judgements. Every vehicle is different, no two vehicles are the same and every repair will be different. The Friendly mechanic does not guarantee results or give warranties implied or expressed. The use of PPE (personal protective equipment) is always recommended whenever working on/with cars, vehicles, tools, parts and Chemicals of any kind. I always recommend safe and proper work practices when operating/handling power tools, hand tools, parts, liquids, chemicals, automotive lifting devices, stands, electrical equipment and or any portrayed in this video and shall not be used by untrained persons. Any injury, damage, loss of any kind that may result from improper use is the sole responsibility of the user and not myself/The Friendly Mechanic. Any and all information you use in this video shall be used at your own risk.

[@martian2387]

This young man is the best and most patient BMW Mechanic on this App. I’ve looked at a lot and this is the best. Most people are too impatient to mention the painful nuances associated with performing repairs on this model engine.

[@friendlymechanic9778]

Thank you for your kind words, my goal is to share all the knowledge I have gained from working on these cars and I hope to educate for many more years. 👍🏼

[@GarageKing22]

Excellent instructional video! I can't thank you enough for taking the time to put together such an excellent, clearly-narrated video. In less than 3 hours, I had the valve cover gasket removed from our 2011 328i, using this video each step of the way.

[@friendlymechanic9778]

That’s great! I’m glad everything worked out for you!

[@edefty]

This is a great video that shows how to remove/replace the valve cover. One big miss was a warning about disconnecting the battery and closing the trunk lid on later models that don't have any other way to open the trunk! This one cost me a couple of hours researching on the internet and then using solution of finding the right wire under the glove box and "jumping" power to it to actuate the trunk opening circuit. Worked but man I could have saved a lot of time had I known to not let the trunk close.

[@jeffm1053]

This is a very professional video the way should be from a real professional like you. Thank you very much for your help

[@Grimfed]

Earned a sub. Thanks you. Best tutorial so far. In depth and honest about the struggles

[@friendlymechanic9778]

Thank you I appreciate the support!

[@RVSTundrae46]

Thank you for taking the time and making this Great video, very thorough comparing to other mechanics. I’m working on my 128i, it’s a bit easier not having the SULEV system in the way.

[@friendlymechanic9778]

Thank you 👍🏼 and yes it’s nice not having to worry about that.

[@mrquickspool]

Ok this was an amazing tutorial. Very informative.

[@friendlymechanic9778]

Glad it was helpful!👍🏼

[@user-ql2yu2sx9x]

What a great video. Thanks for taking time to explain it in detail.

[@friendlymechanic9778]

👍🏼

[@dantecardova4897]

Damn great video. Bmw never disappoints making everything 10 times more work .😂

[@friendlymechanic9778]

Thank you appreciate it. I’m going to eventually post the N20, N55, B58 as well. Just need to get them first.

[@paulrlandon]

Best video on this job on KZbin!!! Just wondering where on the oil pan are you jacking to lift the engine? Are you attempting to raise the front of the engine or the back or the entire engine up just a little? Thank you!

[@BrandonBreeden-iq4rx]

Respect to owning up to not unplugging battery first💯💯💯💯hopefully this reminds me when I do this job

[@friendlymechanic9778]

Yeah usually I remember. But sometimes I get carried away and remember when I get to that little power junction.

[@janttax8079]

Super good explaining of tecniik ! ❤

[@friendlymechanic9778]

Thank you!

[@raven69600]

This is the best video walkthrough I’ve ever seen! My son bought a 2011 328i from a used “hack” car dealer, a few months after, he noticed that it went into limp mode, after driving it in manual mode in order to get up to freeway speeds, the motor just plain stopped working. I changed the cam position sensors and all, but it still just turns over almost like it’s free spinning. My “mechanic “ said it has no compression, he did a test by ear…🤦🏽‍♂️ I decided to take a go at it myself and discovered a common problem with these motors, the vanos gears? I’m not sure if that’s the correct spelling. I saw that the aluminum bolts tend to break or back out causing the cams not to spin… is this something you have heard of???

[@friendlymechanic9778]

Yea this is a common thing. BMW has a service recall for it, I wouldn’t be able to know for sure without a vin look up though to check if your vehicle qualifies. If you would like to DM me your VIN on instagram I would be happy to look at it and check for you.

[@raven69600]

@@friendlymechanic9778I’ll definitely do this when I get home. I’m also going to start with the solenoids after I do another engine code check.

[@friendlymechanic9778]

I would hold off on replacing parts for now. Better to see if you have coverage and have the dealer check the vanos bolts free of charge.

[@raven69600]

@@friendlymechanic9778 Good evening, I got the information about the recalls, there are actually two different unresolved recalls on this car, one of which is the Vanos.. I emailed BMW of North America with the information, hopefully they will resolve this. 🤙🏾

[@friendlymechanic9778]

Sounds good! Hopefully everything turns out okay. Let me know how it goes.

[@guzzijack9714]

What a great in depth video. I have this job upcoming shortly for my first time. Most important to me was you showing close ups of the various clip releases as most other videos I've watched gloss over that aspect. Subscribed and liked. Good luck with your channel. Doesn't the valvetronic motor need to relearn with a key sequence before starting? 2010 E91 with N52.

[@friendlymechanic9778]

Thank you for your support! The valvetronic will do a sweep when you cycle the key back on to ignition. You don’t have to worry about doing this procedure because it will happen automatically.

[@lebouquetdj]

Perfect video, thank you so muuuch

[@friendlymechanic9778]

No problem 👍🏼

[@leeclarke6855]

Awesome video!

[@friendlymechanic9778]

Thank you 👍🏼

[@pablomorales1434]

Just in time for my upcoming DIY on this! Thank you! Will you also be doing the oil filter housing gasket? I'd love to follow your guide for the necessary tools for the job and some tips on how to properly tackle it, because I see many people online taking out the intake manifold to reach the top bolt, even draining the oil and coolant completely, and some even suggest replacing the serpentine belt while at it, but other people don't do any of these things and make it look very easy. Mine is due for an oil service though, so I'll be draining the oil completely before changing the gasket. Thanks again!

[@friendlymechanic9778]

Oh nice perfect timing. I will do an oil filter housing gasket as soon as I get one to do. I don’t remove the intake manifold when I do that repair because I use a snap on 1/4” swivel E10. Without this socket you will need to remove the intake manifold. As far as draining oil and coolant completely, it’s a good idea so you don’t make a huge mess everywhere. But if you can catch all escaping fluids and then wash it down and catch all the water you used to clean the engine then you don’t need to drain oil and coolant. One way is quicker and messy The other is long and cleaner. As far as replacing the serpentine belt, I would only replace the belt if it’s cracking. But when doing this job you will need to protect it from getting oil soaked. As soon as I can I’ll get a video up on the oil filter housing gasket repair.

[@martinramirezmi5457]

Great tip about not cracking the windshield.

[@friendlymechanic9778]

Yeah it doesn’t happen often but just wanted to throw that warning out there. I’ve seen it happen.

[@martinramirezmi5457]

@@friendlymechanic9778 Hey, you have probably saved a lot of people from making a costly mistake. Also I am getting ready to replace the valve cover gasket on my 2006 BMW 325i. Do I have to buy the part from the dealer or can I buy it third party?

[@friendlymechanic9778]

Yeah when I started this channel that was one of the main reasons. To help people avoid costly mistakes that I have made or have seen people make. You don’t need to get it from the dealer. Third party is okay.

[@martinramirezmi5457]

@@friendlymechanic9778 Thanks so much man, I really appreciate it 😀

[@friendlymechanic9778]

👊🏼

[@clydestrong2913]

Great vid!

[@friendlymechanic9778]

👍🏼 thank you!

[@TomandJuliePiasecki]

Awesome video! Did you happen to include the torque values for the bolts on the strut towers and the one by the windshield and the torque for the valve cover bolts themselves?

[@TomandJuliePiasecki]

Awesome video! Did you happen to include the torque values on the bolts for the strut towers and the one by the windshield and the torque the valve cover bolts?

[@alanmohammad3360]

Thanks for the video man. For the valvetronic motor does it require any recalibration method with the way you removed and installed it back on? That’s the only thing I’m still confused on since other videos talk about a recalibration process.

[@friendlymechanic9778]

The valvetronic will do a sweep when you cycle the key back on to ignition. You don't have to worry about doing this procedure because it will happen automatically.

[@mynameis248]

Hey man thanks for the video. I had no idea where to put that negative terminal that's seen at 10:17 of the video. Did you reattach it to the same place or to the bolt next to it? different tutorials have it at different places.

[@friendlymechanic9778]

I’ve seen it attached in both places. But it should be on the left side. But it honestly doesn’t matter which spot you put it. They are both good grounds.

[@caatodin7466]

Any videos on headgasket repair? Will be using this one as well! Thank you

[@friendlymechanic9778]

No not yet. But when I get a repair for head gasket replacement. I’ll post one. Just none so far.

[@anandpatel1243]

Hello, THis is very useful video. Thanks for sharing. I tried to fix my valve cover gasket but while putting the cover back on, I over tightened the middle 10mm self-locking bolt and it broke in the middle. Do I need to take it out? if yes, how? also, if I do not take it out does it leak or will start start? Any help is appreciated. Thanks

[@Ikeman50]

Wow! Amazing video!!.......Found an oil spot on my garage floor and still trying to figure where the leak is coming from. Looking at some other Oil Leak videos, it could be Valve Cover gasket, Crank shaft seal, various O rings from solenoid, Oil filter housing gasket.......any tips on helping me locate the leak would be greatly appreciated..........if it is the valve cover gasket you have inspired me to try to do it myself! Thanks so much!! Also if you don't mind me asking.....what is the typical charge at a dealership to have a valve gasket put on a 328i?......... Subscribed!!

[@alanmohammad3360]

The typical charge is $1200-1800 but it depends on location as well

[@friendlymechanic9778]

Thank you for the support! 👍🏼 On these engines the three main oil leaks are the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket and oil filter housing gasket. Valve cover gasket usually causes a burning oil smell because it lands on the exhaust manifold. The oil pan gasket you usually see oil leaking on the passenger side of the engine or where the engine and transmission meet. Oil filter housing is usually the front of the engine or oil running down the driver side of the engine. If you have an N51 SULEV engine the valve cover gasket is covered for 15 years or 150,000 miles. Where I work we charge on the higher end of the $1200-$1800 price range.

[@j8nkies20]

Will the process be the same for the magnesium valve covers? Are any extra steps required for them?

[@deecue0220]

Hey. Getting ready to tackle this job on the weekend. Unless I missed it I didn’t notice when you reconnected that “brittle” vent line near the back of the engine. Was that done after torquing or when’s a good time to reconnect that hose?

[@friendlymechanic9778]

After you connect the O2 sensor connectors is when I re connected it.

[@deecue0220]

Thanks for the reply. The Krazy Glue idea is absolutely brilliant. Thanks for the detailed video! 👍

[@crazy4gta1]

I Made that mistake once. I put the valve cover back on and I decided to reattach the hose first, only to realize that there’s bolts underneath it. And of course it broke upon being removed a second time

[@Alycanj]

Hello , dusty dirty situation with this engine. I admire your skills and you always do great work, Have another question, I was told I just can't put any battery in my X1, that I have to go to BMW and they have to register the battery to the car with something? Is that true and is it something I can learn to do. Ty as always

[@friendlymechanic9778]

You do need a certain battery, but it doesn’t have to be BMW. you just need to get the same ratings. Match the CCA and AH(amp hours). It does need to be registered but you need a fancy scan tool or the OEM BMW one.

[@Alycanj]

Ok, thank you @@friendlymechanic9778

[@alanmohammad3360]

I purchased a bluetooth adapter (OBDLink CX) along with Bimmercode and Bimmerlink to register and put in the exact specifications of the battery. The adapter is $80, bimmercode and bimmer link are $40 each. You use bimmercode first to put the specifications of the battery (the amount of Ah and if it is AGM or not). Then you go over to bimmerlink where you register the battery.

[@RVSTundrae46]

The good for if you are replacing the gasket, I’ve replaced the cover and gaskets. I ordered my valve cover kit from FCPEuro, over all great kit, comes with everything you need to get the job done. I did run into an issue when reassembling: the valvetronic motor did not want it aligned for me to liven up the bolts, I had to slightly bore out the holes on the V motor brackets to get it to align with valve covers pre assembled brackets, I think, this has something to do with the aftermarket valve cover molds, I’d say they are a tiny bit off. Other than that, after reassembly I’ve ran into bad misfiring issues, end up replacing all 6 ignition coils, misfiring went away. At the moment I’m dealing with several codes: for throttle valve potentiometer 1 and 2 and low voltage to throttle switch Here are the codes: 2cF9, 2cFa, 2D1D, 2D09 Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[@rickivo]

Hello. Thank you very much for your video. Some advice that is preferable to replace the whole plastic valve cover, not just the gaskets? what are your thoughts about this? I have a leak on a Z4 E89 with a N52B25 engine with 160k kilometers. Should I just replace the gaskets if the valve cover is visually ok?

[@friendlymechanic9778]

On this valve cover I would just do the gaskets if there is no visual signs of cracks.

[@yungbanginman6008]

@@friendlymechanic9778true I’m doin mine tomorrow got every tool you just said on here. It was hard finding a 1/2 e18

[@friendlymechanic9778]

I have links in the description for every tool you will need for future reference 👍🏼

[@yungbanginman6008]

@@friendlymechanic9778 yup I appreciate you I ended up going to harbor freight due to some stuff being out of stock

[@yungbanginman6008]

@@friendlymechanic9778 since you replying… Off the top of your head , any quick things NOT to do? I am also doing shaft sensor replacement

[@user-xo2tw7ml4b]

I was just quoted 2,026.68 for this job and 739 on oil filter gasket. 07 328i e93 should be the same process here?

[@friendlymechanic9778]

Yes the process is very similar.

[@Dvdloco1]

Hello, I want to know if the leak is from the valve cover gasket, the oil comes out through a hole at the bottom of the engine side, thank you

[@friendlymechanic9778]

The leak is usually from the valve cover gasket. In rare occasions the valve cover itself can be cracked.

[@Dvdloco1]

@@friendlymechanic9778 ok tku

[@Henndo2x]

One of my spacers fell out when I removed it and forgot to put it back in do I have to take my cover back off to put the spacer in or will it be fine?

[@friendlymechanic9778]

It’s best to have it in. But which spacer is it? If there are no air leaks and no oil leaks you should be okay though. The spacer is so you don’t tighten down the bolt too much, it can strip or break off completely. Was the bolt torqued down correctly?

[@juniorrios9105]

What’s the hose called behind the engine that is easy to break ? Even by looking at it

[@friendlymechanic9778]

It’s the Positive crank case hose. It can also be referred to as the vent line for the PCV.

[@Eduardohv]

What is the part number on the 8mm screws. I need em.

[@friendlymechanic9778]

Micro filter housing screws 8mm X6 total 07-14-7-118-369 Panel that micro filter housing sits on 8mm X2 total 07-11-9-904-268

[@gobindsingh3544]

I’ve a very minimal leak from the from thr valve cover gaskets, it is ok if I would like to replace it little later ?

[@friendlymechanic9778]

Yeah if it’s not a big leak it’s okay to wait a little longer. If it starts smoking I wouldn’t delay it anymore than that

[@gobindsingh3544]

@@friendlymechanic9778 how can i fix squeak noise from one of my rear suspension? Look like it’s a bushing. Many Random mechanic are saying they will fix it for 250-300$

[@friendlymechanic9778]

That may be difficult to advise on. I would need to hear the squeak or see which one they are talking about. You can send me photos to look at on instagram if you like.

[@gobindsingh3544]

@@friendlymechanic9778 I sent you Dm on Instagram

[@jessesanchezjr9275]

@@gobindsingh3544I have the same. I was told lower control arm bushings

[@onslaught557]

Any reason you couldn’t show disconnecting the battery in the same video?

[@friendlymechanic9778]

At 5:09 I show removing the negative battery terminal 👍🏼

[@onslaught557]

@@friendlymechanic9778 sorry man just frustrated haha mine was stuck so I figured I did it wrong ended up just fighting it till she was off thanks for the video sorry for the comment

[@friendlymechanic9778]

It’s all good no worries. Let me know if I can help further.

[@malebogolevymafolo746]

My engine is running rough and it has a wisttling sound and it looses power, what can it be

[@malebogolevymafolo746]

That is e90 2008 model 323i

[@Jeff-td2ns]

@@malebogolevymafolo746 the diaphragm on the valve cover is broken i had the same problem you will have to replace the valve cover because that diaphragm is not replaceable by itself its integral to the valve cover

[@friendlymechanic9778]

This is a common issue with the E90 valve covers. Unfortunately the only reliable repair is to replace the complete valve cover. What happens is the crankcase pressures are out of spec. I use a manometer to verify the issue, but it is not necessary. You can do a simple test. While the engine is running and whistling remove the engine oil fill cap slowly. If you feel resistance and hear air being sucked in and at the same time the whistle goes away. The crankcase pressures are out of spec and I would start with replacing the valve cover. In some rare cases after replacing the valve cover the whistle noise can return. Only this time the most likely cause is the front main seal. And in even more extreme cases the whistle noise can return for the rear main seal. The chances of this happening are extremely slim and the valve cover fixes the issue 99% of the time. Hope this helps 👍🏼

[@davidbenitez6595]

How long it take ?

[@friendlymechanic9778]

This takes around 4-5 hours for a beginner. If you have some experience about 3 hours

[@erikparanoid3579]

Can somone help me im having like plastic smell from the vents.

[@friendlymechanic9778]

Do you see smoke? More noticeable during cold start ups?

[@BubbaRisso]

How many times ya'll said "Fuck this shit" while doing this job? My count is around 80-90.

[@JoseJimenez-vp6xs]

Hey seriously if you are in Chicago wanna do my 2011 BMW same job ? I would pay you reasonable price.

[@friendlymechanic9778]

I’m sorry I’m not in that area.

[@Everybodyshinetogether1]

@@friendlymechanic9778did u hear a whining sound ? From pcv

[@friendlymechanic9778]

Not on this car but it is very common for the PCV to fail and cause that noise.

[@drinkmorecocacola]

no conoces a alguien neta?

[@frontlinehq8468]

no oil drain?

[@friendlymechanic9778]

Correct no oil drain is necessary

[@yungbanginman6008]

Bro can I like message you or something? I hit you on insta but no reply. I got a huge couple questions before I start this pleassseeee

[@friendlymechanic9778]

Yeah I’ll go check instagram for your message. Feel free to ask additional questions if you need