[WOT Bimmer]

Hi All,

I am trying to figure out if my valve cover gasket is leaking, or if it is the oil cap. I really don't want to go to the extent of replacing the gasket if it is not bad. I copied mlifxs's picture (I am away from the car right now) to demonstrate where I have oil on my engine. I have oil in the same places he does (along with the burning smell occasionally), but I also have a fair amount of oil within the red circle in the picture (on the black section of the block/cover). Any ideas as to what this might be? Valve cover gasket or just a oil cap?

I would appreciate any and all input! Thanks!

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by kd8ksn

Hi All,

I am trying to figure out if my valve cover gasket is leaking, or if it is the oil cap. I really don't want to go to the extent of replacing the gasket if it is not bad. I copied mlifxs's picture (I am away from the car right now) to demonstrate where I have oil on my engine. I have oil in the same places he does (along with the burning smell occasionally), but I also have a fair amount of oil within the red circle in the picture (on the black section of the block/cover). Any ideas as to what this might be? Valve cover gasket or just a oil cap?

I would appreciate any and all input! Thanks!
Attachment 840435

Valve cover is leaking. Had the same issue. You can get the parts from here
http://www.getbmwparts.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462
price is about $80 for a 328 (that's gasket and screws).
You mind as well change your sparkplugs while you are doing this since they might have some oil on them too.
Cost of repairs
Gasket and screws= $80
Sparkplugs (Bosch) = $60 for a set
http://www.bavauto.com/fland.asp?par...Fa9aMgod-R8A7Q
price of install at the dealership= First Born
price of install via a mechanic buddy= one hour, $100 and a beer

[WOT Bimmer]

Originally Posted by Delta0311

Valve cover is leaking. Had the same issue. You can get the parts from here
http://www.getbmwparts.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462
price is about $80 for a 328 (that's gasket and screws).
You mind as well change your sparkplugs while you are doing this since they might have some oil on them too.
Cost of repairs
Gasket and screws= $80
Sparkplugs (Bosch) = $60 for a set
http://www.bavauto.com/fland.asp?par...Fa9aMgod-R8A7Q
price of install at the dealership= First Born
price of install via a mechanic buddy= one hour, $100 and a beer

Thanks for your input! How can you be reasonably sure that the oil on the black part isn't from an oil cap? Isn't that spot ABOVE the gasket, which would indicate that the oil is coming from above the gasket? Just curious.

I have spark plugs on the way anyhow, so I will do them too.

Actually, to my surprise, the dealer (BMW dealer) quoted me $770. I would much rather do it myself and save $670, but I was still surprised they were that low.

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by kd8ksn

Thanks for your input! How can you be reasonably sure that the oil on the black part isn't from an oil cap? Isn't that spot ABOVE the gasket, which would indicate that the oil is coming from above the gasket? Just curious.

I have spark plugs on the way anyhow, so I will do them too.

Actually, to my surprise, the dealer (BMW dealer) quoted me $770. I would much rather do it myself and save $670, but I was still surprised they were that low.

The oil cap is cheap so it wouldn't hurt to replace it but if it was leaking than you would also have oil all over the engine cover section where the cap sits. Either way if you see oil around those bolts than you should replace the gasket and bolts.

Oil Cap
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E90-328...overs/ES18607/
If you feel in your gut that the cap is part of the problem than change it and get peace of mind.

[WOT Bimmer]

Originally Posted by Delta0311

The oil cap is cheap so it wouldn't hurt to replace it but if it was leaking than you would also have oil all over the engine cover section where the cap sits. Either way if you see oil around those bolts than you should replace the gasket and bolts.

Oil Cap
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E90-328...overs/ES18607/
If you feel in your gut that the cap is part of the problem than change it and get peace of mind.

What I also find weird is that this all started after I washed the engine bay the other day. I thought maybe some oily water junk collected somewhere and was just slowly burning off, but I've had the car out on 4+ trips now and it's still doing it. I would think that any water would have evaporated by this point.

Since I am going to the extent of replacing the spark plugs, I may as well take an extra couple hours and do the gasket. I'm halfway there anyhow once the cover is off.

Thanks again for your help!

[mlifxs]

Originally Posted by kd8ksn

What I also find weird is that this all started after I washed the engine bay the other day. I thought maybe some oily water junk collected somewhere and was just slowly burning off, but I've had the car out on 4+ trips now and it's still doing it. I would think that any water would have evaporated by this point.

Since I am going to the extent of replacing the spark plugs, I may as well take an extra couple hours and do the gasket. I'm halfway there anyhow once the cover is off.

Thanks again for your help!

If your car is not consuming oil noticeably, you could also remove the engine cover (you first remove the bulkhead, then the engine cover) and inspect. Spilled oil from a sloppy fill can leach below the engine cover and seep down underneath it. You could try cleaning things up and seeing it you continue to have the problem.

Chances are it is vcg but I took my time concluding that (wasn't consuming oil), knowing that it was either an expensive repair or a lengthy DIY. I passed on the DIY and took it to the dealer. Didn't cost me my first born but wasn't cheap (780). If there's ever a next time, I'll attempt the DIY.

[WOT Bimmer]

Does anyone have the specs for:

1. Valve cover torque
2. Spark plug torque
3. Spark plug gap

[mentos876]

yeap looks like valve cover gasket . i gotta do mine to. let me know where did u order the parts.

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by mentos876

yeap looks like valve cover gasket . i gotta do mine to. let me know where did u order the parts.

Dude I posted all the parts you need just read the thread.

[WOT Bimmer]

Originally Posted by kd8ksn

Does anyone have the specs for:

1. Valve cover torque
2. Spark plug torque
3. Spark plug gap

Anyone? I've heard so many different specs that I am a little confused as to which ones are correct.

[e92oholic]

Originally Posted by kd8ksn

Anyone? I've heard so many different specs that I am a little confused as to which ones are correct.

until they are tight, ive done tons of them. make sure you get all new rubber washers

[der_kommissar]

Originally Posted by Bartman619

FYI...if you're CPO then it's covered. I had mine fixed under CPO.

I as well. Twice, actually, as I acquired a leak at the eccentric sensor shortly thereafter too.

[yura290]

Ah mine looks just the same... Too lazy to do it tho...

[ska///235i]

there are torque wrenches that are "inch" lbs....
Using a "ft lb" torque wrench to torque 5lbs is ridiculous