[jsoto]

I am revitalizing this thread. I have a 2009 335i with 120k miles. My valve cover has been leaking for sometime now. I used this thread and the ECS Tuning step by step instructions. Both have been very helpful.

A couple of notes from my experience:
I disconnected the battery first so I could disconnect the battery wires and so fuel wouldn’t squirt out. Opened gas cap too. Only a bit came out of the fuel rail.

I used an angled pick to get the spark plug tubes out. Worked out great.

The vent hose on the back was a bear to remove. I should have cut it in half as I had a new one to install.

I was afraid to separate the vacuum lines by the fuel rail so I removed them from under the plastic cylinders (whatever you call them)

I moved the expansion tank out of the way for more room.

I took the fuel rail out in one piece. I didn’t remove individual rails to each injector.

I zip tied all the cables and wires out of the way.

I loosened all the vc bolts and tried to remove it but it wouldn’t budge. I thought maybe the gasket was stuck to the head. After looking around I forgot to loosen one bolt. What a goof!

Cylinder #6 was full of oil. I am so surprised that I didn’t get a misfire. I assume the coil boot make a good seal. I syringed out the oil.

The head mating surface was super clean after removing the vc. I just wiped down the surface really well and didn’t have to use a scotch pad or razor blade. I was shocked.

Old gasket didn’t have any split but must have shrunk creating the oil leak on #6 and at the rear near passenger side.

I did not break anything. Since reading all the replies I knew how to remove everything.

I had all the tools from the ECS write-up.

I torqued down the vc based on the sequence that I had. 8.5nm is not much!!’
I ran the car (no errors) and retorqued. Got another 1/2 turn.