[Pilarskica]

I'ts finally time to replace mine. I've been gradually getting parts over the summer and planning on doing it when it cools down in the fall.

My whole idea with my cars is when I do something like this, I replace everything that could go wrong so I don't have to do it again, but that's a double edged sword:

Parts acquired so far:
- new valve cover
- Valve cover gasket
- spark plug tubes
- spark plugs
- coil packs
- ESS

I watched a video and read some posts. Where is the tube in the back that is brittle as hell and snaps.

is it this:
BMW Crankcase Vent Hose Oil Separator PCV Pipe To Valve Cover 11 15 7 522 931

The other question I had was removing the valvetronic motor. How do I remove it? The video mentioned tightening the motor, then cycling the ignition a few times?

Any other tips? I've been reading forum posts and youtube videos trying to cover all the angles.

Thanks for your help.

[hassmaschine]

There's a hex key in the end of the VVT motor. Turn it all the way clockwise until it stops. Then, unbolt it. If you just unbolt it without doing this, you risk breaking the motor. Normally you don't need to do anything when you put it back in (it should still be turned full clockwise).

[Pilarskica]

Thanks that was what I was wondering. Will the car calibrate it when I put the key in put it in ACC ?

[hassmaschine]

yep.

[atmosphericM]

Don't forget to add MILVS to your list of necessary parts.

[Pilarskica]

Is it a good idea to do an oil change afterwards?


My main fear is whatever that hose is in the back breaking and i'm screwed until I can get another one.

[hassmaschine]

I would buy a new hose beforehand. I didn't break it on my 330i, but the one on our E91 crumbled into pieces as soon as I touched it.

If you don't break it you can just return the new hose, or keep it for the future (like if you do the 3 stage manifold swap).

I don't think an oil change is necessary. I vacuumed the top of my engine before removing the cover, but it's not like there's a lot of dirt going in there.

[Pilarskica]

It looks like to replace that breather hose i'd have to take the intake manifold out. Should I plan on that anyways for more clearance?

https://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tec...eplacement.htm

https://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tec...eplacement.htm

[hassmaschine]

no, it's not necessary. I would only replace the hose if it broke, and you don't need to remove the manifold for clearance.

it's just better to have it on hand, rather than having an "oh shit, now what?" moment..

[Pilarskica]

That's what i'm trying to do.

I'm assuming this is the part:

https://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin...rTech%23item14

[bluewater328]

A new valvecover (well at least OEM) will come with all the gaskets preinstalled (Valvetronic, ESS, tubes, VC gasket) but you will need the new spark plug sleeves/tubes/whatever.

[chris82]

Originally Posted by Pilarskica

I'ts finally time to replace mine. I've been gradually getting parts over the summer and planning on doing it when it cools down in the fall.

My whole idea with my cars is when I do something like this, I replace everything that could go wrong so I don't have to do it again, but that's a double edged sword:

Parts acquired so far:
- new valve cover
- Valve cover gasket
- spark plug tubes
- spark plugs
- coil packs
- ESS

I watched a video and read some posts. Where is the tube in the back that is brittle as hell and snaps.

is it this:
BMW Crankcase Vent Hose Oil Separator PCV Pipe To Valve Cover 11 15 7 522 931

The other question I had was removing the valvetronic motor. How do I remove it? The video mentioned tightening the motor, then cycling the ignition a few times?

Any other tips? I've been reading forum posts and youtube videos trying to cover all the angles.

Thanks for your help.

This repair is covered under the N51 15yr/150k mile warranty. Dealer did mine for free (2009 model, 82k miles). They did the VCG, ESS, and something else for a grand total of a whopping $0. I believe coils are covered too, maybe spark plugs but not sure, the SA will have to look it up for you (was unable to get a list of parts under this warranty)

[bluewater328]

Originally Posted by chris82

This repair is covered under the N51 15yr/150k mile warranty. Dealer did mine for free (2009 model, 82k miles). They did the VCG, ESS, and something else for a grand total of a whopping $0. I believe coils are covered too, maybe spark plugs but not sure, the SA will have to look it up for you (was unable to get a list of parts under this warranty)

Surprised they did the VCG and ESS for you. Those are usually considered wear items. Stick with that dealer and SA....

[BimmerNugget]

Originally Posted by chris82

This repair is covered under the N51 15yr/150k mile warranty. Dealer did mine for free (2009 model, 82k miles). They did the VCG, ESS, and something else for a grand total of a whopping $0. I believe coils are covered too, maybe spark plugs but not sure, the SA will have to look it up for you (was unable to get a list of parts under this warranty)

Hey I'm from NY too. Would you mind sharing which dealer?

My VCG is very very slightly leaking. I just see a little oil residue. I'd like to get this taken care of under SULEV warranty if possible.

[lab_rat]

Originally Posted by chris82

This repair is covered under the N51 15yr/150k mile warranty. Dealer did mine for free (2009 model, 82k miles). They did the VCG, ESS, and something else for a grand total of a whopping $0. I believe coils are covered too, maybe spark plugs but not sure, the SA will have to look it up for you (was unable to get a list of parts under this warranty)

I can also confirm the SULEV/N51 emissions warranty coverage.

When I bought my daughter's 07 328i (N51) from the original owner in SoCal, the car had already had the emissions warranty work (VCG, ESS, and PCV) replaced at the dealer.

Bonus find:
I also had emissions warranty work done on her car since it's been in Texas. So if you have an N51, I can also confirm your covered for emissions warranty work - even in non-California emission states.

[CameroN7887]

Originally Posted by chris82

This repair is covered under the N51 15yr/150k mile warranty. Dealer did mine for free (2009 model, 82k miles). They did the VCG, ESS, and something else for a grand total of a whopping $0. I believe coils are covered too, maybe spark plugs but not sure, the SA will have to look it up for you (was unable to get a list of parts under this warranty)

+1 on the VCG and ESS sensor replacement on my 2008 with 97k miles, North Scottsdale BMW replaced them for me and paid for my rental from enterprise with me being under 21! Great service from that dealership

[CameroN7887]

Originally Posted by chris82

This repair is covered under the N51 15yr/150k mile warranty. Dealer did mine for free (2009 model, 82k miles). They did the VCG, ESS, and something else for a grand total of a whopping $0. I believe coils are covered too, maybe spark plugs but not sure, the SA will have to look it up for you (was unable to get a list of parts under this warranty)

Two pictures are all the covered parts for my 2008 N51 sent to me from my SA.

[chris82]

Originally Posted by CameroN7887

Two pictures are all the covered parts for my 2008 N51 sent to me from my SA.

That is awesome! Thank you sir!

[CameroN7887]

Originally Posted by chris82

That is awesome! Thank you sir!

Anytime bro!

[wdb]

Wow. I had no idea my 2007 328i came with a 4-year 70K mile warranty!

[3.1L Z]

For the breather hose. Use 2 picks. One 90 degree and one straight pick. Wrap some tape around the handle of the 90 degree pick, slide under the clip lock and attach the tape to the car so it doesn't fall out or end up on the bottom engine cover. Take the straight pick and insert it under the other side of the clip and hold it there with left hand. With your right hand grab the foam covered plastic hose and twist and pull...this piece is much stronger than the brittle one coming from the valve cover. You won't break this one...just keep pulling it and moving the pick with your left hand..it comes apart.