[2PInZ]

Hello fellow e90posters,

My 07 328xi (106k miles) has developed a rough idle and loss of power. I've recently changed the spark plugs, replaced the valve cover gasket, dealt with the MAF, and VANOS solenoids. The car was running amazing but this has just come up over the past few weeks.

I've been hearing a windy noise leading me to think there was a vacuum leak somewhere so I took it into a shop I trust and the mechanic checked all the lines and told me the PCV valve is the issue. This unfortunately is attached to the valve cover itself and costs $410 at the dealership.

I've read through posts on here and learned that not only is this a common issue but that valve oem is flimsy and should be replaced with a better non oem part. The part number I'm talking about is 11127552281.

I was hoping to get your thoughts on if I should just buy the part from the dealership or if there were better options online that I should consider. I appreciate your help...thank you.

[MiniXP]

Here's an aftermarket one. $40+shipping.
http://www.rbturbo.com/rbpcv

I just had it installed on my car.

[2PInZ]

Originally Posted by MiniXP

Here's an aftermarket one. $40+shipping.
http://www.rbturbo.com/rbpcv

I just had it installed on my car.

Thanks for the suggestion but my 328xi has a N52 engine, not N54.

[grussauto]

I am battling this right now too with my 2010 with only 77k. I have narrowed it down to the CCV or the MAF. The best price I have found to have a shop plug in their BMW code reader is $120. I have not found any alternative to the OEM. I did find the best price at http://parts.bmwofsouthatlanta.com. $384.

[thomas88162]

Your only real option is to replace the valve cover. As you noted the PCV is integrated into it. I don't believe there is any aftermarket options for this, but the piece in question has been redesigned. Hopefully the new part is not as failure prone, only time will tell.

[2PInZ]

You're right, I'm planning on just replacing the valve cover. When you buy the cover, a new gasket comes with it too so I guess I got a solid 3k miles out the new one I just recently had installed -_-

I understand that the OEM bolts for the valve cover can go bad over time or aren't that great. Any suggestions on better bolts? Or should I just stick with the OEM and bite the bullet whenever that problem arises in the future?

[thomas88162]

Originally Posted by 2PInZ

You're right, I'm planning on just replacing the valve cover. When you buy the cover, a new gasket comes with it too so I guess I got a solid 3k miles out the new one I just recently had installed -_-

I understand that the OEM bolts for the valve cover can go bad over time or aren't that great. Any suggestions on better bolts? Or should I just stick with the OEM and bite the bullet whenever that problem arises in the future?

Honestly, as long as you don't over-torque them you can re-use these ones. They are not aluminum stretch bolts like the ones in the early N52's with a metal valve cover.