N55 Valve Cover Gasket DIY- BMW xDrive 35i F15

In this video I show you how to replace your valve cover gasket on your N55 powered BMW.
I'm working on my 2014 F15 xDrive35i.
The job will take you about 3 hours start to finish if you're not rushing.
Here is a link to where I purchased the valve cover gasket, if you purchase from here it helps support the channel:
bit.ly/2M1pGtF
If you liked this video consider subscribing, I plan on uploading plenty more content on my new N55 powered X5.
The valve cover part number hasn't changed from when it was first introduced in the E90 335i so anyone with an N55 powered BMW can follow this DIY.
Here is the PCV fix video:
• BMW N55 Squealing Nois... When you see the word "affiliate" listed beside any link in my description please know that this is a custom link and I will earn a small commission if you opt to purchase using said link. This is at no extra cost to you so it's a win all around :) Thank you!

[@AcuraAddicted]

I just wanted to thank you for this very detailed DIY. I do these myself, so I know the grind! :) Your DIY helped me to replace the gaskets on my friend's 2013 X5 xDrive35I E70. I used your video for visuals and service manual for torques. I even used the same pick tools as you did, and that helped me a lot, actually. The E70 was a bit different (mainly pressure line has a different design). You were right about the crankcase vent hose getting brittle (because of the oil) - it broke on me. Ah, well, I used a lot of gaff tape to seal it, I think it will do for a while. Weirdly enough, the service manual says "Do not disconnect it from the valve cover - danger of breaking". In that case not sure how you would be able to remove one of the valve cover bolts that's right under the flex part of the hose. I'll be releasing my DIY video later in winter. Once again, thanks a lot for helping out!

[@samjayuncensored1636]

Acura Addicted hey I have the same car I’m having trouble woth the corner bolt left side

[@SteveWeltman]

Great content as always. Good tips on the upcoming valve cover replacement for my wifes F30 N55 (2014). Lots of stuff to do with this. Now I see why BMW dealerships want $1400 for this job. If the parts cost me $500 (OEM) for a valve cover, and the labor is remaining, I've just saved about $900 (and got to do it more thoroughly than the line mechanic). Thanks again!

[@jacolon61]

Great vid man! I am going to do my 2013. Small leak somewhere in the back passenger side of the gasket. Same smell, smoke that even comes into the car sometimes. Thanks!

[@konstantinlapin1561]

Excellent instructions! Was able to change it myself on X5 2014 xdrive 35i, only had trouble unscrewing the last bolt on the left back side, otherwise everything went smooth. Learnt a lot during the process, thank you so much! And thanks for saving me $1,100!

[@michaelrockwell9691]

For those watching it is now recommended to replace the valve cover as well as the gaskets due to warping. Excellent video by the way!

[@VehicularDIY]

I would say so given they integrated PCV is known to fail.

[@johnforsyth8158]

honestly you have some of the most informative info for BMW owners on KZbin, I am going to be tackling this on my 2013 X1 35i and the attention to detail you took capturing this video and the step by step instructions make me feel 100% confident that I can do this no problem, did an N54 once, but haven't dove this deep into an N55 before. Thanks again for the awesome informative video!

[@jameseberstein]

I watched your video many time and after blood, sweat and tears it was a success story thanks to your extra effort. FYI don't drop the wrench on your foot. From this veteran on veteran day morning a big solute!!!

[@samjayuncensored1636]

Hey did you have problems with that last left screw in the corner ?

[@aleks2505]

Excellent Video, you really took great care to relocate the camera for every shot where we can see everything. A+++

[@MangoSpringroll]

Most definitely going to use this for my N55 335i valve cover gasket job! Thanks!

[@NinjaTactiks]

Finally a tutorial for dealing with the new fuel rail. It really threw me off how my n55 didn't have nuts on the high pressure fuel lines on one side compared to all the other tutorials I saw. Also, I learned if your car was manufactured after July, you have an electronic wastegate so no vacuum lines to unplug which was really nice.

[@marcbates3860]

Thank you for sharing this video. Very well done. Straight, to the point and not a lot of babble. I changed my gasket today and went very smooth with no issues. You know, anyone can take something apart and put it back together. If it's in the way, you remove it. But, it sure helps with a car like this that has so much going on up top, to just get a heads up on the job before you start. Thanks again sir for taking time to put these videos out.

[@nicholaskolomiets2929]

I know this is a year old video but I gotta say THANK YOU!!! Everything in this video was really clear and and after studying other videos and doing more research I was able to get this job done on my dads 2013 X5 with the n55. I’m only 15 so it was my first major job I’ve ever done on a car and because of your video I gained the confidence to do this myself and save about 1000$ in labor costs not including parts.

[@Darkeiser.7]

I think I'll be doing this myself. I don't want to dish out $300+ for something I can do myself.

[@alexbright6343]

Thanks for this video. Perfect timing! I am doing the VCG on my mom's 535i tomorrow. I've done it on my 335i and it wasn't too bad, but being N54 it is a bit different.

[@Trump-The-GREATEST]

For those with an BMW F10 N55 535i model, FCP Euro finally did a clean, easy and very clear detailed "Valve Cover Replacement" on an exact "2011 BMW F10 535i with n55 engine!".... Look it up!

[@victornazario9606]

This engine looks very similar to my 2011 535i. I mean it is also an N55, so would this tutorial work as a good guide to DIY Gasket replacement on My 535i?

[@JRudd]

According to the N55 wiki, this is the same engine. See N55B30M0 on the wikipedia page.

[@Trump-The-GREATEST]

For those with an BMW F10 N55 535i model, FCP Euro finally did a clean, easy and very clear detailed "Valve Cover Replacement" on an exact "2011 BMW F10 535i with n55 engine!".... Look it up!

[@christopherkenn53]

Thank you for posting this video. I will be using it for my gasket replacement project. Hope I won't have to replace my valve cover too.

[@stevewu8100]

Just got done n55 (x3 2013). Did a year ago for this SUV, but the gasket was off market one and kept falling off before I put it on. Plus, after an year use, it started leak again. So i bought an OEM one from the dealership (even though cost a little more, but it was not that expensive overall comparing to the labor saving). I can tell the huge difference betweent the two. The BMW OEM gasket is filled fully in the cover without falling (no silicon necessary) and it is much rubber texture as it will seal much better (after all, so much labor put into the installation). I did N54 2 years ago (335xi, 2007) 30% difference, more in common, conceptually. After I got this done, and saw your effort of putting the replacement. You did much more opening up the parts near the windshield area. I tryed the minimum removal approach. Fortunately, I had a curable drill extension, plus the 360-degree connector to reach the inner skews. However,the big safety bar must be removed (above the gasket cover). It is ensuring what I did was correct (after the fact) after watching what you did. VERY GOOD video for others to do the same.

[@stephenr6194]

Bmw should make the value cover and gasket more reliable

[@jsallerson]

H Simple the gasket is shit, but that’s not the the issue. The issue is the turbo. It causes the rear end of the gasket to heat cycle and break down. If BMW would have just installed a turbo blanket from day one, this gasket would last twice as long, if not longer.

[@angelito3332]

Thank you, replaced my valve cover gasket on my 640i following this video, when removing valve cover the plastic piece that clips inside valve cover disconnected from valve cover, reinstalled valve cover without putting that plastic piece back on inside valve cover ! (Forgot about it) How important is that for functioning of the car ??? Thanks

[@tyronefitzgerald8086]

Awesome video with very clear instructions. I changed my cover today and saved a bunch of cash! Thank you for posting this video.

[@sebastiantevel898]

Thank you for the good video, as usual. Last year I had my gasket replaced at an independent BMW certified shop for 680$, but if necessary next time around I will do it myself. I have noticed that in 12 months these N55 valves covers prices came down 50% or more. The genuine one used to be at about 900$ now is about 450$. The aftermarkets were all between 200 to 300$. Now they can be bought at 90 to 160$. As a precaution, if buying an aftermarket Valves Cover, I would buy genuine or proper OM gaskets for 35$, even if the kit comes with the gaskets preinstalled.

[@christopherpersaud8472]

Hey looking for some help if u can. I have a f15 x5 I changed the valve cover,coils,spark plugs and vanos solenoids and still get a hesitation when I’m on the gas. Any tips on solving this?

[@noe1]

I has just finished changing my VC however the only bolt that doesn’t like to thread back on is my fuel rail bolt😶. It is the bolt for the pipe that leads to the high pressure fuel pump to the fuel rail. Thread looks to be fine but just doesn’t want to catch.

[@readmposter]

The 11 dislikes gave up.

[@Markstevos]

Great video, please keep them coming 👍

[@orangindonesiatinggaldiame6420]

bro I did my f15 Valve cover 2 days ago. the bolt on the corner is a bitch , it took forever take it off, I had to use flexible extension

[@michaelhomdus4945]

Great video, it should help me a lot if I need to replace my daughters valve cover.

[@christopherpersaud8472]

I going to change my f15 x5 valve cover I have 2 ports on the side of the valve cover but I forgot if there’s and hose going to it. Do I have any idea

[@sashastarr367]

You didn’t consider changing valve cover it self while you there as long they plastic under alot of heat?

[@johnnydasilva4678]

Your content is always a great help. I've used plenty of your DIYs for my N55 E70. Love your content. Ty for taking your time to make these.

[@RE_Blues]

One of the tutorials mentioned lubing the fuel line joints with transmission oil fluid before reassembly. Is this required?

[@daryls357]

Hey - how has the valve cover held up for you? Any leaks since the install.

[@alexajaden0510]

New subscriber here. Got the same car. Could use your videos for future diy

[@fastrice3461]

If it weren’t for the those damn clips and hoses! Thanks for the video!

[@djwahly132]

Should have did it your way I broke the pcv hose it was indeed brittle

[@RODRIGUEZMAKAVELI]

Now I wanna know how to swap my suspension from air to coil

[@infidel900rr]

Getting ready to do this on my 335I, thanks for the great content!

[@RODRIGUEZMAKAVELI]

Hey I followed all ur steps .. 😢from a-z and I successfully replaced the Valve cover .. but now when I fired up the engine I let it ideal for about 10 minutes everything sounded super fine . Unitll a few minutes later it starter to kinda misfire or just wanted to shut off .. what should I do next …. Plus now I see oil leaking as well ..please help anyone ?

[@user-jd4kp3lp9r]

I just finishing changing valve cover on 2013 x5.now I have boost soleniod code.and intake camshaft soleniod stuck.

[@user-jd4kp3lp9r]

It was 2c58 code

[@SanDoval201970]

can any one guide me to find a E90 n55 valve cover replacement video?

[@ramonewhyte3307]

Great video bro! It looks a lot easier to work on than my n54. I guess this helps me with my decision to get a x5 for the wife now. Thanks

[@zacsmith1154]

Is there anything to reset after you disconnect the battery?

[@tomstromar7295]

You've got some of the best videos on the internet - thanks so much for taking the time to make these. Question - do you think just pulling the fuse for the fuel pump is a viable alternative to disconnecting the battery?

[@VehicularDIY]

Hey thanks a lot. Yeah that will work also.

[@l.a.ramslvr3143]

Thank you!! Excellent video

[@tjgjsj5977]

Fantastic video very detailed and informative.

[@osagyefoghanaba]

Another great video... thank you man!

[@drone1028]

What happen with the PCV part of the job? Hope you post that in a later video.

[@VehicularDIY]

That's coming shortly.

[@nghiamedia]

Great video. Thank you.

[@mcgyverb1664]

Very well detailed, good video boss 👍

[@lionelm9540]

no needed torque on the screw ?

[@edwinw.villarroeljr.6010]

After doing the VCG job I have a ENGINE MALFUNCTION Reduced Engine Power light. What can this be? Also, have not fixed the leak that I have that drips on exhaust and smells like burned oil.... any help please!

[@Cy4eHoK5135]

Cool, thx u so much! 🤝

[@TheRafalblog]

It doesn't look that complicated if you know what you are doing. Thank you for the video. It is very detailed and guidance

[@mthusiastmedia9782]

I know this odd an old video but it’s still very very helpful today and wanted to give thanks. I’m doing the VC on my M4 which uses the same VC but a lot more bs to remove. Process is still mostly the same and just double checking for tips and tricks or surprises before I dive in. Awesome video.

[@Trump-The-GREATEST]

I was ready to cough up $800 someone to replace the valve cover gasket that is leaking and creating smoke when idling and its very embarrassing when people look at u noticing the smoke because you r driving a "BMW" ... lol I have all the normal tools to use for regular cars but damn my first bmw and i realized i need special sockets for European cars such as the "E-torx" sockets of all sizes and big size Hex sockets! Bought. 34 pc E-Tox socket set that also had the bits and extension that all i needed for another job on my beemer for just $21 total before the bullshit tax law that just kicked in in Cali for now taxing everything u buy online! Harbor Freights tools also help...

[@carcrushingdemo5519]

Getting ready to do this on my 13 x5 35i xdrive. First time owning a bmw. Love the suv. But lord bmw is complicated somewhat. Lol 😂

[@zhengzhengfeng4729]

Hey enjoyed quite a few of your videos. Quick question there is a piece sticking out from underneath the valve cover that could fall off during removal or reinstallation, can you help me understand what does that piece do? Unfortunately on my valve cover the base for that piece also fell off so I can't simply put it back on without gluing. I didn't install it when I put the cover back on, been about 150 miles and fine so far

[@MLeung-vl7we]

Great job, thanks. Very hard to find DIY videos in my same car. Similar video that I followed to change plugs and coil packs with the addition of removing the fuel rack and track. Silicon to hold the gasket in place was a good idea. At 93k, aside from suspension (arms, tie rods) did you have many issues with the N55?

[@glenneverson651]

Great video, although I had to watch another video for some finer detail as my N55 was somehow a little different. I definitely recommend glueing the gasket in place, tried several times but the gasket kept dislodging in back left corner. Got some gasket glue, let it dry and went on first go!. This video was well done. Thanks for the help👍

[@pratik7654]

hi, , i just bought 2013 x5 a week ago with 74k miles, but i see white smoke coming out of it , my vacuum shows only 1.2 in/hg,, no change even with high idle rpm. Dont know much about coolant level coz i drove only 180 miles after i bought it, oil level is at max and engine area looks clean. it drips black color stuff from exhaust , dont know if it is coolant or oil, white smoke does not feel like oil burning. Car does not overheat at all, Please guide me what to do ? i m good at changing valve cover gasket but not sure if that would solve white smoke issue. i have not opened spark plug for any oil coz there is no burning oil smell from engine area. Let me know what to check and how to start in this case.,, thanks

[@xTorkis]

Hi, question not related to this video I have f10 lci n55 I see you also dont have one hose connected to head cover, near the turbo intake pipe. There is one hose connected vacum line to the intake pipe, another is breather connected also to intake pipe and in head cover is left one open hole between those two. I have same, is it normal to be that open? Sadly I can post picture, you would know what I mean. I hope you understood my question :D

[@pengzhen3740]

Thank you so much for the video. I used it to change my spark plugs. One question, those three T27 screws on the back, do you know the part number? Thanks

[@michaelmoore118]

I love diy projects but this has such a looooong list of parts and screws/bolts to remember where they all go. Guess I’ll have to review the video continuously as I go. I want to bypass that pcv valve with a catch can.

[@kristineblethyn1909]

Great job for those of us addicts without bottomless pockets! Have you ever done rear main seal in car on N55 ( Mine is 2013 535i) thanks

[@ejstrollo1]

Thanks for this video. Just finished up my 2012 X5. Changed out the spark plugs while in there. Took me 5 hours, but I lost time by dropping a hex socket down into the void and needing to drop the bottom pan to fish it out from below. Noticed it's time for the cabin air filters to be changed too. Awesome vid, thanks again.

[@gilgonzalez5902]

E70 guys with the N55 engine i recommend siliconing the partition separation areas in the middle where it meets the two side pieces. This is the plastic cowling piece he put on last. It is prone to leaking water and will leak down onto cylinder 5 and 6 and can cause serious problems. Avoid this by buying the updated cowling plastics or just using silicone.

[@Relicsun]

Great video, it seems like you had done this job before, you had taken all the parts easily and really know what to do. Thank you very much.

[@roberjh357]

I have a 2015 BMW X5 xdrive35i and I am getting the code P112F. Does anyone have any advice regarding this code?

[@marshallnoise3557]

Excellent video.

[@phil_aesthetics]

I have a problem where my spark plug wells are leaking, I noticed that when I replace my injectors is there a way to remove the wells to replace the gaskets without removing the injectors?

[@zookee2003]

Hello. Excellent video! At 12:35 in, (removing ignition clips with a pick) I pushed too hard and the little tab broke off. Any suggestion? Thank you!

[@mirnaemir]

thank you for the video. Maybe for the next time just get tripod and mount camera so that your hands are free, your video will not shake and it will look super professional. But, again thanks a lot,

[@muxktaker12]

Thanks for the Video, You have done a tremendous job. At the beginning you showed a valved that you said it has to be solder on a valve on the cover valve piece, did you ever did that? just curious as I have seen some other videos where some other guys have done it and it doesn't fix the problem. Just wondering if you have been successful in that endeavor.

[@dappa311]

Excellent video!

[@rramirez115]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH..! THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS VIDEO, YOU SAVED ME A LOT OF MONEY..! GREAT JOB..!

[@goooofydog]

Hi, did you disconnect the two vacuum hose connectors on side of valve cover gasket? I found that’s the last piece blocking me but yours seem disconnected all thru video

[@kishorham]

Can you please provide N55 X5-35i Valve Cover model and brand name, ebay link etc?

[@BMWI-gk9wh]

Fyi when unplugging the injector plugs the clip isnt on the left or ride it's on the flat side inserting a flat head or pick into the black side where the single clip is (very small to see) is the only one that needs pulled up with the flat head nothing on the sides. Simple insert and pull.

[@stevethomson8977]

The silicone gasket adhesive is a real good tip; without it my Elring gasket kept falling off during the installation. Thank you for the video.

[@jsallerson]

It seems to me that a turbo blanket would prevent the need of a valve cover gasket replacement by at least a factor of 2, if not more. Preventing the heat cycling of the gasket and thus increasing life of it.

[@jamesmckenna8698]

Great video. The piece of cowling that covers the gap in the front with the weatherstripping came off in pieces, and nothing was holding it in, so I had to get creative when replacing them. Otherwise hopefully a success, I still have to reconnect the air box and charge pipe.

[@Difficultmadeeasy]

Great video, thank you. Planning of doing valve cover gasket job next weekend.

[@franciseb90]

Man you rock. I just did this on my x6 F16. Saved me over 3k

[@jacolon61]

Is the 2013 N54? Slightly different but not much.

[@ADubTheGrizzy]

I am in the middle of this thank you. For some reason one of the valve cover bolts snapped upon torquing. Didn't even need that much pressure, three-finger tight and the bolt just popped

[@99ekcouper]

Never leave ignition coils in while removing fuel lines. Fuel will destroy the rubber piece that connects to the spark plugs.

[@pfmurphy525]

Really nice video ! Thanks for taking the extra effort to make it. Going to change my 2012 E70 N55 valve cover myself. Thanks again.

[@MrBkn2010]

Fantastic video and great reference as I tackled the valve cover gasket change on my 11' X5. Thanks!

[@oldjarhead1125]

Well done video. Thanks for sharing & keep those video's coming. Good stuff. How many miles on your X5 when this was needed? I also have replaced the PVC cap on our '07 E83 X3.

[@tomasbaer9070]

Excellent video ! I feel like I could change my valve cover gasket, right now !!

[@samal-nuaimi6699]

Great work, going to change mine on F01 2015 740i, Thank you!

[@taquanjoe718]

Awesome mechanic...great job..very detailed 👌 👍 👏

[@CarbonInstinct0]

I hate how they use plastic on these machines. I wonder if they’ll use paper in the future smh

[@howardkahn4330]

i. have this issue. but i do not notice any oil leaking that is causing a problem so i am leaving it alone

[@vollodort]

Thanks so much for this video. We did this job on a x3 that has this same engine. It takes a while, but stick with his instructions and you can do it. I suggest replacing your spark plugs at the same time you're doing this job.

[@BigRichardsGentlemensClub]

Torque specs for the valve cover bolts?

[@Agent-mw8th]

8.5 NM same as 6 foot pounds

[@peterjg001]

Wow n55 seems like more of a nightmare than the n54 valve cover gasket!

[@williamwalker4488]

I love your work you is the best that I see so far and I looked at many

[@chrisislas6490]

I was about to send my 5 series to the shop but now I have something to do this weekend, I have an oil leak from the valve cover. Thank you so much for making this video.