I'm about to install my gasket.
So, it sounds like a very thin layer of gasket maker just smeared on the metal part of the gasket on both sides is the way go?
I will get the
Permatex Optimum Black. It's
similar to Ultra Black, but specified for dissimilar metals and more flex for vibration resistance.
It's interesting that Loctite 5970 is mentioned in the parts catalogue, but not in the service manual.
On a side note, I find that many sealants/liquids specified by BMW are a fast-setting version of the available sealants, which makes sense for dealerships as they cannot wait 24 hours for it to cure before refilling fluids and get the car out of the bay.
This is also true for some bushing retaining compounds specified in the manual.