[dab1981]

Hello,

I have a 2009 328i w/ 92k miles and I am going to replace the valve cover gasket as a preventative measure. If it doesn't need it now, it probably will soon. I have already replaced the OFHG and the oil pan gasket, which both were leaking oil. Anyway, while I am in there, should I replace the eccentric shaft sensor at the same time? I currently have no reason to believe there is anything wrong with it, but I'd hate for something to happen in the near future and have to take the valve cover back off.

Searching older posts range from "the if it ain't broke.." response to definitely. I'm asking now that more time has gone on and there might be more experience on this with higher mileage vehicles than there was in the past.

Thanks!

[CTinline-six]

Probably not necessary, but if you do decide to replace the sensor, I would only use an OEM part and nothing else.

[dpaul]

Originally Posted by dab1981

Hello,

I have a 2009 328i w/ 92k miles and I am going to replace the valve cover gasket as a preventative measure. If it doesn't need it now, it probably will soon. I have already replaced the OFHG and the oil pan gasket, which both were leaking oil. Anyway, while I am in there, should I replace the eccentric shaft sensor at the same time? I currently have no reason to believe there is anything wrong with it, but I'd hate for something to happen in the near future and have to take the valve cover back off.

Searching older posts range from "the if it ain't broke.." response to definitely. I'm asking now that more time has gone on and there might be more experience on this with higher mileage vehicles than there was in the past.

Thanks!

If it ain't broke still applies. There is no way to predict when your VCG is going to fail. Most do but some don't. Even if it does start leaking, it generally does not require immediate attention. Try not to obsess. Unless you just get a warm feeling from spending money and time when you don't have to.

[tlow98]

No. The ESS 99.9% of the time fails because the small seal surrounding it fails. So, you would only need to replace this seal to move on with peace of mind.

Getting back to the original question; the VCG. Leave it. There's a decent chance you might start off worse than where you began. Brittle vacuum hoses and the VCG seal itself are not guaranteed to be a breeze. Also, the PCV will likely separate from the VCG int he operation.

If you're not prepared for all of this then just keep driving and keep smiling.

[bluewater328]

My advice would be to leave it if you don't show any signs of a problem. Having a leaking valve cover doesn't grenade the engine unless you ignore everything and don't refill oil as prompted. Most people don't even really need to put in a lot of extra oil when the gasket has failed — mine wasn't even a quart between oil changes. Certainly not to the point where components are being starved.

If it ever gets to that point, consider the whole shebang: Full valve cover with gaskets and YES, replace the ESS — if you're gonna do the job, why make yourself go through that pain twice. I've seen a few people repeat the job because of it. Also the plastic valve covers tend to crack.

But again, until you get some indication that the gaskets or ESS is going, there is no reason for preventive maintenance.

[tlow98]

Also, in general, the E90 platform is much more durable than the E46 platform. It seems as tho your E46 mindset is prevailing here, and that's totally understandable.

I moved from E36 to E46 to E90 and each time some adjustment in thought process was necessary. The E90 is much more durable and reliable than the E46 - to the point where preventive maintenance is all but unnecessary, except with respect to the OFHG, belt tensioner, and belt. Nothing else is potentially catastrophic on the N52, including the head gasket.

These cars are tanks...(for the BMW world, anyway)

Your wallet and your mind will thank you when your E46 imposed PTSD goes away :-)

[banglenot]

The ESS often as a visible failure mode on the N52.

Unclip the connector at the top front of the valve cover. ESS's failed because of poor sealing design in the sensor end. Often, oil will be forced up into the connector plug (yes, I've seen it) and you'll find oil in there when you open it. BTW, a failing ESS gasket doesn't seem to be the cause of this problem. BUT VCG kits include the ESS plug gasket and the actuator gasket, so do all three as a matter of practice.

Some people blow out the oil with contact cleaner (or brake cleaner) and keep using it, figuring it'll give an ESS code when it fails.

If it's clean, you're probably OK for awhile (no telling how long). If you have oil in the connector, it's on it's way, so replace it.

I'd say PM it, but the damn thing is expensive. If you're fine with the cost, at 97K, do it when you do the VCG. Otherwise, wait for failure. Also have heard complaints about non-OEM versions, so stick to OEM or BMW. VDO (OEM) is $200, BMW is $400 at fcpeuro.

Also, when you do it (use newtis.com) make damn sure you plug all the fun places in the timing area when you can drop a bolt....

[dab1981]

Thanks everyone! I think I'm going to hold off. I checked it today and didn't see any sign of oil leakage. I appreciate the advice!