This do-it-yourself will mostly deal with replacing the valve cover gasket (and related gaskets) on N51 and N52N engines. The revised N52 engine uses a plastic valve cover with an integrated PCV valve, as opposed to the original N52 engines’ magnesium valve cover and external crankcase vent valve. Contrary to the magnesium valve cover, which requires specialized aluminum screws (which are also prone to breaking), the N51 and N52N engines’ valve covers have encapsulated components, therefore they do not require replacement of the valve cover screws.
In This Article...
What does a BMW valve cover gasket do?
When you’re stuck in traffic, does your BMW smell burning? Have you seen any oil stains on your driveway or garage floor? Your valve cover gasket might be dripping.
The valve cover is a component that covers the top of the cylinder head and prevents dirt and oil from entering. It also includes the timing chain in some engines. A gasket that seals the junction between the cover and the cylinder head is present.
These gaskets begin to leak after a while on many European engines, especially some four and six cylinder BMW engines. If yours is doing this, there’s no need to get alarmed. It’s not a task to put off, though, for very long. Here is more information about the issue and how we resolve it before you run to your preferred BMW repair professional.
How long does it take a BMW mechanic to replace the valve cover gasket?
BMW Valve Cover Gasket Replacement typically takes 2 to 8 hours, depending on the model. It is always recommended to have German Car Depot inspect before providing a price quote because the cost to replace the gaskets varies depending on the BMW engine and model.
What results in a leaking BMW valve cover gasket?
valve cover gasket for a BMW The gasket is sensitive and vulnerable to harm, thus prolonged exposure to dust, debris, and heat will lead it to brittlely and break over time, losing its ability to stop leaks.
Can I change the valve cover gasket on my own?
While the process differs depending on the engine, replacing a valve cover gasket is pretty simple. Typically, getting to the valve cover itself is the most difficult aspect. The first step could also be the final one. Try carefully tightening down the valve cover bolts or using a torque wrench before disassembling everything.
What is the price of changing a gasket on a BMW?
Because of their svelte design and potent performance, BMWs are among the most well-known luxury automobile consumer brands.
BMWs can be expensive to purchase due to a few strange peculiarities, though. The head gasket is one issue. The head gasket in your BMW is an essential part of the engine and should be replaced right away if it is damaged.
A replacement BMW head gasket will typically cost you around $3,200. Between $2,900 at the low end and $3,600 at the high end, is the usual price range. The precise cost will vary based on the particular BMW model you own, the age of your vehicle, and the mechanic’s location.
The price of replacing a BMW head gasket depends on a number of factors. As a result, we today created this thorough essay on the price to replace a BMW head gasket. We will talk about typical costs for different BMW models as well as the price of replacing head gaskets.
What does a BMW valve cover cost?
Estimate for replacing the valve cover gasket on a BMW 328i. The typical price to repair the valve cover gasket on a BMW 328i ranges from $581 to $713. Between $80 and $82 is the projected price for parts, while labor costs range between $501 and $632.
How much does a new valve cover gasket cost?
Depending on the make and model of the car, a valve gasket repair typically costs between $110 and $340. The pieces only cost a few dollars, between $10 and $40. The majority of the cost, which ranges from $100 to $300, is labor.
Due to variations in the accessibility of the valve cover gasket, labor expenses can vary dramatically. Most manufacturers produce valve cover gaskets that can be installed without further disassembling the engine. Some, like turbo piping, need to be removed from other parts in order to be serviced, which raises the overall cost.
Comparing costs in your area can help you save money because pricing varies by location and even by shop.
What is the turnaround time for a valve cover gasket replacement?
For many vehicles, the price of replacing the valve cover gasket varies greatly. This is typically caused by the variance in labor costs for carrying out such a task across various engine designs.
Replacement of the valve cover gasket can frequently be done in 1-2 hours with only minimal labor costs. On other, more complicated engines, the same task could take up to 4-5 hours to accomplish. Of course, the labor cost will be substantially higher for this.
Additionally, the price of valve cover gaskets varies greatly from vehicle to vehicle. Some only cost $15, while others sell for well over $100 at retail. This must be taken into account when estimating the total cost of such repairs.
However, the typical cost of replacing a valve cover gasket ranges from $90-$400. The lower end of this pricing range often refers to a replacement on a 4-cylinder domestic engine, whilst the higher end of this range deals with a replacement on a foreign-made “V” type engine.
Why do valve covers on BMWs leak?
Gaskets on valve covers Because of wear and tear, your valve cover gasket may leak. Your engine oil will quickly run out due to these leaks.
Why do BMW valve covers consist of plastic?
Due to frequent heating and cooling, the majority of BMW valve covers and intake manifolds are made of plastic to lighten their weight and lower production costs, but as with most things that deteriorate with time, these components are prone to warpage and gasket failure.
Do valve cover gaskets have sealant?
Remove the old gasket by peeling it off, then wipe the valve cover with a clean cloth and brake cleaner. The engine’s gasket mating surfaces should then be cleaned. To clean the area between the timing belt cover and cylinder head of any remaining old RTV, use a plastic putty knife (never a metal one). With the use of a rag, prevent the old RTV from falling into the engine. Apply fresh RTV in the same spots and attach the replacement gasket after the cover and mating surfaces are clean and dry. Applying sealant on the gasket’s face will defeat its purpose as valve cover gaskets are made to seal “dry.”
The project is completed by tightening the valve cover nuts to the torque recommendations in your shop manual. Remember that the specifications for valve cover bolts are typically displayed in inch/lbs., not foot/lbs. Divide by 12 to convert from inch/lbs to foot/lbs.
Fire it up after replacing all of the cables, hoses, ignition parts, and electrical connectors.
How much does a BMW oil pan gasket replacement cost?
Replacement oil pan gaskets for BMW 328i models typically cost between $799 and $966. While parts are priced at $160, labor costs are predicted to range from $639 to $806. Taxes and other fees are not included in this range, nor are your particular model year or geographic area taken into account. Additional fixes could be required.
How serious is a valve cover gasket leak?
Yes, to answer briefly. Running your car for an extended period of time without examination and maintenance if your engine is losing oil can result in irreparable harm.
The top of the engine will probably be covered with oil if the gasket is worn out since it will leak engine oil. Additionally, it may subject your engine to dust, debris, and other contaminants that could harm it permanently. To avoid catastrophic engine damage, you must get a replacement right away. Ask your mechanic to check the valve cover as well whenever the valve cover gasket has to be changed.
How do I stop the oil leak from my valve cover?
The best course of action is to apply BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak if you discover leakage signs. Any oil leaks in the engine of your car are guaranteed to be fixed by adding 8 oz. of BlueDevil oil stop leak to the engine oil. Unlike other stop leak products on the market today, BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak is not a petroleum distillate. That means BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak won’t clog or harm your engine in any way, but it can serve as a valve cover gasket sealer and stay in your engine oil until your next oil change. By restoring dried, broken, or shrinked seals to their normal size and form, BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak enables them to reseal and stop your leak.
Pick up BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak right away at one of the participating BlueDevil auto parts retailers:
- O’Reilly Automotive
- Boys Pep
- Auto components at CarQuest
- Bentley Automobile Supply
- NAPA
- AutoZone
- Automotive Warehouse Prime
- Advance Automotive
Does the valve cover gasket require RTV sealant?
Some molded rubber gaskets require the application of RTV as an additional sealant because of their form and construction.
- Please be aware that the entire gasket should not be covered in RTV; instead, the gasket should be placed dry and clean.
- RTV must only be applied to gasket corners and/or gaps in stepped casting sections. Filling in the spaces with a modest amount of RTV will ensure a leak-free assembly.
- RTV is frequently sprayed to the engine’s corners or stepped sections in order to prevent smearing during component installation.
With a rubber gasket, should you use gasket sealer?
Only in extreme cases, when a flange is very uneven and it could help to cover any gaps, and when leakage of the sealant would not be a problem, would we advise using gasket sealants in addition to our solid gaskets. Similar to gasket materials, there are various kinds of gasket sealants that can be used for various applications. As a general rule, you don’t need a lot of gasket sealant! For the majority of uses, a very small amount skimmed over a surface to fill any slight indents is all that is needed.
Since they are restoring older components, automotive applications frequently combine solid gaskets and gasket sealant. Cheaper gasket materials can be strengthened with gasket sealant, improving adhesion and chemical and water resistance.
RTV sealants, which require room temperature to cure, are vulcanizing materials. Anaerobic sealants, which do not harden upon setting and retain a constant seal, are non-setting compounds.
To make a seal, liquid gaskets are employed. These are utilized purely as a liquid and not in conjunction with a solid gasket. They offer various advantages. Materials for liquid gaskets are not offered by RAM.
Do you seal rubber gaskets with adhesive?
The majority of rubber gaskets are used to seal machines or to facilitate sealing. Gasket sealant is a typical tool used to enable a better fit while fitting into the application, even though most gaskets don’t need it. Once the gasket has been properly installed, this type of sealant also guards against any sliding. Your machinery will be guarded against leaks and debris by a sturdy gasket. Knowing the type of gasket you are using is crucial since you might not actually require gasket sealant. You won’t require sealant if your machine or product already has a robust gasket that is pre-fitted.
Are BMW oil leaks frequent?
Despite having excellent engineering and craftsmanship, BMWs experience problems just like every other vehicle. Many BMW engines develop oil leaks, which require costly and time-consuming repairs.