[ZeroSum]

Maybe its just me being well me but is this a cause for concern? Basically yesterday I got a call from the Dealership after taking my car in for an oil change that I have a VCG leaking on the back side. I knew something was wrong as I have had to put in a few quarts of oil over the last couple of thousand miles. Now my question is, is this something that like needs to get fixed today or this weekend (I would be doing it myself and not paying 880 from the dealer) or can this wait. Also while Im in there what else would you replace to knock a few birds out with one stone. Lastly, could this be the cause of rough idle? Thanks for all the help.

[bimmerquick43321]

My car run with no issues during 2-3 years with a leaking valve cover gasket, so don't stress over this, take your time.

For other parts to change as long as you're there I'll leave it to some other folks here that actually done them, but I'm guessing vanos unit gaskets? other?

[hassmaschine]

it can wait. Personally unless it was a really bad leak I'd just leave it be..

[Volasko]

Ecentric shaft sensor comes to mind while you have her opened up. With any leaks they are not a major concern unless you let the oil level fall too low, but by then I'm sure the car would warn you.

[rich123321]

+1 with the eccentric shaft sensor

[mir-ali604]

I would advise trying to change it sooner rather than later. I also just found a leak in my VCG, but the issue arises where the oil can leak into electrical components in the engine. If you do further research, you will find other posts where the oil can leak into engine coils and spark plugs. In your case, the rough idle is actually caused by the VCG leak because the same thing happened to me and I was forced to replace the coils recently.

[redline2001]

If you have a N51 engine the repair is covered under warranty if your state has adopted the SULEV warranty. Look in warranty book for the info

[bimmerquick43321]

Originally Posted by Ali604

I would advise trying to change it sooner rather than later. I also just found a leak in my VCG, but the issue arises where the oil can leak into electrical components in the engine. If you do further research, you will find other posts where the oil can leak into engine coils and spark plugs. In your case, the rough idle is actually caused by the VCG leak because the same thing happened to me and I was forced to replace the coils recently.

I changed my ignition coils, valve cover gasket still leaking, don't remember how many but a few spark plugs had oil on them, 1 year later I replaced the valve cover gasket, before replacing it:

- I didn't have any rough idle or weird missfires or anything else
- Ignition coils still in good condition.

Seriously I wouldn't stress at all over this, not saying something bad couldn't happen, but all my cars (and I'm not exagerating, all of them) had leaking valve cover gaskets and never had an issue.

But yes I could see the oil maybe creating some issues especially of the sparkplugs and/or coils were starting to be due soon anyway...

[TreyR28]

I had my valve cover replaced a few weeks ago, and I had waited about 3 months to fix it and put 4k miles on it. Dealer told me it was the gasket leaking, had my indy go to replace the gasket and the cover had a crack in it. Was gonna be ~$450 for just the gasket and labor, but ended up being $930 because of the cover. The dealer had quoted me $750 for just the gasket. My car has a N51 with 79k on it.

[ZeroSum]

Originally Posted by redline2001

If you have a N51 engine the repair is covered under warranty if your state has adopted the SULEV warranty. Look in warranty book for the info

The dealership had no idea what Im talking about. I called BMW Corporate they had no idea what Im talking about.

[Wolf 335]

This would be a good time to address your PCV hose and valve that's in the Valve cover as preventative maintenance

[nycbr]

Originally Posted by rfinger

The dealership had no idea what Im talking about. I called BMW Corporate they had no idea what Im talking about.

SULEV vehicles have an extended 150K warranty on certain parts that can effect emissions, which covered my leaking valve cover gasket, but I dont think it applies in Tennessee.

"The California Emissions Control System Limited Warranty applies to all 2008 U.S. specification BMW SULEV (PZEV) vehicles sold, leased, and/or registered in California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island or Vermont."

[Dracon]

Originally Posted by rfinger

The dealership had no idea what Im talking about. I called BMW Corporate they had no idea what Im talking about.

I don't think TN is a SULEV warranty state.

Where in TN are you? I can recommend a good shop in the Nashville area that's owned by two ex-BMW Master Techs that are friends of mine. Much cheaper than the dealership, and they know these vehicles inside and out and can advise on things to watch out for and stuff like that.

VCG is a pain in the ass on these cars. I did it the first time on my old 330i because it was leaking... Took me forever and a day. Second time I had to replace it because of the eccentric shaft sensor failed, called my friend over and he had it replaced in a little over an hour.

[ZeroSum]

Im in the Memphis Area.

[Dracon]

Originally Posted by rfinger

Im in the Memphis Area.

I'm sorry. I got the hell outta there a few years back. Was just there about two weeks ago to visit my parents and just surprising how that city has gone downhill.

Don't know too many shops around there anymore, but you could check the River City Bimmers group in Facebook. They are a pretty good bunch of guys and always willing to help out.

[patents]

Memphis Motor Werks is a great independent shop. They specialize in BMWs. I had horrible service at the local dealer and will never step foot in there again. Many people in Memphis go to the dealer in Little Rock for service.

[patents]

Originally Posted by ZeroSum

The dealership had no idea what Im talking about. I called BMW Corporate they had no idea what Im talking about.

Yes they do, they just did my VCG under SULEV warranty. PM me and I'll tell you who to talk to.

That is, if you haven't changed it already.

[ZeroSum]

Originally Posted by patents

Yes they do, they just did my VCG under SULEV warranty. PM me and I'll tell you who to talk to.

That is, if you haven't changed it already.

Yeah I changed it already. Went to Alpine close to my house. VCG, VC, Spark Plugs, and coils