[udm328i]

No time or patience for this, go to the dealer and...

[Hops128i]

Originally Posted by vapore0n

The snapping of bolts is what scared me into paying for someone else to do it.

I'm taking note of this! Didn't realize how often this seems to happen... not sure i'd attempt the VCG now.

[AllBlackBimmer]

I had my valve cover, the gasket, and oil filter housing gasket all replaced at the dealer for $1100... it was a very fair price in my opinion.

If you take it to that same dealer for other work, or bought your car there, ask them for a better price since you are a loyal customer. Dealerships always have room to work with when it involves pricing...

[nycbr]

If you have SULEV the valve cover is covered by warranty

[Hops128i]

Originally Posted by Varjo

What you should do is find a good BMW indi mechanic. Don't just replace the valve cover gasket, replace the entire cover while you're at it. Should walk out for under $800 installed with a good indi.

What are the advantages of replacing the whole valve cover? Is it easier/harder than just the gasket?

[AllBlackBimmer]

Originally Posted by Hops128i

What are the advantages of replacing the whole valve cover? Is it easier/harder than just the gasket?

The covers are plastic and are prone to cracking from the heat. Most likely it is cracked and will need replaced anyway.

Covers are like $375 or so.

[mweisdorfer]

Since your in there. I would do the valve cove gasket 1st and then take off the intake valve cover and do an old fashion gun cleaning kit scrubbing of the intake valves; use seafoam intake valve cleaner as your detergent.

Then do the oil filter housing gasket last.

You will have too or at least should replace the throttle body and intake valve gaskets if your over 75k

[PhaseP]

Originally Posted by Hops128i

I'm taking note of this! Didn't realize how often this seems to happen... not sure i'd attempt the VCG now.

The snapping bolts are on 325/330 1st year N52's that come with magnesium metal valve covers. They are prone to snapping because they are aluminum bolts (not to corrode the magnesium metal valve cover)

328 have plastic valve cover with steel bolts, not likely to snap.

[PhaseP]

Originally Posted by AllBlackBimmer

The covers are plastic and are prone to cracking from the heat. Most likely it is cracked and will need replaced anyway.

Covers are like $375 or so.

Another advantage to replace the whole plastic cover is due to the plastic valve covers have the PCV/oil separator built into them. You get new ones with new covers.

[BeastMode335i]

I have a valve cover for sale for you, $200 shipped No cracks, bends, breaks, etc.. I bought a new one in diagnosing my cars smoking issue, and the valve cover wasn't the issue, I had a fried turbo

It's not a hard job, just tedious and there are plenty of times you'll wish you had midget hands with hulk like strength haha..

[buly34]

I just did my valve cover gasket a few weeks ago. It wasn't hard just took a few hours, make sure you get all the pieces of the old gasket out. My broke apart like hard candy so I used a vacuum to clean everything out. Also parts/brake cleaner works well to get all the old remnants off. Good Luck!

[Vitalität]

Originally Posted by Hops128i

I'm taking note of this! Didn't realize how often this seems to happen... not sure i'd attempt the VCG now.

New bolts once replaced and torque properly to they're specs should last for a while so don't worry about it.