See my post
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...2&postcount=12

[BostonB6]

JBWeld - you have nothing to lose by trying this first.

[Mardio]

Originally Posted by BostonB6

JBWeld - you have nothing to lose by trying this first.

+1

[GStar1]

I would try JB Weld too, my spark plug tube seals are leaking on 2 cylinders, but NOW I am gonna check the VC extra well when I have it off.... Thanks fellas!!

[6BATMAN6]

resurrecting this old post from the dead but i have a crack in the same EXACT spot ..picture in my thread i started about this too. anyone ever find out why this happens and why in this spot?

[allan]

Originally Posted by 6BATMAN6

.... i have a crack in the same EXACT spot ..

Same here. Just ordered the cover.

Tried JB weld 2 times and it didn't work.

[6BATMAN6]

Originally Posted by allan

Same here. Just ordered the cover.

Tried JB weld 2 times and it didn't work.

What symptoms do u have ?

[ken1137]

Here Robc1976 did a valve cover gasket DIY:

www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=775317

[6BATMAN6]

Originally Posted by ken1137

Here Robc1976 did a valve cover gasket DIY:

www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=775317

Thankz ya i seen this but im trying to figure out why the cover would crack ..

[ken1137]

My guess...since I trouble shoot defects on substrates is; too much torquing on the screw adjacent to the crack, or if there are more owners with the crack in the same position it is probably related to how the mold is extracted. GL!

[stashtrey]

ECS had a good deal for the cover and bolts for $269 I believe not long ago.

Get the right tools and DIY. Worth it. I did it and was happy I did.

[6BATMAN6]

Originally Posted by stashtrey

ECS had a good deal for the cover and bolts for $269 I believe not long ago.

Get the right tools and DIY. Worth it. I did it and was happy I did.

Ya i saw something but is it for the n54 ? It says n54 but doesnt list any of the 35's.. Most likely gunna let the dealership rape me for 440

[6BATMAN6]

Originally Posted by ken1137

My guess...since I trouble shoot defects on substrates is; too much torquing on the screw adjacent to the crack, or if there are more owners with the crack in the same position it is probably related to how the mold is extracted. GL!

Think it could have to do with the pcv valve being right there?

[ken1137]

Originally Posted by 6BATMAN6

Think it could have to do with the pcv valve being right there?

I don't think the PCV valve would have anything to do with the crack.

[stashtrey]

Originally Posted by 6BATMAN6

Ya i saw something but is it for the n54 ? It says n54 but doesnt list any of the 35's.. Most likely gunna let the dealership rape me for 440

I was off on the price. $369.00 includes everything. The bolts also come pre-tapped which is extremely helpful when putting the new cover in place. It is tight in the back of the cover near the fire wall and having the 29 (+/-) bolts in place is a time saver.

I got my local dealer to match ECS's price. I have actually had good luck with dealer parts managers matching online pricing on several occasions.

[Avenged328i]

Since I had my car, so far my valve cover gasket went out about 4 times already. Super, super, super annoying. And... I am dealing with a broken gasket again right now as I type.
I am tired of spending money on this Sh!t.

[allan]

Originally Posted by 6BATMAN6

What symptoms do u have ?

first noticed oil leak, than discovered crack, approx. 2 inches, right next to the oil filler cap, running down to the head.

[6BATMAN6]

Originally Posted by allan

first noticed oil leak, than discovered crack, approx. 2 inches, right next to the oil filler cap, running down to the head.

Check my other thread ive got a picture up of the crack i have and seems to br in the same spot

[XM_Rocks]

Like others have said try JB Weld first.

Since you were running to replace it anyway its worth a shot.

Its not like its a high pressure area... go for it!

[AMGTurbo2012]

Don't mean to resurrect, but i have the same problem in the same spot. Just thought id add my name to the list. I just layered some JB weld over it to see if it'll hold till the new cover and gasket gets here.

[Efthreeoh]

So I got to thinking about this. It seems there is a design issue with the plastic valve cover that that there is not enough material at the location where they are cracking. If the part has not be upgraded to handle the stress, then it will just break again. My thoughts are:

1) Does the magnesium valve cover from the N52 325i/330i fit the the N52 328i head? If it does, I'd swap out for the magnesium cover.

2) If the above doesn't work, plastic can be welded. It may be had to find a plastic shop in your area, but I'd have the crack welded shut. The thought being that whatever stresses are acting upon the valve cover to make it crack can be compensated for by adding in more plastic material to the area in question.

[AMGTurbo2012]

I don't know of any plastic welders near by. I myself am a welder, but not with plastic. Perhaps it's more of a brazing? I may check into It.