Part 1- Replacing a BMW 6-cylinder valve cover gasket

[@WilliamCornell]

Replaced my valve cover gasket, ignition coils, and spark plugs last weekend - a much easier process with the help of this channel. Thank you for continuing to be a such a great resource for DIY and BMW info.

[@ToffiTube]

William Cornell I'm short on cash so I'm thinking of doing it my self is it hard

[@Chris-eo1bp]

my head gaskets busted. not sure if i should strip it for parts eh.

[@ArtyYeo]

BavAuto vids are one of the best I've seen in KZbin. They are technically sound and are produced with high clarity in their instructions. Get Otto back to do more vids for the newer Bimmers.

[@MrJmcin696]

Otto, I followed your instructions word for word and my repair went great! The only hiccup was when I dropped my socket and extension between the engine. Lol! It took me thirty minutes to get it. Great advice!

[@trevdoggNZ]

Super helpful. I watched this and then changed the gasket on my 2003 e46 with 112,000 miles. Video made it so straight forward. My outer gasket was still slightly flexible, but was showing signs of leaking oil around the edge. The gasket around the spark plugs was brittle plastic and clearly bad. Took about 2 hours.

[@bavarianautosport]

Good work, Trevor. Glad we could help.

[@silvioruesjer8391]

Thanks for posting such clear, detailed videos, with such great step by step explanation. You guys rock! I will certainly pay it back by purchase the parts from your store when I do the job

[@hectorcontreras4938]

thats a very helpful video... i have a bmw x5 and the gasket have a oil leak on the front corner, i would like to know if thats a big issue , or would affect the engine .....do i just need to replace the valve cover gasket? your help will be appreciated, thank you

[@Blznbam06]

Your videos are the best! You are so patient . You have saved me a great deal of money.

[@brandonheramb7231]

I'll be doing this on my 2001 e46 on Wednesday. Thanks for the heads up!

[@scottolson8810]

Can you discuss the impact of the old fluid that is still left in the torque converter and what irt does to the new fluid you just installed?

[@laserman2431]

I just replaced the valve cover gasket on my 2003 Z4. All went well. Thanks for the video. I ran into one small problem. When you removed the O2 sensors, you took out a small "rubber guide" from near the front sensor. Mine also had that guide. I didn't notice where it came from and I can't figure out where it should go. Do you know where that part goes?

[@petersiebertz5361]

Thank you very much for this tutorial - replaced the gasket with ease on my e46 330i. Overall great channel for BMW DIY! Best regards from Germany.

[@jakel9810]

Otto, Can you comment on how frequently the valve cover is "warped" and should not e reused. A repair shop near me told me this is quite common. Also, are there torque values for the spark plugs and/or the valve cover bolts. Great Video, Jake

[@edkalsbeek1765]

Otto you are a good instructor. Thanks

[@AnnaTheBain]

did you end up making a video on rebuilding the vanos? if so can you post a link?

[@NTL1991]

Excellent, professional DIY Videos. Thank you for all the time you guys have put into making them! There's a lot of great info here, thanks!

[@bavarianautosport]

The 328xi has the N51 or N52N engine. These engines have the ValveTronic system that controls variable valve lift. The ValveTronic motor is mounted through the valve cover. The motor must be removed prior to removing the valve cover. The Bentley repair manual details the proper procedure for removal and replacement of the motor (as well as the valve cover). In addition to the valve cover gasket set, you'll need a new gasket for the ValveTronic motor. See our online store at bavauto.com.

[@bavarianautosport]

Thanks for your comments! We're glad we could help you with this task.

[@jimmoss1744]

thank you great video !!! if you knew what your doing ... how long would this take ? and is it the same on a 2004 x5 ?

[@JustifyJustin]

Hi there, I suspect my spark plug gaskets needs replacing - however, my head gasket is relatively new. Can I re-use my head gasket or do I need to replace both gaskets when opening up the engine? Thanks!

[@silviataylor92]

Hi, My bmw E83 crankcase vent valve went bad with pressure in engine & blow out my valve cover gasket. Do you think it could have damage any other seals?

[@austigm3888]

appreciate the order, seaquence and science in ur work Sir.. and diagnostics for other stuff as well. wish to show tools for removing the distant bolts of the gasket next to windshield

[@bavarianautosport]

Just the proper combination of socket, extension and ratchet. Note that if you have a 3-series or 5-series, that you have to remove the cowl air inlet tray. This is detailed in the Bentley publishing repair manuals, available in our online store. www.bavauto.com

[@austigm3888]

Thumbs up..thank you.

[@ryankalinowski5566]

I reviewed the video and noticed you did not mention anything about the torque pressure for the bolts. Is there not a specific amount of pounds of pressure the bolts need to be adjusted to or can you just follow the pattern you specified and tighten them until they are very tight and be alright?

[@bavarianautosport]

The specified torque is 89 in-lbs. If you do not have a good feel for torque valves, from long term experience, you should use a torque wrench. This is not a critical load fastener (like a cylinder head fastening bolt) so the exact torque is not so critical. However, an unexperieced DIYer could over tighten and break a fastener or be a bit too loose.

[@vaishak8]

Hi looking for advice from BAVAUTO. Got 2 questions. 1. how does crank case ventilation hose should be inside, Once i removed the clip as on the video i put my index finger in the hose and felt very tiny amount of oil looks bit dark? 2. The crack between vanos cylinder and the engine seems leaking. Can i just add sealant only in that place without removing the whole assembly (its leaking massively next to the nut, i felt there is a gap between the gasket and the rocker cover, i could feel it with my finger) ?

[@JosueGarciarace]

Favorite auto channel!

[@bavarianautosport]

The M88 engine valve cover gasket replacement will be a bit different, but using the general procedures shown here would be a good start.

[@erickrayos]

My 2001 325i is burning too much oil, I've replaced the CCV since it seems to be the most common thing that causes burning oil, it helped reduce the amount of oil that is the car is burning, now at around 2500miles after the last oil change and the dip stick shows just barely over the "low" line which before the CCV was replaced that wouldn't even reach 1000miles before hits low. Next thing I've seen on forums is this VCG, I will replace this one ASAP, and in case the car still burns too much oil, what other things that could be causing the burning oil symptom? It is quite cold weather nowadays and I do get white smoke on the exhaust, some days it goes away quick after the car has warmed up some days I would be driving for half an hour and still have white smoke. Anyways thanks in advance!

[@bavarianautosport]

Well, one quart in 2500 miles is considered OK, by BMW. We still think this is excessive. If the valve cover or other gaskets (oil filter housing gasket, oil pan gasket, etc) are leaking, this would contribute to the loss of oil. You may now just be dealing with engine wear (piston rings and valve seals).

[@bavarianautosport]

Valve cover gasket replacement on the N52 and N51 6-cylinder engines i9s quite similar, with the exception that you have the ValveTronic motor to remove. The Bentley repair manual covers theses details. We have the manuals in our online store at bavauto.com.

[@98georgeriga]

Hi! ! Video is very good. Can i find same on MB?

[@edalithjimenez782]

Hi I like to know if the price for fixing my bmw x3 2006 is fair how much would be to replace valve cover gasket,oil filter housing gasket,thrust rod bushings

[@haroo86]

@13.33 , what size is the vacuum hose? Or part n#?

[@hellojames789]

hi thanks for the vedio. i have a2006 bmw e90 325xi, i want to chage the valve gasket. do i need to disconnect the battery first? thanks!

[@bavarianautosport]

No ... no need to disconnect the battery. Just don't turn the ignition on while the system is apart.

[@rogarza8754]

Is this the same as a main seal? I know it sounds like a dumb question but my Bmw 328xi sulev 2011 needs a new valve cover gasket but at the dealership I was told I only need a main seal.

[@paycloud]

Would like to see a video accessing the rear of the engine on the e90 sedan version for valve cover replacement

[@bavarianautosport]

Watch the first part of our DIY video on performing the walnut blast on the N54 engine. We show the removal of the cowl panel, in order to access the rear of the engine. Click the link below: blog.bavauto.com/15543/bmw-diy-video-carbon-cleaning-n54-and-n55-intake-ports-and-valves-de-carbon-walnut-blast/

[@vseanw]

Is it more difficult on an X6? Dealer is quoting 18 hours to replace valve cover gasket. Some local shops are in the 16 hour range. That seems insane to me. They say it's because an X6. Have to remove catalytic converter?

[@richardgonzalez7199]

wow good job and thanks for your clear explanation of your work I congratulate you

[@CarlosSanchez-ys6jf]

Hello, I have a problem with the second gear, in D from first to second the motor goes in to limp mode, I have to drive it in manual shifting from first to third gear, what do you think is the problem, it is a solenoid? Best regards

[@fiks2cv]

Super Video. Danes sem sam zamenjal tesnilo po vaših navodilih in ni bilo nobenih težav, pa še denar za mehanika sem privarčeval. Hvala še enkrat. Pozdrav iz Slovenije...

[@chunylau]

Hi, thank you for making this videio. I have a problem when replacing my valve cover gasket on my 2003 BMW 525i. The valve cover gasket does not sit flat on the valve cover. It is about a couple of millimeter higher than the grove. I confirmed with the seller Autohausaz to make sure I got the right part. Do you know of issues like this? Thanks...

[@fungames24]

A couple of mm is not enough to compress it to seal the groove. I had a leak because of it. Now I fill the groove with rtv after cleaning all oil from groove.

[@eliaskarppi5408]

I have a e60 2,2 l m54 520i. Why doesnt the bentley repair manual have my car covered? Or does it?

[@rickn4082]

My car started with a rattling noise above the vanos since I'm changing my valve cover gasket should I repair the vanos and do you think the rattling will go away.

[@bavarianautosport]

You may very well have the classic VANOS rattle. The rebuild should cure this. See our DIY on the VANOS rebuild: blog.bavauto.com/13829

[@rickn4082]

Thank you for the video I'm going to give this a shot and I will let you know how it all comes out . I do have one more question my Door keeps on reading open but the door is close, the button in the middle will not work ?? what can I do to reset ?

[@bavarianautosport]

Rick N What model do you have?

[@rickn4082]

2001 BMW 325i

[@bavarianautosport]

Rick N - yes, you certainly could have a rattling VANOS unit. We'd recommend the VANOS rebuild while replacing the valve cover gasket, especially if the engine has more than 100,000 miles.

[@staple765]

I just had new valve cover with ports done under two years ago, and now the gasket needs to be replaced...is that normal...dealer says $1,600 to replace gaskets with labor. 2013 BMW X5 xdrive35i. Is that right???

[@macxgeek]

Does this video apply to a 2008 X3 3.0? I had a shop recently tell me that my valve cover is leaking and that the entire cover needs to be replaced because this model does not use a separate gasket. Is that correct? If so, where can I purchase a new valve cover? Thanks!

[@bavarianautosport]

See our reply to your same question under Part-2

[@bflip5231]

what differences would there be between this car and an 07 328xi?

[@amyd2203]

Do you have a HEAD gasket video?

[@bethells86]

These vehicles may be called ultimate driving machines but they would have to be the most reliable. After 100Ks all plastic and rubber bits start failing, where as our Japanese and even older Euro cars are ok still. Two other bits we have had to replace are Electric window units and expansion tank. Even the mechanic mentioned that these failures keeps their mechanics busy fulltime!!

[@Handleitlol]

cyberskull676 not true, I have a 99 Lexus es300, no rust...

[@Giggidygiggidy12]

bethells86 yup our old Avalon has had a timing belt done a water pump and a couple other wear items and that's about it.... oh and it has over 230k miles, my bimmer needs on avg about $1500 per year in servicing since it broke the 100k mark

[@jessevanvoorhis384]

Will this work the same as an 08 e90 335i with n54 engine?

[@WhindyllJordan]

I did a jump start and it seemed like the power is slowly up , it had crank and start already and the lights as well was working.and then i'd leaved the engine on for 5 minutes then i turn it off to had my meal, when i came back to start again it has a power and lights but wasn't able to start the engine until the lights are slowly powering off.. Should i make a run for the engine and leave it on for a long minutes until battery is charged enough? Coz i think my battery is fully dead coz its been like 2 weeks i haven't warming up my car..

[@bavarianautosport]

Sounds like you need to charge it for a while. Either run the engine for a longer period or use a battery charger.

[@WhindyllJordan]

Ok..i will do that.tomorrow. will inform u what would be the result is. Thanks sir.

[@AnthonyMichael504]

where is the breather valve on the N55 on 2012 X5 ?? I cannot find it anywhere

[@amydubin1]

Does all of this apply to a 2005 325i?

[@hassse007]

Hey i have 320i man 2005 e90 i want to change the Pan oil cover but the dealer said that i have to change the oil too which i just did it before one month ago :/ any idea if i have to put a new oil or not ?

[@bavarianautosport]

No, it is not required to change the oil after replacing the valve cover gasket. Just take care not to contaminate the current oil with cleaning or dirt, while doing the job.

[@ProggerDrummer]

Hi, how long does the whole operation take?

[@AlexeyDubkov]

+Francisco Torres It took to me about 4h to make everything done accurate.

[@authenticreign6155]

Can you do a structural video on the bmw M54 engine models head gaskets ?

[@bavarianautosport]

Head gasket replacement is more involved than we can offer in our "short film" DIY videos. The Bentley repair manual does cover the tasks. Additionally, you can likely find some individual hobbyist videos on the task.

[@authenticreign6155]

Ok.

[@bavarianautosport]

Head gasket replacement is fairly involved and you should have an applicable repair manual at hand. We do offer the Bentley repair manuals for the E46 3-series models (99-05) in our online store at bavauto.com.

[@schay26]

I like ur videos BUT what about the newer models like 2006 and above...

[@sojubeans296]

I have a '03 325ci (10/02) and was wondering can I use other valve covers? My original valve cover is part# 11 12 7 512 839, would I be able to use a part# 11 12 7 512 840?

[@bavarianautosport]

The 11 12 7 512 840 is not a valid BMW part number. Do you mean the valve cover for the earlier (through 8/02) M54 engines (11 12 1 432 928)? In this case, yes, the valve covers can be interchanged. You would also have to use the earlier coils with the earlier valve cover.

[@lunganinhlakanipho7922]

please help me , I need to change coil packs for my 120i how do you do it

[@michaelreyes6761]

I did this on my 98 323 and I didn't put silicone at all....should I do it all over again just to put the silicone or can I get away with no silicone?please help

[@bavarianautosport]

The potential is that he rubber boot "glues" itself to the spark plug, without the Silicone lube. This does not always happen, but if it does, it is a real pain in the neck, to get it all removed.

[@alexanderharispuru1465]

so I don't need to take out the spark plugs to remove the valve cover ?

[@LooseGooseProd]

I need an opinion, I have a 1998 528i and today I was driving and it overheated. I let it cool down and coolant was boiling out and almost all the coolant ended up on the ground. My house was close by so I was going to just drive it there. So when it got cool I tried to start it and it wouldn't start. I got a friend to bring me coolant and after a while I got it to start, then I drove it less than a mile before it overheated again. Does anyone know what it might be?

[@marcinbaczkowski4114]

Otto. what about e60 engine. 525i. Cnt find much.

[@bavarianautosport]

Scott, I think you posted on the wrong video. Assuming that you are talking about changing the automatic transmission fluid and filter, see our replies that talk about this, on those videos.

[@mohhosny]

Hello guys I have a question about my BMW 523i 2007, I bought it used a month ago. it was good but suddenly after I changed engine oil & filter 4 days. the engine start shaking little bit specially on slow speeds maybe 50 KM or stopping the car on high speeds the car is stable. I checked it on computer it gives error on crank shaft sensor I changed it but the problem is the same. the guy who checked it told me the engine has lots of dirt because the oil is not changed for long time or the car is not used for long time. and that make the oil pressure is low and the engine needs to be cleans internally. I thought to flush the engine. is that a good solution.

[@bavarianautosport]

Well ....... We don't know that the internal cleaning would have any affect on the symptoms that you described. However, we do fully recommend a full application of our Liqui-Moly Engine Renewal Kit (internal cleaner, fuel cleaner, carbon cleaner & anti-friction coating) for any engine that has more than 30,000 miles .... especially if there is evidence of sludge and varnish due to extra-long oil change intervals. Use the kit and put a few hundred miles on it ... and see if things improve. Click the link below: www.bavauto.com/fland.asp?part=lmerk

[@Tammar101]

first of all your videos are really helpful and awesome. second i'd really be thankful to you or anyone who can tell if this issue(the cover gasket) can cause the (service engine soon light to come on) with the code P0174. i'll be waiting for your replay. thanks

[@bavarianautosport]

Yes, a leaking valve cover could cause a vacuum leak and a lean condition. However, Since you only have the P0174 code, this is only indicating lean on bank 2 (cyl 4-6). A leaking valve cover gasket would affect both banks .... unless, there is more of another problem with bank-2 (old O2 sensor, spark plugs, injector spray pattern issues, etc.) and the small vacuum leak has now pushed bank-2 "over the edge" , but bank-1 is able to stay within parameters of the fuel trims.

[@Tammar101]

So it's more of O2 sensor cuz I've just replaced my spark plugs.

[@bavarianautosport]

Tito Neal Yes, the O2 sensor for Bank-2 (cylinders 4-6) could be the cause. If you wish, you could swap the Bank-1 and Bank-2 O2 sensors, clear the codes, and see if the fault returns for Bank-2 If it does, then something else is at fault. If the code moves to Bank-1, the sensor that was in Bank-2 and is now in Bank-1, is faulty.

[@kimbo4345]

How you repair a blown head gasket on a 02 BMW 325i ?

[@angel31jur38]

I change my waterpump of my x5 2002 and the acceleration is bad it dosent accelerate it goes like a little by little to get acceleration goes fast Do you know what it is the problem?

[@bavarianautosport]

We can't think of a direct relationship between any of the work that is done in replacing a water pump on the M54 6-cylinder or the M62 V8, and having an engine running issue. We would suggest that you go back over your work, step by step, and see if you can notice and unplugged connectors and anything else.

[@jongkeunlee]

Hi Otto. Usually I just enjoyed your repair procedure but today I would like to ask you something. I own a 04 325cic with 60k mile. Recently I noticed something burning smell as I waited for traffic light. Pull over and piped hood open and noticed light grey smoke under the cabin filter tray from the right side of the engine. I know that you can not diagnose anything without seeing the car but I would like ask you that is there anything in that area that can be burnt? It does not seem like engine oil burning to me. Any opinion would be appreciated. thank you.

[@martynh5410]

I believe that the brake fluid reservoir may be in that location but not sure on the model that you have.

[@edwardbrown631]

HELP ! What is the comb shaped part next to fuel rail? It looks like a comb there are 4 torx screws please help anybody

[@bishoploon1126]

What is the difference between the M52 and the E53?

[@bavarianautosport]

Bishop Loon We think you mean the M52 and the M54 (E53 is the X5 model chassis code). The M52 will be similar enough that you can use this M54 video to get the job done.

[@fatherofmaxpayne]

uk needs a bavauto!

[@bavarianautosport]

Haha,,, Thanks!

[@chrismesker468]

I was tightening up the head cover and snap the bolt what do I do

[@bavarianautosport]

At this point, remove the valve cover and hopefully, you can grasp the broken shaft with vise-grip pliers. If not, you'll have to drill the stud and use a bolt extractor (commonly called an easy-out).

[@chrismesker468]

Thanks got it pulled out were can I get another one at

[@WhindyllJordan]

What is the problem if my BMW x5 x5 3.0i 2005 model no lights no crank no start..no electricity?. Do I need to perform a jump start?

[@bavarianautosport]

We would say that either your battery is totally dead or you may have an issue with either a positive or negative cable connection. Start by checking the battery voltage .... or just put a charger on it for a bit to see if power does come back.

[@WhindyllJordan]

All is good after i did a long hours of ran for my car. Thanks, Bavarian Auto

[@bavarianautosport]

Thanks for the follow-up!

[@TomasCage]

Do some S38/M88 I need this for my E28 M5.

[@paulperez509]

how to disconnect the battery to replace head gasket 535i 2009

[@shumanrotula7697]

What about M52TU?

[@kazman500]

Where was this video when I needed I last week! Lol

[@ChaddLackey]

Outstanding. Thanks for posting.

[@ahmadrifai6487]

piece of cake compared to N52 engine, bmw sure went crazy on that one!

[@bavarianautosport]

That's our goal. Thanks for your input!

[@bavarianautosport]

To Jamie - Not sure what you mean, but it is not uncommon that the stud will come out with the nut.

[@ROFLance]

+Super Super Supermodel The valve cover bolts intentionally bottom out, the rubber grommets are squished at that point.. no need for a torque wrench, just don't overtighten. Torque spec is 22 ft lbs on the spark plugs.

[@sperlongatours]

*+ Bavarian Autosport thank u for the video, is this m54 engine /? m54b30*

[@jamietucker8854]

the bolts don't come off in one piece some stayed

[@bavarianautosport]

Thanks for the input! We're trying! Don't forget to check our tech blog for additional DIYs and info: blog.bavauto.com

[@ArashRajaeeyan]

how much harder is this for a bmw X6?

[@bavarianautosport]

+Arash Rajaeeyan - The E71 X6 will have a different engine. If you have a 6-cylinder, the procedures are similar, but you must deal with the ValveTronic motor. If you have a V8, procedures are different AND you still have the Valvetronic.

[@ArashRajaeeyan]

+Bavarian Autosport BMW of San Francisco quoted me $5,500 (5.5 grand) to change my valve cover and told me it takes 3 days, how long should this normally take for a X6 ?

[@edvinkarimi]

I did this on my e34 which was easier than this one. No extra things to remove. When doing this is best to take the opportunity and change your plugs, boots and coils

[@fungames24]

Also change your wheels "while you are in there". There may not be a connection, but who cares so long as the wallet is fat.

[@iwanhorchner6343]

i hitted the like buttom cus i saw an engine

[@hayabusa5056]

Nice car

[@wybacz99]

great videos i love it make more and more:) i would like to buy one of bmw, we will see, and there are a lot of tutorials for learnig how fix averyone:)

[@ВиталийДаценко-з8й]

не переворачивайте так крышку клапанов, над отрытым мотором! веся грязь попадает на валы ;)

[@MrKevinmer]

Are you tom hagen the goodfather

[@nathaniellittlejr3548]

I like the video

[@markyantoni6098]

Good

[@bavarianautosport]

Sorry, we only handle BMW

[@bavarianautosport]

test

[@mannylopez15986]

Hi, do you have any DYS for the valve cover gasket replacement on a 2011 BMW 535i ? Thank you.

[@raymundofigueroa6894]

V

[@7674Princess]

Great Video.....my BIGGEST Complaint......Is You Need To Do More Stuff With the M62 Engine !!!!

[@rulerss]

do i need to do all these things if i have low engine compression?