BMW M62 V8 Valve Cover Gasket DIY

[@zkdadof4]

Love your direct, no BS, style of instruction. Many thanks for the detailed, been-through-the-pain-so-you-don't-have-to guidance.

[@E39Source]

Thank you very much!

[@Vazzr]

'Let me do that real quick' nice one man, nothing feels better that a ready to rock M62, ended a full rebuild on mine few month ago, still running strong ! Keto it up !

[@RPDBY]

Did you do the chain guide by yourself? Any issues along the way?

[@imabozoMeng]

​@RPDBY it's nothing terrible, if you've still yet to tackle it. Take your time, go steady when removing lower timing cover and you're in business 👌

[@dancave-n6u]

There’s a few accounts that produce quality “How To Be a BMW Mechanic for the Weekend” videos, and e39source is my fave. Helps that I can listen/watch the whole video cuz I’m drooling over the cars

[@E39Source]

Thanks so much!

[@felipebidarra]

Hello from Brazil! Awesome 540i e39! I have a 1999 540i Protection (Factory Armored Version) in pretty good shape too with 86k miles.

[@tomaszknapik4563]

As for taking of these black electric box.. I tried to play with this spring tabs, but the easiest way is to just gently but firmly pull them up, they will pop out, nothing gets broken, no need to jiggle with these. I remember that atleast in non -Vanos M62 cylinder 8th injector plug is outside electric box. Forgot to plug it when doing fist startup so now I know what not to forget next time 😂🛠️

[@derin111]

Wish I had read this before I had a nightmare of an afternoon struggle to unclip those clips on my 840Ci Sport. What you say makes sense. Trying to unclip them is an utter nightmare!

[@captainfish1764]

I find these engines very complex and l'm intrigued about your in-depth knowledge about these engines. Keep up the good work. It's very nice watching your videos. Thanks.

[@TheEpicHitmarker]

They’re actually very simple to work on. Some things may be a little different but I’ve had no problems working on this model

[@brianevans673]

Wow, I never knew the valve covers were magnesium! You have helped shed light on the reason all of these covers I see look so shoddy. Thanks for that tidbit! Also, You have a very clear and concise way of conveying this information that makes it easy to see and understand what it is you are going about doing. I wish I could have been there as you replaced the timing system as I am watching this video in preparation of replacing the timing system on my M62tu and would love to see any and hear any experiences you had performing that procedure. And, right or wrong the last time I replaced my valve cover gaskets, I used hondabond HT90 on the cylinder head to gasket surfaces (the little half moons in the back too), so I'll be curious to see how that has performed in the four or so years since I did this last.

[@reggiesparks4357]

thx ryan,this is adam from cleveland,thx for the video,such a pro job on ALL your valuable instructions.by the way i have the same car.titainium silver with grey and black int ,with dinan upgrade stage 2 from the dealer in 2000.i couldnt tell you all the enjoyment this car has brought to my life.ive owned 7 bmw motor cars .now im down to 1 and ive decided to keep my e39 540i /6spd .valve cover gaskets will be my next operation.the 4.4 with the 6spd has proven its grit and unmistakable power ...such high torque at low rpms blow my my mind in some situations on the hghwy...a true marvel and definition of a smooth operator.im doin new covers too and of course YOUR video as my go to instructions.thx again from ohio

[@E39Source]

Thanks for the comment and kind words! I've really come to love the 540i. The key is sorting it out, as sadly most of them have been neglected badly over the past 2 decades.

[@benm6899]

Another fantastic video, you make it all look so simple. That engine bay looks like it just left the factory

[@Jazoolz_e39]

Perfect step-by-step instructional video. You know e39s like nobody else. I wish we got to see process of replacing the timing chain guides too! My 540i has the upper timing gaskets leaking a bit and I might as well do the guides at the same time.

[@a-091-l2j]

Excellent, very clear, watched as a refresher as Ive got to do mine again (last done 7 years ago)

[@stevenpower3780]

Clean Job as usual Ryan! I hope there wil be also a timing chain video

[@tomaszknapik4563]

I always watch your videos with huge pleasure. As a new unexperienced owner of 1997 540i I had to fix leaking valve covers, went for Elring set packed on piece of cardboard (atleast that’s how they are available in Europe) and used some sealant for lowest edge of heads and of course halfmoons. Done 4000km and not a drip of oil. As for repainting valve covers.. they indeed looked nasty, I just send them for generic sand blasting (finer grain) and just 3 layers of powder coating. Almost a year later no issue with paint looking nasty again of flaking off, I do heard that magnesium is stubborn material for holding paint on it. No doubt it must be a huge pleasure to use NOS engine covers. I wrongly went for light metallic gold and I kinda regret that, stock silver looks 500% more dope 🤍🤍🤍

[@E39Source]

Thank you very much for your kind words and support! Glad your finish is holding up :)

[@bmaldonado41]

To clean the Gators between the two coil packs I use scrubbing bubbles from dow the dow bathroom cleaner stuff and it works perfect it cleans it it gives it a nice brand new look to it without any oils or any harsh chemicals that will break it down and it does a great job you might want to consider using it next time

[@IvanTheHurricane]

One of the best DIY videos I have seen.

[@kingkane6394]

Absolut professionell work. I am a huge bmw fan and a owner a beautiful e39 M5. What hin all your videos. Top work and Greetings from Germany

[@tbirdboy]

Excellent work. Clean and tidy. What would be nice is a step by step M62tu VANOS timing procedure after new chain and guides procedure, the E39Source way.

[@E39Source]

Thank you! That will come eventually.

[@gustavocobra77]

love this engine

[@W210Garage]

another great video from professor Mr. Ryan. As always very cool and detailed explanation of all.

[@E39Source]

Thank you!

[@dennisbentley7022]

Thanks Ryan, I really appreciate your channel and all the videos you and the boys have shared. Very Helpful. Kudos

[@mohammadbenattia9102]

great job, and well illustrated with useful notes, cheers

[@mezzmarr1209]

How did you replace the timing chain guides without removing the timing chain covers?

[@E39Source]

The timing chain and guide job was completed off camera. I resumed the valve cover gasket replacement job after that.

[@florinlepadatu5648]

Very nice and clean job. Congratulations! I hope you filmed the timing chain guides job for another video since you were already there. Also perhaps you can summarize the costs in term of parts for each operation you do (minus the labor hours) just to get an idea what it takes to properly maintain an e39. In theory with all that done no further issues should occur for the next 50.000km with max 10.000km oil changes however if something goes wrong it would be nice to present also. Very nice explained, good filming angles, a real pleasure to watch👏

[@E39Source]

Thanks a lot! The parts for this job (including the new valve covers) was around $965. Without the valve covers, it's only $160. I'll try to include parts pricing estimates in my future content! I do plan on doing an M62 timing chain and guide DIY, once I get more comfortable and familiar with the process. We're working on our second one right now, so #3 will get filmed.

[@wernerdanler2742]

The last time I replaced valve cover gaskets, the valve covers came straight up, and there were no wires or anything in the way. And the gaskets were made of cork! That tells you how long ago that was. 😆 🤣 After seeing this video, I think I could do this job, but I wouldn't want to. 😅 Love these e39s, but I'd prefer the inline 6.

[@faugrad]

Great video, about to start this same job on my M62.

[@williammitchell3271]

Question on the 90C thermostat replace. Since the ECM controls the thermostat opening, how does the replacement thermostat keep the temp down below the expected normal operating temp? When I've researched this, the info is confusing.

[@E39Source]

I am also confused, but this does keep the temperatures lower according to test #7 on the cluster. It was around 110C before, closer to 90-100C now.

[@Jazoolz_e39]

​@@E39Source I ran the 88C European Genuine BMW part with a BMW resistor for two years on my 2003 540i. KTMP stayed at 93C but ranged from 88-99C. Unfortunately, every single time I operated the car, the SES light would come on/stay on. If I cleared it, it would pop up the next time I drove the car. I'm in California, can't pass smog with a SES and P0128 code. So I went back to stock 105C tstat to pass smog... I would LOVE to know how to use a lower temp stat without issue!

[@E39Source]

@@Jazoolz_e39 I have never once seen even a shadow code for temperature issues since installing this Breman brand thermostat! No DME modifications of any kind.

[@Jazoolz_e39]

@@E39Source Thank you so much Ryan. Just googled it and found Part#: BRE-11531436386 at Pelican Parts. THANK YOU!!!

[@defons1234]

great video very clear instruction.thank you

[@Turkmani1644]

Great and very helpful videos👍. Would you do a DIY video on retrofit a passenger side mirror tilting on reverse?!. I would appreciate it. Thanks 🙏🏻

[@E39Source]

All E39 passenger side mirrors should tilt in reverse. Make sure that your mirror adjustment switch is in the left position.

[@user-7bz31a20]

Looking forward to more e39 how to videos like this in the future

[@syxtoaa5]

Love the info that is correct to the t

[@BimmerBuildsKnox]

Thank you for this Ryan... I'm about to get started on this job and Plugs and Coils next week... This has been tremendously helpful and educational.

[@АлександрСкляров-з2ъ]

Great video, thanks for all the tips!

[@paperandmedals8316]

I was wonder about the U guides 5 minutes into the video and there they were. Why swap all the guides when a new tensioner will take care of the problem?

[@E39Source]

The tensioner was in fact new.

[@val581]

Thanks guys!!!👍💪🏻

[@rafaeldeluna558]

Great job very detailed

[@Star_Taro]

Great video. I'm gonna tackle this myself at my shop. Quick question, though: I have the non-TU engine without the Vanos. Do I still need different rubber washers for the front 6 bolts? (3 on each side) Because ECS says on their website that for the first rubber washer link in your description, I need 11 for each bank for non-TU but 8 for the -TU engine. I'd appreciate your response 😊

[@E39Source]

I do believe the pre-VANOS M62s only use one type of grommet instead of 2. RealOEM is not clear and does not list quantities for the grommets for the pre-TU engine though.

[@dustinterry6321]

Is there a long term update on the 90C thermostat? I'm curious if any issues have come up over time.

[@E39Source]

I tuned the DME for this thermostat a few months later, and have been happy with the setup since. No issues with the thermostat.

[@dennissalisbury496]

Substituting the cooler 90C for the OEM 110C thermostat is interesting, will this cause any drivability or SMOG test issues, and will the ECU see this as an issue and throw a DTC code? My 2004 Land Rover Range Rover HSE 4.4l with the BMW M62TU engine has a 105C thermostat running at 221F which I thought was too hot?

[@stepanovps]

Hey great video! Are you going to do the timing chain and guides video too?

[@E39Source]

Yes, eventually! We have done several already.

[@angelcuriel8166]

Would you happen to have a link to where you bought the grommets

[@E39Source]

All parts are linked in the description.

[@peterritson9575]

Very thorough thanks

[@paperandmedals8316]

I’ve done a few google searches. No low a temp thermostats for pre 9/1998 M62’s? All the 90C and less thermostats are all post 9/1998.

[@E39Source]

I don't see any low temp thermostat for the non-VANOS M62 either.

[@frederiks44]

Goddamn those style 32´s are in good condition... Need mine restored.

[@javzee2315]

Shoot, I got another question 🤦🏽‍♂️ Today I was torquing the oil rail nuts. One of them the nut kept turning like it was stripped. Nothing is stripped and the stud doesn’t look to be turning. Don’t make sense. Same with putting on the valve cover. The valve cover nut kept spinning on the silly stud. Weird

[@E39Source]

If it turns indefinitely, it's stripped. You can replace the stud, but mind the oiling hole for the cam caps.

[@crowdsfavorite4660]

On the valve cover it looks like it’s corroding but isn’t that just the paint coming off? Every m62 has this lol I was thinking about respraying it with enamel or something

[@E39Source]

The valve covers are made from magnesium which s a poor material for this application. The magnesium off-gasses through thermal cycles and that gas has nowhere to go, so it bubbles up the painted finish. I removed my originals and visited 4 paint/powder coat shops in Escondido. None of them were comfortable to refinish the covers and told me I wouldn't be happy with the results and it wouldn't last. I purchased replacement covers (which will eventually do the same thing).

[@PlymitBoy]

What was the part number for the 90C thermostat?

[@E39Source]

tinyurl.com/yj6cfufx

[@derin111]

Great video. Here’s a weird question for you, or anyone who might know. I’m mid way through doing the job on my 1998 E31 840Ci Sport. I have owned this car for nearly 20 years and it only has 27K miles on the clock. I’m pretty sure no one has been into this engine before. I have made a weird discovery! On every single one of my Oil Spray bars there is only ONE nut holding the down. On every single one this is the very FRONT nut. The other studs that the bars sit on have no nuts! So they can lift a bit with just your finger. I had figured this must be ‘normal’ and how they are meant to, given the above. However, I then saw in your video that your four spray bars have nuts on EVERY single threaded post holding the spray bars down. You have 16 nuts, whereas I only have 4…..I don’t think my engine has been opened before. I’m totally confused! Any ideas? TIA

[@E39Source]

That engine has definitely been opened before, you need to replace those missing nuts ASAP!

[@derin111]

@@E39SourceThank you. Do they have a specific torque to tighten them too? Many thanks.

[@derin111]

@@E39SourceAh! I’ve now figured out what it was….It was ME! LOL I had inadvertently removed them myself as I was taking the covers off because it’s possible to remove them through the holes in cover once the top fixings and black rubber grommets are removed. I thought they were part of what was holding the cover on. DUH! Of course, now I realise that I didn’t need to and shouldn’t have removed them. I was so sure this engine has definitely never been opened. Thanks again. P.S now near the stage of seating the gaskets and covers again. Done a couple of dummy runs on one side without any sealant in the places you suggest to see how it sits. Unfortunately, it seems like another nightmare coming up because on the E31 there is zero visibility to those half-moons and can barely feel them with a hand! Each time so far I can feel they’re not right! 😠

[@imranabbasi7871]

Good job 👍

[@javzee2315]

I am in the middle of this job now. Question My timing cover gasket protrudes a little into my valve cover gasket. Would it be a bad idea to trim it back?

[@E39Source]

A little bit is normal there, if it looks like mine I'd leave it.

[@javzee2315]

@@E39Source I trimmed one side for testing. If it leaks later it don’t matter I need to do TC guides soon anyways

[@bongkinot]

Awesome DIY!! You selling the old covers😅. Planning to remove mine but wanted something done already.

[@E39Source]

I can sell the old covers, in as-is condition though.

[@bongkinot]

@@E39Source Yes of course. I wanted to clean up before I remove the ones on the car.

[@E39Source]

@@bongkinot Email me if interested please [e-mail]

[@bongkinot]

@@E39Source ok I will thank thank you

[@bongkinot]

@@E39Source just emailed you. I just noticed you mentioned you are located in Escondido (Use to live there) but moved to Murrieta.

[@RPDBY]

Ehich gaskets should be used? I heard original gaskets vause same issue snd aftermarket may work better, anyone knows if thats the case?

[@E39Source]

I've used Genuine BMW, Elring Klinger, and Victor Reinz gaskets without issues.

[@RPDBY]

@@E39Source thank you. Do you mind sharing how many miles it's been without leaks with these gaskets?

[@E39Source]

@@RPDBY I would expect 40-60k miles on valve covers when properly re-sealed.

[@szymonukasiewicz29]

Hi, what oil do you use after changing the thermostat for the 90 Celsius version? If you used e.g. 5w50, you switched to 5w40 then?

[@E39Source]

I run Castrol 5w30 in M62s regardless of which thermostat is installed.

[@szymonukasiewicz29]

@E39Source don't you think 5w30 is a bit too weak for v8 that additionally likes to run in approx 110 celsius conditions?

[@E39Source]

@@szymonukasiewicz29 The owners manual states that both 5w30 and 5w40 are acceptable oils for the M62. A thinner oil does a better job with lubrication anyhow.

[@PrinzvonBanat]

No need to remove the fuel injector connector clips... they are like a spring clips that just pops up, and push back in

[@MephystoRO]

Hey Ryan, love the channel! I have a question... Is it worth buying a 4.4 and engine swapping my e39 520d (and all that it entails) or just going for a e39 540i? If so... does the model year matter? Keep going with the great content and thank you!

[@E39Source]

Thanks! The M62 V8 uses a different subframe than the I6 models, but I don't know about the 520d since we never got those here. You'd probably have to change the entire front and rear subframes, suspensions, differential, axles, etc. It'd be a heck of a lot of work. Buying a 540i would probably make more sense, and 2002-2003 would be best. 2001 is the early facelift. 1999-2000s are still VANOS engines. Pre 1999 are pre-VANOS and those cars have more E38 style equipment.

[@MephystoRO]

@@E39Source Thank you for the quick answer... hope to find a good 2003 M spec Cheers!

[@izaacsilva9148]

How much do you charge for a 39 restorations like new interior reupholster everything look brand new new seals everywhere dance stuff like that but what do you charge

[@E39Source]

Each car's needs and spec are different, so there is no flat rate. Some customers spend $50,000 or more on restorations, though some are significantly cheaper. I'd need to see the vehicle in question to write an estimate. Are you local to San Diego?

[@izaacsilva9148]

No I’m located in Hanford but how much would it be for like a junkyard restoration so like parts from the junkyard that are in OK shape I can send you some pictures of the cars interior if that’s what you need to get a quote

[@E39Source]

@@izaacsilva9148 I have never attempted such a project, using junk yard parts. It's really impossible to give an estimate unless I could inspect the car and it's specific needs.

[@izaacsilva9148]

The car just has a bunch of busted out interior plastics, faded, seats need reupholstering headliner needs to be redone ANB pillars need to be redone rear seats. Need to be redone new new vents for the doors, and the main one in the middle where the dashes the Cluster needs to be rebuilt New carpet steering wheel needs to be reupholstered. It needs seals all the way around the car. It needs a new door panel off on the driver side rear needs new cupholders obviously needs new armrest a bunch of other stuff.

[@izaacsilva9148]

I need a new river mirror. It broke off the window one day when I hit a bump I got really mad and ripped it off and threw it out the window

[@ezekielteklaking]

Does anyone know if the 3 (6 total) valve cover bolts on the front side of the valve cover, the long ones have the same torq spec - 89** inch pound?

[@E39Source]

Same spec, yes.

[@E39Source]

The spec for all of the 10mm valve cover to head nuts/screws are 89in/lb

[@ezekielteklaking]

@@E39Source Thank you! The zip ties were a great idea. Not sure how any keeps the gasket on while navigating the driver side.

[@markolvera2965]

Any reason why you didn’t go with a 100 C thermostat instead of 90?

[@E39Source]

A lower operating temperature will significantly increase the lifespan of various rubber and plastic components throughout and around the engine.

[@tomaszknapik4563]

What exact part number you used for that? I’m looking to cool down my 1997 M62B44 so non-Vanos 😎

[@E39Source]

@@tomaszknapik4563 Unfortunately I do not see a cooler thermostat option for the M62 non-VANOS.

[@swaysidespeedyboi8550]

@@tomaszknapik4563 theres videos showing how to drill the pre-vanos thermostat to give it the same lower operating temp, if you're interested still

[@javzee2315]

Oil rails torque to 89lbs? That seems crazy high

[@E39Source]

89 inch pounds, not foot pounds.

[@javzee2315]

@@E39Source ahhhhhhhhhhhh That sounds right. Thanks

[@mrkevinhoang]

What kind of thermostat? You said a 90 one

[@E39Source]

I used this thermostat: tinyurl.com/mrjstyje

[@mrkevinhoang]

@@E39Source Thank you! I will try this on my 2001 740i. i think it has the m62TU.

[@E39Source]

@@mrkevinhoang Correct, M62TU for the 2001 E38.

[@mrkevinhoang]

@@E39Source thanks Ryan. I hope they will prolong things like you said. hopefully including those chain guides :)

[@glasspedals6857]

Nobody shows the drive side valve cover seating when that is literally the side with the least clearance and the most installation issues, help us out man

[@E39Source]

Unfortunately there isn't much to show. It's all about the right angle and slightly bending the hoses/pipes out of the way. Sometimes removal of the oil filter housing and/or auxiliary water pump is helpful.

[@pauliancu1368]

Great work, cheap work gloves 🧤. Don't need to change oil, oil filter will catch dust that got in...

[@goclunker]

If someone was smart, they would cast new valve covers out of aluminum…

[@izaacsilva9148]

I’m not trying to school you or anything but you don’t have to remove those clips from the injectors you just ripped up on the plastic housings and they pop out of place. I’ve done it so many times on my car they’ve never broken you just grab it from the sides and little hard they pop off.

[@E39Source]

Generally if you just pull on those electrical boxes the injector wiring blocks will snap off of the main box. These are very fragile and brittle with heat over the years. Therefor, I prefer to remove the clips manually so they simply pull off with as little stress as possible on the weak plastics.

[@izaacsilva9148]

Well, like I said, that’s just the way I do it that’s what it says on BMWs forms that’s the way they tell you they took it off from factory. I thought it was designed but like I said you can take it off however, you want I just do it that way because it’s faster and easier.

[@Joesmusclecargarage]

Jesus…..chains, guides, and coils before 120k? No wonder the value of BMWs drops like a stone. 🤣

[@E39Source]

Yeah, rather disappointing. The M62 is a good V8, though it does require premature service.

[@elgarmadrigalopez7323]

Proo

[@rheinamacher1990]

Ryan, is the material on the new valve covers better quality or the same quality as when these cars were produced off the factory line in the early 2000s? If it is true, it's a shame that BMW did not improve on the design quality of the finished design of the silver magnesium on the valve covers for longevity. It's also interesting for the E46 3-Series, BMW did switch to using Viton, instead of Buna-N for its valve cover gaskets. I wonder if it is possible to have a gasket shop to custom make a pair of Viton gaskets and any other M62 internal gaskets...?

[@E39Source]

I suspect all of the new valve covers left were manufactured at the same time the E39 was, so they would be the same as what came from factory. I doubt they have produced any more of these in the past 2 decades. Even if they did, they don't generally spend R&D resources on products for their old models. I'm not sure about what type of material the gaskets are unfortunately.

[@damonbartness6947]

I bought those same gaskets and they don't fit my 1997 540i valve covers

[@E39Source]

M62s produced before 9/1998 are the non-VANOS engines, so these parts are different.

[@rheinamacher1990]

If BMW decided to make the valve cover gaskets out of Viton, instead of the poor gasket material, Buna-N.

[@akmjolnir-v4r]

Great video. Thanks.