[Vitalität]

Noticed a broken bolt (stupid aluminum material) just underneath the oil filter housing and oil marks around the valve cover (no pics taken) but they look like the ones on the threads below (see the photos):

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=689039

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1207470

Also it was suggested to not replace the VC gasket but replace the Valve cover! I think that makes perfect sense but looking at my photos, is there a possibility that the oil is coming out of that broken bolt?


Lastly, checking the DIY, looks like I need a scan tool :-( Did anyone replace a cover before without programming using scan tool?

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tech...eplacement.htm

[sp1tfire]

You don't need scan tool to replace valve cover, I've done it few times.
If you have 100k+ id definitely change it, instead of changing gasket only. Some replace always, I haven't yet.
Did the broken bolt come out of VC or there is another place of origin?

[Vitalität]

Originally Posted by sp1tfire

You don't need scan tool to replace valve cover, I've done it few times.
If you have 100k+ id definitely change it, instead of changing gasket only. Some replace always, I haven't yet.
Did the broken bolt come out of VC or there is another place of origin?

You did not relearn the limit stops after replacing the VC? No CEL?

I have 111K on my car right now.

[kkasson]

Not the valve cover, it looks like a broken head bolt. There was something wrong with that bolt on the 06 models and it snaps off and leaks oil. Search for broken head bolt, lots of threads about it. There's a slim chance that BMW might take care of it for you, but otherwise you'll just need to extract the broken bolt and put a new one in. The other bolts are fine, just that one has problems.

[Vitalität]

Originally Posted by kkasson

Not the valve cover, it looks like a broken head bolt. There was something wrong with that bolt on the 06 models and it snaps off and leaks oil. Search for broken head bolt, lots of threads about it. There's a slim chance that BMW might take care of it for you, but otherwise you'll just need to extract the broken bolt and put a new one in. The other bolts are fine, just that one has problems.

Thanks for the response. Even though I have oil marks all around and not only from that side where the broken bolt is?

[Vitalität]

Originally Posted by kkasson

Not the valve cover, it looks like a broken head bolt. There was something wrong with that bolt on the 06 models and it snaps off and leaks oil. Search for broken head bolt, lots of threads about it. There's a slim chance that BMW might take care of it for you, but otherwise you'll just need to extract the broken bolt and put a new one in. The other bolts are fine, just that one has problems.

Ah found this. you gave me an idea man. I owe you one.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=671903

[Vitalität]

question though, how can a broken head bolt cause an oil leak?