[jbellk75rt]

I'm planning to replace the VCG on my 2010 328xi E91 with 70K miles, it's seeping a bit. If the PCV passes the vacuum test and the valve cover (I assume it's original) still looks good, would you replace the cover at this stage or just the gasket?

[oVeRdOsE.]

Originally Posted by jbellk75rt

I'm planning to replace the VCG on my 2010 328xi E91 with 70K miles, it's seeping a bit. If the PCV passes the vacuum test and the valve cover (I assume it's original) still looks good, would you replace the cover at this stage or just the gasket?

depends of your budget.

OEM cover replacement is expensive, but came with all you need.
Aftermarket might last less.

a gasket kit is what 50$? new pcv is 20$ and vavle tronic gasket is 15$ . eccentric shaft seal is 5-10$


I did only change all those part few years ago, and still running strong on a 170k miles OEM plastic cover.

Note the PCV is a ''destructive'' replacement, and you glue it back, but pretty simple, many DIY.

[StradaRedlands]

FWIW the recommended Elring brand VC is on sale right now: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ng-11127552281

I say that as Elring is pretty respected, and potentially better quality than the generic stuff.

[jbellk75rt]

Originally Posted by oVeRdOsE.

depends of your budget.

OEM cover replacement is expensive, but came with all you need.
Aftermarket might last less.

a gasket kit is what 50$? new pcv is 20$ and vavle tronic gasket is 15$ . eccentric shaft seal is 5-10$


I did only change all those part few years ago, and still running strong on a 170k miles OEM plastic cover.

Note the PCV is a ''destructive'' replacement, and you glue it back, but pretty simple, many DIY.

Budget wise I am definitely a cheap ass. Your reply helps greatly as I drive about 10K a year and the longevity of your repair is what I'm looking for.

[jbellk75rt]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

FWIW the recommended Elring brand VC is on sale right now: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ng-11127552281

I say that as Elring is pretty respected, and potentially better quality than the generic stuff.

Strada, always dependable to come to the aid, thank you. In my research I found several complaints from the past few years that Elring VC had fitment problems with a VC bolt near the firewall. Have you heard if this has been corrected?

[oVeRdOsE.]

new cover is less risky for sure, but come with a cost.
Also the job will be faster.

Maybe in US might be better to go full new, here we got ripped with shipping of large part.

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by jbellk75rt

Strada, always dependable to come to the aid, thank you. In my research I found several complaints from the past few years that Elring VC had fitment problems with a VC bolt near the firewall. Have you heard if this has been corrected?

I haven't heard that specific to Elring. I can't point to a source, but have internalized that Elring=good when referring to VC.
Worth the extra cost over Rein or Chinesium... can't say.

[jbellk75rt]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

I haven't heard that specific to Elring. I can't point to a source, but have internalized that Elring=good when referring to VC.
Worth the extra cost over Rein or Chinesium... can't say.

According to FCP website, Elring is made in China. I haven't settled on a plan of action yet. Will either just replace gaskets and PCV valve or go with OEM valve cover assembly. I just don't want to do it and then have to go back in in six months to do it again. Why 'O why do the gasket gods frown on BMW?

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by jbellk75rt

According to FCP website, Elring is made in China. I haven't settled on a plan of action yet. Will either just replace gaskets and PCV valve or go with OEM valve cover assembly. I just don't want to do it and then have to go back in in six months to do it again. Why 'O why do the gasket gods frown on BMW?

Yeah, I saw that... not made in Germany or even in the EU. But maaaaybe a better factory with QC? Wishful thinking from marketing?

[whyzee125]

Just do the gasket and make sure to torque it correctly

[oVeRdOsE.]

Originally Posted by whyzee125

Just do the gasket and make sure to torque it correctly

for 70k miles, i agree

[ptpending]

if the oil pushed outside thru VCG and/or other parts , then only VCG job will not help

[oVeRdOsE.]

Originally Posted by ptpending

if the oil pushed outside thru VCG and/or other parts , then only VCG job will not help

more details on that?

at 70k miles, there's high chances only the cover gasket is leaking, like 99.9% of old bmw in that era

[ptpending]

Originally Posted by oVeRdOsE.

more details on that?

at 70k miles, there's high chances only the cover gasket is leaking, like 99.9% of old bmw in that era

IMHO thats up to TS decision
because we do not know, if oil pushed thru other gaskets, like crankshaft front and rear, oil pan gasket and so on.

[jbellk75rt]

Originally Posted by oVeRdOsE.

for 70k miles, i agree

Took the engine cover off this morning for a good visual inspection and PCV valve vacuum test. PCV held a vacuum and most of the seepage seems to be coming from the Valvetronic motor gasket. The sensor gasket had minimal seepage and the valve cover itself just minimal seepage. So I am just going to go with gasket replacement kit. I saw one kit that included the spark plug/coil tubes. Do those need to be replaced as well?
When I had my car in for the PCV heater recall they told me it was leaking oil and would catch fire but they'd fix it for $2K. Such nice guys.

I'll be following your E91 engine swap.

[jbellk75rt]

Originally Posted by ptpending

IMHO thats up to TS decision
because we do not know, if oil pushed thru other gaskets, like crankshaft front and rear, oil pan gasket and so on.

No, none of that, it's pretty dry under the engine. PCV valve passed the vacuum test this morning so I'm just going to go with gasket replacement.

[oVeRdOsE.]

Originally Posted by jbellk75rt

Took the engine cover off this morning for a good visual inspection and PCV valve vacuum test. PCV held a vacuum and most of the seepage seems to be coming from the Valvetronic motor gasket. The sensor gasket had minimal seepage and the valve cover itself just minimal seepage. So I am just going to go with gasket replacement kit. I saw one kit that included the spark plug/coil tubes. Do those need to be replaced as well?
When I had my car in for the PCV heater recall they told me it was leaking oil and would catch fire but they'd fix it for $2K. Such nice guys.

I'll be following your E91 engine swap.

yes , spark plug seal need to be done alone with the cover seal. Most kit came with it .

Also, use RTV in the corners of the main seal.

on my n55 it drops, and I had to do the job twice, noticed it on the startup. hard to put back the cover without the seal dropping, so use rtv.

PCV , eccentric and valvetronic, you can do it afterwards, but easier right now.

pcv you need a dremel , cut X shape on the top to pry the pcv cover.

[jbellk75rt]

Originally Posted by oVeRdOsE.

yes , spark plug seal need to be done alone with the cover seal. Most kit came with it .

Also, use RTV in the corners of the main seal.

on my n55 it drops, and I had to do the job twice, noticed it on the startup. hard to put back the cover without the seal dropping, so use rtv.

PCV , eccentric and valvetronic, you can do it afterwards, but easier right now.

pcv you need a dremel , cut X shape on the top to pry the pcv cover.

Thanks Overdose. I was referring to the metal tubes that the coil/spark plug boots slip into. I've already ordered gaskets from FCP but won't actually be doing the job for a few weeks. I've watch half a dozen YouTube videos on the process. Won't be doing the PCV till it craps out. A few guys said you could heat it with a heat gun and pry the old one out.

[StradaRedlands]

jbellk75rt You don't need the tubes, just be careful removing them.
As long as undamaged, very reusable!