Valve cover gasket being replaced this weekend what else should I know? - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

WestCoast335i · 01-16-2013, 11:42 PM

I have been told by my indy shop that the burning oil smell is because I have a valve cover gasket leak. Also when I came back to use my car after the holidays and it was sitting for 2 weeks the low oil light came up.

My questions are-

What should I ask for when before dropping my car off?

How much should I expect to spend?

Do you think this is a valve cover gasket problem?

Thanks Guys

Blackhawk36 · 01-17-2013, 10:56 AM

Most likely cause is the valve cover gasket is leaking or the valve cover itself is cracked. Both are common problems. You could also have a leaking oil filter housing seal. I have seen the valve cover gasket replacement at a dealer costing around $850 and from indy shops it is usually around $650. If the valve cover is cracked add at least $400 to the bill.

WestCoast335i · 01-17-2013, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackhawk36

Most likely cause is the valve cover gasket is leaking or the valve cover itself is cracked. Both are common problems. You could also have a leaking oil filter housing seal. I have seen the valve cover gasket replacement at a dealer costing around $850 and from indy shops it is usually around $650. If the valve cover is cracked add at least $400 to the bill.

Gotcha.

How often is the valve cover itself broken compared to just the valve cover gasket?

Blackhawk36 · 01-17-2013, 11:21 AM

I am working from a very small data set. I have three friends with 335i and myself. One had a cracked valve cover (2010 model withe 30k miles). The dealer told him it was pretty common. Hard to tell what that means since normal for most cars is the valve cover never cracks.

07lilredwagon · 01-17-2013, 05:59 PM

I had mine done, (07 328). Cover is plastic, I believe?...Dealer did the repair, an oil change and a couple of other things just before I bought the car. Dont know how much it would have cost because he did the work on good faith, as they found it actually when doing an oil change at my request.

Its not hard to do at all...if your mechanically inclined. A DIY on this job is a good idea....if you have a good indy, thats great....but a valve cover job an any car should not exceed 200.00....just saying.

watch for your power steering reservoir to weep fluid over time. also as mentioned above, the oil filter seal is suspect too....

JP

B9M0W · 01-17-2013, 06:05 PM

just dropped my off at the dealership. total should be $100. They also told me i needed a power steering flush witch i don't need. I do need a coolant flush witch i will get sometime next month plus i will try and clean my own throttle body rather than pay them 230 bones.

Saintor · 01-17-2013, 06:05 PM

Mine was done last week. 1016$ with that el cheapo cover. The gasket alone was changed 20 months ago. So BMW cash in by saving on the plastic version (presumably cheaper to build than in alu) and replacement parts.

I kept the cover to examine it closely and I found no crack or notch.

WestCoast335i · 01-17-2013, 08:38 PM

I have heard a bunch of people say to get the bolts replaced but my mechanic said it doesn't say that in the repair report from BMW. but under my hood it reads if they are blue they must be changed. Not sure if theses bolts are blue or not.

07lilredwagon · 01-20-2013, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saintor

Mine was done last week. 1016$ with that el cheapo cover. The gasket alone was changed 20 months ago. So BMW cash in by saving on the plastic version (presumably cheaper to build than in alu) and replacement parts.

I kept the cover to examine it closely and I found no crack or notch.

How much was that el cheapo cover?????? 900.00??

I would much rather have an aluminum one....there is too much plastic on these cars!

JP

e90ca · 01-21-2013, 03:00 PM

I am also getting the valve cover gasket replaced this week on my 07 328i. East Bay BMW in pleasanton charges $885. they said its a 5 hr repair.

A couple of other bmw indy shops here charge about $800-850. But I found a few other shops that can do it for about $500, which I'll be having it done there instead.

Some of these estimates that I've gotten say to replace the bolts and some do not, so I'll have to ask the shop about this when I bring it in and see what they say.

I also had the oil housing gasket replaced about 2 months ago for $300 a local bmw indy shop as well.

a08335k · 01-21-2013, 08:27 PM

Got mine repaired last week. Thankfully have CPO warranty so cost $50. 08 335 w/61000 miles.

andrew335i · 01-21-2013, 08:53 PM

These prices are ridiculous. I remember on my e46 a guy in NJ replaced my VCG and changed out my VANOS seals for a whopping 160 bucks. Granted he isn't a dealer- but it took him 2-3 hours to do the job with most of it being on the seals. Can the VCG be that much harder on an e9x?

WestCoast335i · 01-22-2013, 01:03 PM

Got it changed for $450 with a 5 Hour Repair.

No more oil leaking smell!

(2007 335i 67k)

Blackhawk36 · 01-22-2013, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 07lilredwagon

How much was that el cheapo cover?????? 900.00??
I would much rather have an aluminum one....there is too much plastic on these cars!

JP

ECS charges about $400. The dealer about $450. That is just for the part.

Amini77 · 01-22-2013, 09:02 PM

I got a good deal for like $360 I think at a independent shop. But shouldn't be more $600 or you're getting ripped off..they charge hourly and most of the time spent is when your engine bay is cooling off. You know when it's the valve cover gasket when there's oil all over your headers and there's smoke on cold starts, you can also smell burning oil. It happens to all N52's around 80k miles.

thebreeze34 · 01-22-2013, 10:27 PM

I need get mine replaced also..but what happens if you dont?

nogard13 · 01-23-2013, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WestCoast335i

I have heard a bunch of people say to get the bolts replaced but my mechanic said it doesn't say that in the repair report from BMW. but under my hood it reads if they are blue they must be changed. Not sure if theses bolts are blue or not.

These are aluminum bolts, meaning that if you re-torque them, you run the risk of them being stripped or of one snapping (no bueno). The bolts are cheap, so you might as well have them replaced.

Jon_VMSport · 01-23-2013, 01:33 PM

just bought the rubber valve cover gasket from bmw for $40, my indy quoted me 200 for labor and spark plug replacement($5 per SP). i need to buy the valve cover bolt set
looking at around $300 w/ SP replacement
im at 50k miles (08)

B9M0W · 01-23-2013, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrew335i

These prices are ridiculous. I remember on my e46 a guy in NJ replaced my VCG and changed out my VANOS seals for a whopping 160 bucks. Granted he isn't a dealer- but it took him 2-3 hours to do the job with most of it being on the seals. Can the VCG be that much harder on an e9x?

Don't believe so. I guess shops charge $100+ hourly (4hrs x 100= 400 + 45 for parts = 445 not including tax).

Just my opinion.

andrew335i · 01-23-2013, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B9M0W

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrew335i

These prices are ridiculous. I remember on my e46 a guy in NJ replaced my VCG and changed out my VANOS seals for a whopping 160 bucks. Granted he isn't a dealer- but it took him 2-3 hours to do the job with most of it being on the seals. Can the VCG be that much harder on an e9x?

Don't believe so. I guess shops charge $100+ hourly (4hrs x 100= 400 + 45 for parts = 445 not including tax).

Just my opinion.

Yeah but when I said that.. People were shouting out prices from like 700 to over a grand.

reelop19 · 01-23-2013, 04:30 PM

Sh!t took me 6-7 hrs to do and it sucked. Saved dough though

e90ca · 01-30-2013, 04:32 PM

Just had the valve cover gasket replaced yesterday at Performance Technic in pleasanton. Total was $516 which included replacing the Valve Cover Gasket Set - N52 and Camshaft Adjuster Gasket. Dropped the car off at 9am and didn't pick it up until 5pm. Not sure if it actually took that long, but I'm glad its finally fixed. No more smelling smoke while driving so far.

01-16-2013, 11:42 PM	#1
WestCoast335i New Member Drives: E90 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: West Coast/818 Posts: 13 iTrader: (0)	Valve cover gasket being replaced this weekend what else should I know? I have been told by my indy shop that the burning oil smell is because I have a valve cover gasket leak. Also when I came back to use my car after the holidays and it was sitting for 2 weeks the low oil light came up. My questions are- What should I ask for when before dropping my car off? How much should I expect to spend? Do you think this is a valve cover gasket problem? Thanks Guys
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01-17-2013, 06:05 PM	#7
Saintor Colonel Drives: E90 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: MTL, Canada Posts: 2,232 iTrader: (1)	Mine was done last week. 1016$ with that el cheapo cover. The gasket alone was changed 20 months ago. So BMW cash in by saving on the plastic version (presumably cheaper to build than in alu) and replacement parts. I kept the cover to examine it closely and I found no crack or notch. __________________ 2007 E90 AW 323i Step \| Lowered 1.25"/1" \| BMW Performance Exhaust \| PBX \| Debadged \| Scangauge II \| Style 162 18" & 161 17" wheels & rear 15mm spacers

01-21-2013, 03:00 PM	#10
e90ca Private First Class Drives: e90 328i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Pleasanton, CA Posts: 181 iTrader: (2)	I am also getting the valve cover gasket replaced this week on my 07 328i. East Bay BMW in pleasanton charges $885. they said its a 5 hr repair. A couple of other bmw indy shops here charge about $800-850. But I found a few other shops that can do it for about $500, which I'll be having it done there instead. Some of these estimates that I've gotten say to replace the bolts and some do not, so I'll have to ask the shop about this when I bring it in and see what they say. I also had the oil housing gasket replaced about 2 months ago for $300 a local bmw indy shop as well. __________________ Premium package, m-tech rear bumper, eibach pro kit springs, zsp shocks, xenons.

01-21-2013, 08:27 PM	#11
a08335k Private First Class Drives: 2008 BMW 335i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 147 iTrader: (0)	Got mine repaired last week. Thankfully have CPO warranty so cost $50. 08 335 w/61000 miles. __________________ 2008 BMW 335i ; premium package ; sport package ;

01-22-2013, 09:02 PM	#15
Amini77 Colonel Drives: SGM E90 330xi Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Tarzana, CA Posts: 2,506 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330XI [0.00]	I got a good deal for like $360 I think at a independent shop. But shouldn't be more $600 or you're getting ripped off..they charge hourly and most of the time spent is when your engine bay is cooling off. You know when it's the valve cover gasket when there's oil all over your headers and there's smoke on cold starts, you can also smell burning oil. It happens to all N52's around 80k miles. __________________ Instagram: amini77

01-17-2013, 10:56 AM	#2
Blackhawk36 Second Lieutenant Drives: 2007 335i 6MT No iDrive Join Date: May 2009 Location: MD Posts: 212 iTrader: (0)	Most likely cause is the valve cover gasket is leaking or the valve cover itself is cracked. Both are common problems. You could also have a leaking oil filter housing seal. I have seen the valve cover gasket replacement at a dealer costing around $850 and from indy shops it is usually around $650. If the valve cover is cracked add at least $400 to the bill.

01-17-2013, 11:21 AM	#4
Blackhawk36 Second Lieutenant Drives: 2007 335i 6MT No iDrive Join Date: May 2009 Location: MD Posts: 212 iTrader: (0)	I am working from a very small data set. I have three friends with 335i and myself. One had a cracked valve cover (2010 model withe 30k miles). The dealer told him it was pretty common. Hard to tell what that means since normal for most cars is the valve cover never cracks.

01-17-2013, 05:59 PM	#5
07lilredwagon Lieutenant Drives: 07 328 wagon Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: New York Posts: 410 iTrader: (0)	I had mine done, (07 328). Cover is plastic, I believe?...Dealer did the repair, an oil change and a couple of other things just before I bought the car. Dont know how much it would have cost because he did the work on good faith, as they found it actually when doing an oil change at my request. Its not hard to do at all...if your mechanically inclined. A DIY on this job is a good idea....if you have a good indy, thats great....but a valve cover job an any car should not exceed 200.00....just saying. watch for your power steering reservoir to weep fluid over time. also as mentioned above, the oil filter seal is suspect too.... JP

01-17-2013, 06:05 PM	#6
B9M0W First Lieutenant Drives: e90 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: NJ Posts: 314 iTrader: (0)	just dropped my off at the dealership. total should be $100. They also told me i needed a power steering flush witch i don't need. I do need a coolant flush witch i will get sometime next month plus i will try and clean my own throttle body rather than pay them 230 bones.

01-17-2013, 08:38 PM	#8
WestCoast335i New Member Drives: E90 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: West Coast/818 Posts: 13 iTrader: (0)	I have heard a bunch of people say to get the bolts replaced but my mechanic said it doesn't say that in the repair report from BMW. but under my hood it reads if they are blue they must be changed. Not sure if theses bolts are blue or not.

01-21-2013, 08:53 PM	#12
andrew335i Banned Drives: 2009 335i e92 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Newburgh, NY Posts: 96 iTrader: (0)	These prices are ridiculous. I remember on my e46 a guy in NJ replaced my VCG and changed out my VANOS seals for a whopping 160 bucks. Granted he isn't a dealer- but it took him 2-3 hours to do the job with most of it being on the seals. Can the VCG be that much harder on an e9x?

01-22-2013, 01:03 PM	#13
WestCoast335i New Member Drives: E90 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: West Coast/818 Posts: 13 iTrader: (0)	Got it changed for $450 with a 5 Hour Repair. No more oil leaking smell! (2007 335i 67k)

01-22-2013, 10:27 PM	#16
thebreeze34 Private Drives: e90 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 78 iTrader: (0)	I need get mine replaced also..but what happens if you dont?

01-23-2013, 01:33 PM	#18
Jon_VMSport New Member Drives: E92 335i Gray/Coral Red Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 29 iTrader: (0)	just bought the rubber valve cover gasket from bmw for $40, my indy quoted me 200 for labor and spark plug replacement($5 per SP). i need to buy the valve cover bolt set looking at around $300 w/ SP replacement im at 50k miles (08)

01-23-2013, 04:30 PM	#21
reelop19 Private First Class Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 162 iTrader: (0)	Sh!t took me 6-7 hrs to do and it sucked. Saved dough though

01-30-2013, 04:32 PM	#22
e90ca Private First Class Drives: e90 328i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Pleasanton, CA Posts: 181 iTrader: (2)	Just had the valve cover gasket replaced yesterday at Performance Technic in pleasanton. Total was $516 which included replacing the Valve Cover Gasket Set - N52 and Camshaft Adjuster Gasket. Dropped the car off at 9am and didn't pick it up until 5pm. Not sure if it actually took that long, but I'm glad its finally fixed. No more smelling smoke while driving so far. __________________ Premium package, m-tech rear bumper, eibach pro kit springs, zsp shocks, xenons.

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