Don't Buy an E46 BMW With an M56 Engine!

This video is for entertainment purposes only. 50sKid assumes no liability for any repairs or modifications performed by the viewer as a result of the information contained in this video.

[@tubata111]

Never knew m56 existed

[@jda79]

I just bought my 2nd e46 and did this valve cover swap and your videos made it so easy, everything went smooth no issues and it fixed all the problems I had going

[@r3gflm916]

Great video again. I should probably write this on a different video. But I had significant engine oil consumption about one quart for every 1500 mi using Mobile 1, but as I read on a forum, switching to Castrol high mileage oil significantly reduced oil engine consumption. This trick also worked on my Subaru B9, that boxer engine sucked oil ever since it was new, but I'm doing much better now.

[@pastytit]

Changed my cam cover gasket, still leaked. Resealed with silicon,still leaked. Noticed the bolts bottom out easily without much pull on cam cover. Got a new seal and used washers on the cam cover bolts which gives more pull downwards. Leaks gone.

[@50sKid]

There already are washers on the valve cover bolts, though?

[@allusernamestaken01]

Ha! Every time I work on my car I always think designing the car took 3 months, designing all the curveballs took another 3 years.

[@MaliciousMatt888]

I picked up a m56 for 1.6k that had 140k miles with a new transmission and it’s been great, had the shop use engine cleaning solutions to clean whatever gunk from the inside but apparently didn’t have much due to getting oil changes always around 5k or less. Got the car up to 220hp so far. What’s nice is I can use a lot of 330i parts on the m56.

[@DennyBalance]

Nice, is it tuned? How's the fueling, how much overhead is there?

[@mannymaciel8622]

I will tell you I just got mine gifted to me from my uncle and I got the Beamer bug it has been the best thing I have ever driven and it hits 0-90 in like 8 seconds. Mind you he has maintained it swapped out the fuel pump and he has put in money before me.

[@TyIsabel]

@@mannymaciel8622how did you swap out the fuel pump? Because the m56 has a sealed fuel tank/fuel filter system.

[@mannymaciel8622]

@@TyIsabel my mistake I meant water pump ! Complete error on my part

[@TyIsabel]

@@mannymaciel8622 no worries, I was just curious because I wanted to know if someone successfully retro-fitted an M54 or S54 fuel tank to the m56.

[@yoyomin]

Maybe you can use a stronger spring to increase the vacuum applied to the crank case. Assuming the cap can be taken off without breaking the tab off.

[@gh0stagent401]

Great video Jason. We are definitely learning a lot from watching all of your videos. Anyway, I just realized one thing and I will just spit it out. Did you happen to measure how much is your M54 valve cover warped? If it's just a tiny bit would resurfacing help at all? I don't mean professional shop, but just sand it down like half a millimeter or something like that and make it somewhat straight. It's an interesting idea (at least in my head) in case it's warped just a little bit you might be able to "fix it". Mine was cracked so I had to get a brand new one ($320) which sucked.

[@50sKid]

The warp actually straightens out a bit when you bolt it down but there aren't enough bolts to really get it flattened out. I would not sand a plastic valve cover, though, no. There is a channel where the gasket sits that would be adversely affected.

[@yorkitea]

you could always put some extra washer on the valve cover bolts it gives it a little extra squeeze down when you tighten it i did it helps a lot just go careful as it applies more tension on the valve cover bolts holes but i had nothing to loose and went for it and it works i just used one extra washer on every one make sure there all same thickness washers and if you have any cracks on the inside of the cover have you every tried plastic welding with soldering iron i did it on mine had slight hairline crack so i run the soldering iron over it. lol the things you have to do damn you bmw for making really nice cars

[@Gundun]

BMW: Broke My Wallet

[@FishFind3000]

Thatguy bring more wallet. Brake my window.

[@GoZipper]

Looks similar to the n62 ccv but it might not be the same size, but it would be worth a shot to see.

[@elahmadgaming7323]

awesome insight in this vid man!

[@tbird1028]

Hey 50s kid, i have an m56 engine and im replacing the head gasket, is the head gasket the same for the m54? also what are the head stud sizes?? thanks for your help!

[@lightspeed7006]

Took 2 years but now my M56 is Ruining 100% Thx So much for the videos been a long project almost done! Paint time !

[@jarrodpresley5798]

I bought a 04 325-iA which has the m56 for $700 unseen and presumably not running after a year of replacing the coolant system (largely thanks to you, kind sir) and starter, oil filter housing and other things( many thanks) I've done 5k plus Bill quoted from local dealers. I haven't seen too much about it. It has been a war horse for me since I fix it. So my question is it has a m54 base with added well you know will headers fit with presumably similar modification to the m54 becuase im under the impression that the block is characterized as the same? My plan is forced induction possibly turbos

[@thomas41546]

On my m54 e46 I had issues with the CCV seperator, so instead of taking apart the intake manifold I decided to connect it directly to the intake manifold with a PCV value inbetween that and the crankcase. Any thoughts on this approach? It appeared to fix my oil leak problems.

[@50sKid]

Yeah it fixed the oil problems because you've added increased vacuum to the crankcase, which is what the 02Pilot mod does.

[@a.b.ripper9908]

I put a m54 head on a m56 block, and the original m56 valve cover on top of the m54 head, sooo uh, is that a problem?

[@renragged]

4:00 That's exactly what mine looks like. I removed it last night and was really worried when I saw that gunk. (O.O) But at least now I'm not AS worried, since yours is like that. I'll clean mine up and see what happens. /pray

[@bax442]

You can buy the diaphragm from ebay for this particular cover

[@Patricioeye19931234]

Hello buddy,I replaced my head gasket and all my coolant hoses but my car won't start,does an incorrect time affect it? Please let me know

[@jaycortes6797]

Where do I find the gaskets for them 2 chambers inside the valve cover ??? Engine light came on for pvc valve on 2003 325i sulev 🤦🏽 m56, wanting to replace valve cover gasket as well them 2 chambers, just don’t know where to buy them from! Any ideas??

[@TheKingandrew1984]

Cheers dude, that looks well easy

[@owenrutledge7144]

I have a 03 e46 wagon with the m56 and I went to go replace the ccv and realised it wasn't the same🤣 do you have a video on common m56 problems vacuum leaks exc?

[@williemabe3088]

I want to thank you for all your videos. I have a 2005 325i E46. I have to replace the struts and shocks. my question is what is your opinion on coilovers? thank you in advamce. keep up all the great work and keep the videos coming.

[@50sKid]

You only need them if you are going to the track. You dial them down to lower your car when you're on the track and back up on the street. Adjustable coilovers, that is.

[@williemabe3088]

thanks that helps a lot. what would be the best bang for your buck on struts and shocks?

[@50sKid]

eBay is the best bang for buck. You can get the original brand, senson or something like that (I forget, check the label), cheaper than the dealer.

[@934hifive]

The original manufacturer for e46 struts and shocks would be Sachs.

[@williemabe3088]

Thanks,that helps a lot.

[@blairjefferyj]

Thanks for the great video. I'm new to BMW. So learning a few of the components. Trying to learn the difference in the two engines and how to distinguish the two

[@uvolniavka1]

I agree with 50sKid that getting a used the M56 valve cover may not be entirely good idea - until all its serviceable components become available to purchase. On the other hand, the M56 CCV system, compared to M54, is simple and elegant.

[@50sKid]

It's exactly the same system, so I don't know why it would be more elegant than the M54. About all it is is more accessible, lol.

[@uvolniavka1]

Besides the accessibility, the most important difference is that the condensed oil doesn't have to be routed down to the oil pan via the dip stick, reducing the chance of clogging the CCV system and eliminating a potential source of a vacuum leak. Due to their different locations, the M56 separator likely operates at higher temp than the M54 separator, which would help to minimize the amount of water in the oil condensate.

[@50sKid]

Ah, very true, I see what you mean. I agree.

[@Giggidygiggidy12]

So will this valve cover and ccv system fit plug and play into an e53 X5 3.0 m54???

[@review-report]

Andrey Damianov - Your comment saved my day , Been reading negative M56 comments all day.. I’m aBout to get my baby back on the road after sitting for a very long time, But she only has 47k on her so I wanna get going on the project but got scared today after reading. I also Owned the M54 before But was not aware of the difference Pryor...

[@KrzysztofCygan]

On my M54 2005 Coupe I do have those push-in coils with side connectors, there is no screws\bolts that hold them, so it seems it's not M56 exclusive.

[@cmkm54]

Krzysztof Cygan it's the "new style" anything 2003+ has them

[@danielsetareh3513]

Oh man I'm gonna need to get one of these!

[@fungames24]

Leaking valve cover is because people don't clean the groove for the gasket. It should be oil free or the gasket would have an open wound. Even better to put RTV in the groove.

[@user-rh4fc2dg8e]

I just bought a 04 manual ci with the m54 - the most stable e46 I've ever owned.

[@karmatose]

That diaphragm looks an awful lot like the one on the M62B44. You can buy that part for sure for a couple bucks from China. Might be worth checking out.

[@Generalusuer]

Does anyone just make a valve cover for these engines im sure there would be a big market for them without having to transfer other components of the m56

[@oiygfdxssfgg]

Ali Express sells aluminum valve covers specifically for the E46 engine.

[@hayabusa3810]

I just seen one of these engines on Facebook Marketplace and I was thinking about swapping it in a car and building a turbo but I'm just not a big aftermarket for these things so probably not

[@Barricade912]

Any way of stripping all this out and dropping a s62 in there?

[@Soul_Reaper]

Bought an M56 back in 2006 with 36k miles, it now has 170k still running strong with regular maintenance. Hopefully I can get another 100k out of it before any big issues. /pray lol. The most expensive thing I had to do so far was replacing the MAF, Secondary Air Pump. Technically, the entire brakes, rotors are but those are normal wear items :(

[@chrisherrera5799]

M56 valve cover caps can be 3d printed. Look on E46 fanatics for more info, I ordered 2 caps for $130

[@DANNYN224]

Bmw m56 ulev can I tune it and make more power is it possible

[@rosibelrodriguez7766]

hi. it was very inf.thank you.

[@coreysmith806]

Theres nothing wrong with the M56 engine. I have an 03 325i with 241k miles with an M56 that runs perfect, passes smog every time. My buddy has an 05 325i with the M56 193k miles runs great. I hate seeing this video EVERY STINKING TIME i try to google search m56 stuff. The title is clickbaity and untrue.

[@andydhillon1977]

I love reading the "not my engine!!" or "my car doesn't do that!!" comments. And your reply was at the top of the comments. Lol!! Don't cry if someone doesn't have something nice to say about something you own. His opinion doesn't affect you in any way, unless you let it.

[@LeverPhile]

Nothing wrong with the m56 engine itself ... BUT the fuel pump is inside the sealed stainless steel gas tank. Good luck replacing it if/when it fails ... THAT is the real problem with m56. A simple fuel pump failure bricks the car.

[@josevp976]

too bad as well, people told me if my engine is m56, it's bad... it's a never ending repairs so far, but I've been following your videos to do the repair and I'm so thankful for that, I was able to get rid of the leaking oil in the engine bay buy replacing the oilfilter housing! now I have a dreadful problem, the last time I drove it, the transmission failed :( it leaked oil along the way and now it doesn't move gears, it looks like it is coming from in between the engine and tranny, I need help! I recently changed the transmission oil and filter before this happened. :(

[@50sKid]

I had the same problem with my transmission. This is what you have to do: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHW0ZIV4j6t_f6c

[@josevp976]

Wow awesome!

[@geno1er]

Aye brother, where ya at in California? I have a m56, I'm in Fresno/Madera area.... waiting on a o2 sensor, replaced boot, disa valve o-ring and hoping it solves my problem, it's been doin some weird shit, hopefully this o2 sensor works, says it's running lean bank 1 and have checked all vacuum lines

[@mannymaciel8622]

Change out gas cap , oil cap and all air and cabin filters

[@joaquinmalagon9343]

How much did you get this part for at the junk yard?

[@ndn2589]

hey do you know how many miles were on that motor with all the shit on the valve cover

[@williamskrainski8407]

My oil separator cap came off and back on with no problem.

[@TedSchoenling]

I must be lucky.. My M54 has 187000 miles on it, I've done the valve cover gasket once.. and no leaks after that. NOW I do have oil consumption I do need to change the rings... but no other leaks

[@catshaveearsonhead]

Remove the diagram from the m56 cover. Then have the hole welded closed and run a catch can to the vacuum line.

[@50cts]

How about leaving the covers inside open and just seal the hole where the plastik valve was? Wouldnt it be then exactly like the regular M54 valvecover?

[@50sKid]

Yes it would. I suppose I could get another one and not break off the cap and seal it from the inside.

[@50cts]

Is the connector to the ccv the same like on the m54 cover? Any other problems besides the different engine cover any coils? Looks like the m56 is an US only engine. Never saw that in Germany and also cannot really find any used parts of it. I call the "schmu" engine cancer caused by 5w30 oil in Connection with longlife intervals and high temperature

[@tonycopelyn8730]

Have you ever removed the black cap without breaking any of the clips...I need to take remove mine but I fear breaking the clip and not being able to locate a replacement....?

[@50sKid]

Tony Copelyn no. Don’t do it. You WILL break it. 100% guaranteed. Do not mess with it. Give up and find something else to work on.

[@busterscrugs]

Lol my 530i has 170k miles with the original valve cover and gasket. No oil or vacuum leak, not even on the half-moons.

[@tbird1028]

i bought a 56k mile 04 325i , i thought i did enough research on the car before i bought it, so i bought it. was looking online for performance parts and i saw the option for SULEV or non SULEV. Had no clue wtf a SULEV was so i looked up my VIN again and lo and belhold i have a SULEV model. i became very disappointed after hitting up the e46 forums. :(. Looking to trade in for a 330xi as soon as i get back into the states.

[@50sKid]

Well it's not so bad until it's bad. You pretty much just don't want a fuel pump to go bad on these.

[@tberjashi6707]

HI, you still have the car?

[@tberjashi6707]

[e-mail]

[@csb8336]

my 03 325i is a M56. I bought the car when I lived out in commifornia, as it was all that was on offer at the time. aside from the insane constant maintenance which affects all BMW makes and models, I've never experienced any of the CCV issues which seem to plague the M54 owners. also at 160k miles I've never once had a valve cover gasket leak. I did replace my oil pan gasket recently (thx to Jason for the excellent demo on that one!) but all in all this is basically the exact same engine w/ slight differences to the CCV on the top end/valve cover, the coils and fuel rail, and it uses the DISA from a 3.0l engine. true if you want to build a race/drift/stoplight warrior I wouldn't recommend the M56, but outside of that, this argument is like taking to the caliber warriors who argue over 9mm vs 45acp. its interesting for about 5 minutes, but ultimately its a question of your maintenance skills rather than some intrinsic benefit or flaw w/ the platform. my2c :)

[@stephenmahala3592]

So you haven't had a single issue from the m56 engine? I'm considering buying an e46 with only 75k miles on it but it has an m56 engine

[@LeverPhile]

​@@stephenmahala3592 On the m56 the fuel pump is inside the sealed stainless steel gas tank. If/when the pump goes put there is no way to replace the pump. New m56 gas tanks with pump are probably $5k or so, if they are even available anymore. Used tanks & pumps might be available but are till expensive & a crap shoot. Cutting open the gastank and retrofitting with a regular fuel pump is technically doable, but in practice is a major custom job with numerous problems to solve. No shop would undertake it. If you have the skills, time and money you could try the retrofit yourself but very few have succeeded. Meanwhile, a quality fuel pump (VDO/Seimens) for an m54 costs $150 or less and takes 30 minutes to replace.

[@TonyDates]

Too late for me, I own a m56 3 series. I always get flak for it and told to get rid of it before the fuel pump dies (sealed in a metal gas tank) but it's got 3 years of warrantly left. isn't the pcv system for this car part of the emissions system? if so the warranty would cover this.

[@gameb0y86]

Fuel pump is easy on this car. Ive done it twice now

[@TonyDates]

It's not, you're thinking of the m54 engine style. The m56 sulev's fuel pump is sealed in the tank and the whole tank has to be replaced.

[@hr2909]

same here, my fuel gauge is going bad my mechanic told me I might need to change the fuel pump, and guess what? I have the m56 engine!! Now I'm planing to get rid of this car smh.

[@juanmortaco831]

Tony Dates how's your M56 325 holding up?

[@TonyDates]

Albert Soto leaking oil into the spark plug holes, most likely due to this bad ccv and its misfiring. Currently researching of the remaining warranty will do something about it. If not, parts car and I'll get a 330i

[@GigiBeleaDK]

You still did not made a valid point on not buying this M56 engine. Just for a valve cover I don't see why not. Better change piston rings on the M54 than living with a busted diaphragm ?

[@50sKid]

+GigiBelea aka JAX you missed a few things in this video. I wasn't referring to the diaphragm as much as I was the cover. You can't get the black plastic cover off without breaking it and once broken it won't stay on, so there is no point to replacing the diaphragm. You have to replace the whole valve cover. Plus others have mentioned the whole fuel pump sealed inside the gas tank thing--gotta replace the whole tank at $1000 a pop

[@GigiBeleaDK]

About the fuel pump point I would agree, but not buying this engine because of a diaphragm .... not so valid point. Don't scare people :) If you know the cover won't go back in, don't remove it :) Like I said, I would rather buy a M56 engine with a broken diaphragm than an M54 where I have to change the rings, that was my point. Btw, my M54 engine has 186000 miles and cover is not leaking oil, so not all older covers are busted. I watched all your M54 series videos and like them all (planing to rebuild my M54 next year), keep up the good work but please don't blame a good engine because of a bad piece of plastic :)

[@50sKid]

Both are going to have the same problem with the rings. My other point was you can't do the 02Pilot mod on an M56 to fix the oil consumption problem once the rings wear down. Plus the diaphragm inside of the valve cover will eventually blow out just like on an M54 and that'll really cause problems. Or the whole system will clog up with yellow mayo if you're in a really cold climate and your only recourse would be to replace the whole valve cover. That was the point of this video.

[@micsmith806]

Yea 500-1000 is just the price for a used tank, they want 6-8k for them new 😩 I’m in Texas trying to find one for a customers car at the moment and it’s hard as hell. Mainly since the m56 is fairly rare in this area

[@j.g.bloodworth9837]

Glad I got rid of my e46. The sulev models are everywhere in California. I bought a hyundai genesis coupe and I heard that they're also unreliable. Crap.

[@RashadSultanov]

actually it can be used with m54 which is using ms45 and ms45.1 ecu's i have m54b30 with ms45.1 and it is exactly same shape of plastic covers for coils

[@50sKid]

Yeah I was meaning to mention that they made the black plastic covers with those style of coils. I see them most often on the E39s.

[@lenchio06vidal3]

Where can I get the cap

[@xXxBuRRiT0xXx]

Anybody know where to get a new fuel tank for this car? My fuel pump went out and now I’m screwed, can’t find a new tank anywhere.

[@50sKid]

It's probably a dealership item, unfortunately. The pick and pull junkyards love to drill a hole in the tanks to drain them out so there is that problem. Although there must be a way to plug that up safely.

[@jeremypowers4647]

Theres has been some success using the m3 feul pump and feultank I was looking into sometime ago in the event my 05 325i began having trouble.

[@UVBlue9587]

You think valve covers are expensive for the M56? Go look up the price on a fuel pump.

[@dougdrefus3554]

Why doesn't BMW just make a regular PCV valve? Can you modify a reg PCV system to work on a BMW?

[@fde4683]

you can easily , or completely delete it , or oil catch can

[@gmanly27]

and the radiator, magnesium oxide coating will cost an extra 200 bucks

[@TonyDates]

Guy Carter super late but not really. I did the radiator on my car. Used plain e46 radiator by Nissens, no issues.

[@randyfleet9968]

That cap from the M54 would probably work if you used a half roll of duct tape.

[@ownerbmw4396]

I am glad I got a M52TU in my 320i Euro.

[@coreysmith806]

You can keep the little engine if you like it, I'm happy with my M56 thanks

[@tailgaters]

@@coreysmith806 lol

[@JohnFaire]

also, to change the fuel pump, you have to drop the tank. the dealer would charge ~$2,000 to do this. PIA diy

[@925goodies]

close but not quite correct, yes you have to drop the tank but you have to replace it. The pump itself is sealed inside the stainless steel tank, $6k job.

[@925goodies]

MrFatcat17 unfortunately no, the sulev car runs at a higher fuel pressure.

[@lumitrac]

@@925goodies unfortunately yes, you can run an m3 pump in an older tank. this has been done many times.

[@925goodies]

its not a direct swap even putting in the m3 setup so for most people it is a no you can not retrofit an earlier tank.

[@lumitrac]

@@925goodies the tank is a direct swap and some extremely minor wiring is needed so yes, it's a very easy to do swap for anyone with even minor DIY skill. To even suggest this car is somehow radically different is ridiculous.

[@tornikeebralidze3969]

What oil need M56B25 Engin ?

[@coreysmith806]

CASTROL EDGE PREMIUM 8 QRTS 10W30

[@steffo2oo2]

#shoutout from #germany

[@joesteel]

It runs hot so I hardly drive it in summer. I prefer driving it in winter time

[@bugleboy154]

`I own a M56 even the fuel filter replace requires the aluminum gas tank to be replaced (all is sold as a unit) the car (because it is a super low emission) emission parts it is covered by a 150000/15 year warranty. I would not have bought it now if I could do it over again.

[@chucke3305]

Can you tell me where the fuel pump and fuel filter is on my 2005 M56 325i?? The fuel pump is not under seat and fuel filter is not under driver side seat.

[@mehow3504]

chuck e it’s in the tank

[@bugleboy154]

@@chucke3305 yes it is in the aluminum fuel tank (it is all one unit) . It is covered by a federal 150000 /15 year warranty. Call your BMW dealership (not a local shop since hopefully it is still under warranty). and see if your still covered under the 15 year emission warranty if your vehicle is under 150000 miles. It is not something you can replace like in a normal M54 BMW. Good luck- if not under warranty dump the car. Everything is plastic and it is at an age everything plastic will start leaking. Good luck the car has been good to me but the M56 model is not DIY friendly.

[@chucke3305]

@@bugleboy154 thanks turned out to be the MAf sensor.

[@chucke3305]

@@bugleboy154 the only problem now are the window regulator cables keep breaking.

[@shckltnebay]

75k miles no valve cover leak

[@gman3725]

Check out these guys for CCV parts - vanos-bmw.com/product-category/bmw/pcv-bmw

[@alwaysspeedin1523]

Mine still runs great after 256k

[@joesteel]

Too late, I own a 2004 325i m56 with 48k original miles here in California.

[@tonys4751]

Brand new fuel tank with built in pump and sender costs just under $8000. Used one will run just under $1000. This is a problem for M56 owners. Fuel pumps will fail.

[@lumitrac]

You can convert to a plastic tank from any other e46 model with an M3 pump and do a bit of wiring for the senders. It's a little bit of a job but it's doable. I've got an m56 wagon that is now manual swapped that will likely get the tank swap soon.

[@TyIsabel]

@@lumitrac did you ever do the tank for the m56?

[@joesteel]

If you're in California you have no choice I imagine. Mine is an 2004 325i with m56. It's only on 47k miles so I hope

[@diljoe9678]

mine is an m56 with 45k miles. the fuel pump just died and i retrofitted the m3 one. you should look into that retrofit when yours dies as well because most people avoid the m56 for that reason

[@joesteel]

@@diljoe9678 Luckily none of that. Only thing was a sensor that came on that you need to remove the oil to get to it. I forgot what it was called but had that done. No major issue other than the annoyance of it being lit on warning that you're out of oil. Oil sensor i guess it's called. What's the retrofit? Where did you get it? By the way the battery lasted 12 years and bought a replacement at amazon that looked exactly the same but I kept having idling issues and it's because the cables weren't tight enough on the battery posts. Even the dealer quoted mega prices and recommended spark plug and cables changed as a possible bad splark plug was the cause. All i did to fix it was look and tighten the cable to the post and major change! No more errors and power felt once again.

[@gregh7457]

Lots of questions here and few answers...hmmmm

[@50sKid]

What answers were you looking for?

[@jeremypowers4647]

Disagree with views on m56. At 225k miles on sulev. Daily driven running 87octane. Regular oil changes.

[@jeremypowers4647]

2003 m54 uses the same coils. Harness is different at the plug. The feul system is the only real headache being filter is sealed inside the tank. There are some good hacks using the m54 tank and an m3 feul pump.

[@MrRjnr]

wow, which brand of gas??

[@TEAMCREAM_96]

They are pretty reliable and have a really good warranty for the emission devices i have one with 225k miles just had to replace some vacuum lines

[@TEAMCREAM_96]

@2kGawd in California im not sure if the warranty is good in other states but i think its like a 10 year 100k mile warranty on all of the emission related devices. Not worth the extra hassle in my opinion unless you plan to sell the car within the warranty period

[@sadiel1]

bmw solves 1 problem and creates 2

[@gmanly27]

too late now

[@edelsmurf]

While I don't like that it's plastic, I don't know that it's so common for an M54 valve cover to warp and crack. Mine has 200k miles on it and it's in good shape (i did have to replace the gaskets, of course). I think that your engine was severely overheated, which led to several issues, valve cover warping being one of them. It also unfortunately led to a lot more work for you, but fortunately led to many more DIY videos that were great for us viewers.

[@pantera101188666]

you can buy that diaphragm from vanos-bmw.com. just bought one for my car.

[@fde4683]

Ill take this valve cover off ur hands , and ill pay for shipping , hmu

[@cnafets]

You can buy the membrane on eBay. Item number: 252803559681 The seller claims it is made of Viton material.

[@50sKid]

Yeah but if you can't get the cap off without breaking, it's pointless!

[@yj4x4]

I took a heat gun to it to warm it up a bit with good results.