[miaheat77]

So i am caught in a bind. Went to dealer to get a wheel and balance on my 09 328i xdrvive, come to find out. I need to replace the eccentric shaft sensor and reseal the valve cover. The dealer quoted me $1,978 plus tax. They claim is a BIG job and it needs to be replaced because is leaking oil.

I wanted to ask for an expert opinion. How hard is it to change the eccentric shaft sensor and reseal the valve cover. I dont have that kind of tools or experience for that matter.

So would of be cheaper for me to do it? or Should i just let the dealer do it for piece of mind and experts.

Thank you in advance any help is appreciated!

[tdavis42]

I would say first off go to an Indy mechanic it's cheaper and secondly if you are doubting your mechanic skills definitely go to an Indy mechanic.

[5tony]

If you've never removed a valve cover, then definitely take it to a mechanic. Can't imagine it would take a good indy more than 3 hours to do the job taking a couple of breaks along the way.

[ctuna]

Lots of stuff to remove look at the video
the part is between 250 and 350 for the sensor
the valve gasket is dirt cheap .
But its a long process.


On a Honda it would be super easy .
Yes Indy mechanic or DIY.

I would also get a second opinion if the cars running good you may not need the sensor.
If there is oil in the electrical plug it might be
the sensor but it might be the oil seal around the
sensor.
If you don't have a warranty stop going to a dealer.

[Aspen235]

I paid about C$1200 at an independent for the job. Note, do the spark plugs while you are in there if they are due.

[Bimmer221]

Its not that hard just a lot of things to keep track of and making sure to do everything slowly. Took my dad and I 3 4 hour days to do it though. We bought the ECS Tuning kit for it but the bolts that come with it dont work.

[Efthreeoh]

Sounds like you fell for the dealer's bait and switch. If your car is running fine and not throwing OBDII codes (SES light on) then leave it alone. Pull the engine cover and check the valve cover for leaks. A little oil seep is nothing to be concerned over.

The dealer is just trying to make money on you. Ask them for a printout of the scan of the engine computer and what codes indicate the ESS is bad. They should have record of the scan on the date you had the car in for service and by your car's VIN. Was there a scan of the car noted on the service receipt? They usually charge $100 to do a scan.