[k90]

Originally Posted by PizzaBoy_N52

Regardless of weather or not they were tightened to spec, if the gasket isn't leaking then that can't be my issue can it?

Your gasket is leaking into sparkplug tubes. It's an issue- not sure if the issue. that will cause misfires and eventually failure of ignition coils.

Optimistic theory about burnt oil in sparkplug electrodes:
Mechanic used word burnt so there is some hope. At least he didn't use word fresh.
Oil from prior PCV or VC. It takes a while for residue oil to exit if it gets to the cylinder. Piston can be visibly wet from oil for days.

Origin of residue oil:

• Already in cylinder
• PCV tubing if not rinsed
• From spark plug tubes as spark plugs were replaced

Here is a plan that is easy and inexpensive:

• Use ie. rags to remove all liquid oil from sparkplug tubes
• Clean the coils. Avoid pushing oil further in the coil. Use rag and small screw driver. Then clean rag and degreaser spray. For example.
• Maybe give bolts surrounding the leaking sparkplug tubes 90degrees more torque. EDIT: actually cannot recommend anything, but all new bolts.
• When oil has been removed replace spark plugs with new spark plugs
• Drive couple of days
• Inspect spark plugs(electrode side) for signs of oil
• Conclusions and reporting to forums

[k90]

Originally Posted by Suvorovo

Oil coming out of the oil fill cap? Your mechanic said the pressure is good though. If you turned your valve cover upside down, some oil could have gone down and clogged the PCV. Usually people replace PCVs on plastic valve covers during gasket jobs.

There are also gaskets that go around the spark plug wells. Given what you just told us, maybe those weren't tightened or seated properly. Check the spark plug wells.

I'd redo the whole job and torque to spec

1. Replace valve cover and PCV. Can't guarantee your old valve cover wasn't damaged from over torqueing.
2. New Gasket and Bolt kit
3. Gear wrench makes a nice 30-200 inch pound torque wrench, please use at least a decent one. I use the gear wrench 30-250inch pound one. It's slightly cheaper.

Isn't PCV integrated part of the plastic valve cover?

[Suvorovo]

Originally Posted by k90

Isn't PCV integrated part of the plastic valve cover?

Yes. I have the metal valve cover. Not sure if you have to buy the PCV separately when purchasing the plastic one.

90 degrees might be enough to snap the bolts. Do not hand torque these things!!

You have a BMW, you just can't cheap out certain things. You're doing the work yourself, you should spend the extra money on doing the work right, not twice. Or three times if doing another 90 degree turn goes south.