[mike sevel]

'08 E93 61K miles. Indy sez oil filler cap removal while engine running shows excess vacuum so valve cover has to be replaced. He quoted $850 for after market cover and $1010 for BMW cover.
Christmas bills are piling up so how long can I drive it without further damage? Also what is your opinion of the prices?
Thanx,
Mikey

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

I'm not sure what his method is, and I've never heard of an "excess vacuum" issue on these cars before. Does the car run rough, have any codes related to it, or otherwise seem like it's not running well? Typically the valve cover is replaced for a few reasons:

1. It's warped and not sealing properly
2. It's cracked because something hit it
3. The PCV membrane in the N55 is broken

If you don't have any problems, I wouldn't bother replacing it. If it still concerns you, I'd have another mechanic take a look for a second opinion.

Edit: well this is interesting. Take a look at this and see what you think.

http://casestudies.atlanticmotorcar....ther-update-2/

[juanespinoza11]

Originally Posted by mike sevel

'08 E93 61K miles. Indy sez oil filler cap removal while engine running shows excess vacuum so valve cover has to be replaced. He quoted $850 for after market cover and $1010 for BMW cover.
Christmas bills are piling up so how long can I drive it without further damage? Also what is your opinion of the prices?
Thanx,
Mikey

I had my valve cover leak but it was very minimal so I'm sure you'd be fine driving with it. Just keep an eye on the oil.

[pjr710]

Originally Posted by mike sevel

'08 E93 61K miles. Indy sez oil filler cap removal while engine running shows excess vacuum so valve cover has to be replaced. He quoted $850 for after market cover and $1010 for BMW cover.
Christmas bills are piling up so how long can I drive it without further damage? Also what is your opinion of the prices?
Thanx,
Mikey

Do u have an n54. I have a used valve cover in excellent condition i can sell you.

[ryan stewart]

Originally Posted by mike sevel

'08 E93 61K miles. Indy sez oil filler cap removal while engine running shows excess vacuum so valve cover has to be replaced. He quoted $850 for after market cover and $1010 for BMW cover.
Christmas bills are piling up so how long can I drive it without further damage? Also what is your opinion of the prices?
Thanx,
Mikey

Prices arent horrid, most of that is labor because you have to take a ton of stuff off. If you are reasonably handy and could dedicate a day you could do it yourself. Its not hard, just tedious.

But like said, the diagnosis doesnt make a ton of sense. Is he saying there ISNT vac? Is it cracked, etc?

[nsjames]

my junk has had a leaky valve cover for over a year, and probably 35K miles.

I'm just now getting around to it because I'm tired of the smell from oil on the exhaust.

but one of the failure modes for the PCV valve failure is to allow it to pull too much vacuum. It's supposed to regulate crankcase pressure with a membrane style check valve.

here's a good link that describes the operation. It's for an 06, but same principles.
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showt...php?p=20691642