[E91 M Sport]

Found it. My valvetronic motor seal was leaking and filled the spot where the 3rd bolt was. Cover is off!

[E91 M Sport]

So I got the job done but not without getting sidetracked with some issues putting everything back together that were totally un-related. I mean what kind of job doesn't necessitate the purchase of tools that you probably won't ever use again right?

For me the center strut brace began to cross thread. No one local had just the 12mmx1.5 tap so I had to purchase an entire set, which I totally figured would have to happen. ($85)

The second item I had to purchase was the radiator vent tube. This one was totally my fault because in my haste to remove the cover the tube snapped right at the connector. Not being able to wait for a shipped part (less $$) I went to the dealer and paid ($85)! When I went to install it I didn't want to put on your typical worm clamp so I purchased some pinch clamps (like OEM) along with the pinch clamp pliers. ($45)

All in all this isn't a job you want to do if you're in a rush. I did the tear down the night before, bagged and tagged, all the hardware and wiped down everything that I took off. The following morning is when I did the dirty work and it was messy. In my case I think the valvetronic gasket was most likely the leak rather than the VCG.

Happy to say that other than the vent tube I only broke 2 plastic tabs putting everything back together and learned a lot more about the construction of my ride in the process.

[wilysb]

My car sat in my driveway for a few months and I noticed smoke from the engine in my car for the first few minutes that I started driving it. Took it to my mechanic.

Cost me $375 ($310 labor + $60 parts). Took 5 hours. My mechanic is amazing, honest, and I trust him completely. He also recommended LiquiMoly a few years ago and I've been very happy with it. He showed me the old gasket. It was brittle and and was snapping in multiple places.

If you're in the bay area - Doh at Perform Transmission.

Thanks,
sb

[desertman123]

Originally Posted by wilysb

My car sat in my driveway for a few months and I noticed smoke from the engine in my car for the first few minutes that I started driving it. Took it to my mechanic.

Cost me $375 ($310 labor + $60 parts). Took 5 hours. My mechanic is amazing, honest, and I trust him completely. He also recommended LiquiMoly a few years ago and I've been very happy with it. He showed me the old gasket. It was brittle and and was snapping in multiple places.

If you're in the bay area - Doh at Perform Transmission.

Thanks,
sb

Thats a fantastic price for this. He must be experienced with these motors.