[mlifxs]

here's a pic of the passenger side of the engine compartment of my e90 2007 328i N52

lately getting a "burnt" smell from my engine compartment, took a look. Looks like oil may be leaking around the star shaped bolts and pooling down at the mount in the lower left of the picture.

otherwise no signs of problems in how the car drives, accelerates etc.

is bad valve cover gasket a likely culprit here? appreciate any comments. Sorry the pic is so big.

[queensfield]

Either valve cover gasket or broken bolts or oil filter housing gasket. Poke at the bolts to see if any have sheared off. Also check around the oil filter housing, where a leak may run down to the valve cover and make it appear like the valve cover gasket is leaking.

[mlifxs]

thanks for that!

[intensee92]

The oil filter housing gasket is a common problem I know for sure so you should get that fixed anyways... but this kind of looks like the vc gasket leaking...

[mlifxs]

has anyone DIY'd the valve cover gasket? If yes did you find anything technically difficult / tricky?

[raceyBMW]

Definitely looks like valve cover.

I have heard its a little tricky on the N52 because of the valvetronic, should be a DIY on here somewhere though.

[mlifxs]

Originally Posted by raceyBMW

Definitely looks like valve cover.

I have heard its a little tricky on the N52 because of the valvetronic, should be a DIY on here somewhere though.

from searching around here and elsewhere, perhaps it's possible to simply replace broken bolts and reduce the complexity?

went ahead and ordered 8 bolts from Tischer, thinking (maybe) that will do it. will go to my local dealership if the gaskets are needed and the rest of the screws are needed.

[mlifxs]

Originally Posted by intensee92

The oil filter housing gasket is a common problem I know for sure so you should get that fixed anyways... but this kind of looks like the vc gasket leaking...

thanks for the oil filter housing idea , it looks okay but good that you made me look and confirm