[apc3libras]

I just noticed that my valve cover gasket is leaking oil. It looks like it is seeping out of the cover (probably due to the bolts breaking) and collecting at the bottom of the engine.

For the past week or so, I have noticed a burning smell when I have the heater on. This must be related. I also just had a coolant flush so I'm not sure if this could have something to do with the smell or not.

Has anyone that has had the leak also noticed the burning smell from the vents when the heater is on?

Thanks for your feedback.

[apc3libras]

Anyone had this issue?

[AddictedToBavarian]

I had that issue with my previous car and did smell something burning coming from the vents too. Parts are cheap, but labor is expensive.

[BlackSheep343]

Noticed mine was leaking all over the back side of the engine and headers a while back. Had it replaced under the warranty... Also, the "Oil Return Line/Breather" was cracked and leaking, so they replaced that as well.

Never noticed any burning smells though...

Good Luck

[RupertPupkin]

Originally Posted by apc3libras

I just noticed that my valve cover gasket is leaking oil. It looks like it is seeping out of the cover (probably due to the bolts breaking) and collecting at the bottom of the engine.

For the past week or so, I have noticed a burning smell when I have the heater on. This must be related. I also just had a coolant flush so I'm not sure if this could have something to do with the smell or not.

Has anyone that has had the leak also noticed the burning smell from the vents when the heater is on?

Thanks for your feedback.

Yup. Going to replace my gasket and bolts soon. Mine leaks on the back left and when the smoke comes up gets sucked into the HVAC intake on the left side of the engine bay. Sounds like the same issue. All the parts were under $100 and if youre handy can DIY. Or pay stealer alot, or indy like 6-700. Im just going to DIM.

[apc3libras]

Originally Posted by jimmydever

Yup. Going to replace my gasket and bolts soon. Mine leaks on the back left and when the smoke comes up gets sucked into the HVAC intake on the left side of the engine bay. Sounds like the same issue. All the parts were under $100 and if youre handy can DIY. Or pay stealer alot, or indy like 6-700. Im just going to DIM.

I think I will try to tackle mine too. I have been reading a ton of threads on this and one guy just replaced the broken bolts. He said it was easier than replacing the whole gasket. What do you think about that?

[blacknbean]

yes this is very common. also the oil filter gasket it a common leak as well.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Originally Posted by jimmydever

Yup. Going to replace my gasket and bolts soon. Mine leaks on the back left and when the smoke comes up gets sucked into the HVAC intake on the left side of the engine bay. Sounds like the same issue. All the parts were under $100 and if youre handy can DIY. Or pay stealer alot, or indy like 6-700. Im just going to DIM.

Same thing on my 330ci. back rear corner was leaking very slightly but enough to smell & get sucked into the vent.

Its an easy DIY & a good time to change the plugs too if you need them.

[benzo23]

these cars leak oil like a sieve...lol

[RupertPupkin]

Originally Posted by apc3libras

I think I will try to tackle mine too. I have been reading a ton of threads on this and one guy just replaced the broken bolts. He said it was easier than replacing the whole gasket. What do you think about that?

Depends on mileage. I guess its worth a try. Thing is the bolts are one time use so if you do that and it doesn't fix it, you will need to buy the parts again and do the whole job twice.

After taking off the cowl and getting to the valve cover I think I'd rather just do the whole thing and know I have a fresh gasket. Just my opinion.

[Express]

very easy DIY

[RupertPupkin]

Originally Posted by express705

very easy DIY

I just have one question.

When you undo the two bolts to remove the valvetronic motor, how does it go back in or out?

I know its like a screw on the inside but is there a way to mess up putting that back in? Otherwise seems like a very easy DIY. Probably going to tackle it this weekend.

[Pinarello Rider]

I just did the vcg on my 91 miata - it was easy. If I had the time, I would have done the one on my wife's MZ3 - but I couldn't take the car off the road or risk screwing it up. I'm more confident doing it now, though. Getting at everything in the Miata is a snap, though. Had to remove a few bits - nothing dramatic or controversial, though.

With the MZ3, I noticed oil on one of the spark plugs. Trolled the forums and found that a bad gasket was the likely culprit. Paid an indy shop down the street $180 to replace it. Money well spend, as far as I was concerned.

My moms (now mine) 95 540i MSport (yup, that one) needed a new gasket but I wasn't about to tackle that on that v-8. I took one look at the covers and said "16 years old? Like hell I'm going after that not know EXACTLY how it goes..." $700 later, it's done.

I'm talking out of both sides of my mouth, aren't I...?

[apc3libras]

I have been calling around to a few indy shops that specialize in German repairs and all have been $500+ to replace the VCG. Is it a really hard job or just time consuming? Do you just need access to the engine or underneath the car as well. Sorry for the odd questions.

[ndog14]

Originally Posted by apc3libras

I have been calling around to a few indy shops that specialize in German repairs and all have been $500+ to replace the VCG. Is it a really hard job or just time consuming? Do you just need access to the engine or underneath the car as well. Sorry for the odd questions.

It's time consuming.

What happens with bimmers is that the rubber that is the gasket turns into a plastic from the heat. This is because BMW cheaped out on the rubber. Helped my buddy do his E46 gasket. It was rock hard but that is because it had 115k miles on it though.

[RupertPupkin]

Originally Posted by apc3libras

I have been calling around to a few indy shops that specialize in German repairs and all have been $500+ to replace the VCG. Is it a really hard job or just time consuming? Do you just need access to the engine or underneath the car as well. Sorry for the odd questions.

You only need access to the top of the engine, and will need the parts to do it and about 4-6 hours depending on skill level, maybe even less.

Will need the right tools as well and torque specs. From what I hear the Valve cover bolts are to be torqued to 89in/lbs, or 7.4 ft/lbs. They were over torqued from the factory which resulted in the breakage. I would recommend doing all the bolts as well as the gasket which is relatively inexpensive, and you might as well while its all taken apart.

A good torque wrench that does inch pounds accurately would be a good idea as well as all the parts handy. I have a 2006 330i 6MT and below are the parts I ordered from Tischer.

It was under $90 shipped

11127581215, gasket, 34.16
11120409288, screw set, 26.78
11377516302 Valvetronic gasket, 10.00

I also had the broken head bolt so ordered that as well which was 4 or so dollars.

Good luck.

[Pinarello Rider]

This doesn't sound outrageous - My Miata probably took 2-3 hours from start to finish. The time (and cost) add up quickly, though, from the shops perspective. 4 hours at ~$100/hr is $400. Don't know your exact shop rates, but it's a round number to illustrate.

Originally Posted by jimmydever

You only need access to the top of the engine, and will need the parts to do it and about 4-6 hours depending on skill level, maybe even less.

Will need the right tools as well and torque specs. From what I hear the Valve cover bolts are to be torqued to 89in/lbs, or 7.4 ft/lbs. They were over torqued from the factory which resulted in the breakage. I would recommend doing all the bolts as well as the gasket which is relatively inexpensive, and you might as well while its all taken apart.

A good torque wrench that does inch pounds accurately would be a good idea as well as all the parts handy. I have a 2006 330i 6MT and below are the parts I ordered from Tischer.

It was under $90 shipped

11127581215, gasket, 34.16
11120409288, screw set, 26.78
11377516302 Valvetronic gasket, 10.00

I also had the broken head bolt so ordered that as well which was 4 or so dollars.

Good luck.