2006 330i Valve Cover Warping

jsax050 · 07-19-2018, 11:48 AM

Hi all,

I have a 2006 330i, and while replacing the rear shocks the other day the mechanic noticed a small oil leak from the valve cover area on the passenger side of the engine. This was a little surprising to hear, because I know the previous owner replaced the valve cover gasket in 2014 (32k miles ago). It looks like the valve covers on the 2006 E90s are metal, not plastic like 2007+.

Has anyone heard of these warping?

I've heard of the plastic ones on the later E90s warping, but haven't read much about the metal valve covers. Seems too early for the gasket to fail. I'm thinking maybe the cover is warped or it wasn't torqued down properly?

desertman123 · 07-19-2018, 04:08 PM

Probably wasn't torqued correctly. Some of those bolts are impossible to get with a torque wrench, so gutentite is required.

jsax050 · 07-19-2018, 07:03 PM

Thanks, that's what I was thinking. Might just bite the bullet and replace the gasket if I have to go that far anyway.

juld0zer · 10-09-2018, 07:20 AM

Bolts are all aluminium so if they reused the old bolts with improper tensioning procedure then a leak is likely.

7Nm +90* rotation.

The only bolts that are a little difficult to access are the ones along the firewall. Use 1/4" tools. Wobbly extensions and a 1/4dr E10 are your friend.

The magnesium covers are easier to remove and refit than the plastic ones.

hassmaschine · 10-09-2018, 11:09 AM

There was some corrosion on mine where the coating on the gasket wore through a bit leading to steel/magnesium contact, but it still didn't leak. I just cleaned it up before putting on the new gasket.

If you managed to warp the metal cover, you've probably seriously overheated the engine and caused other damage as well.

The only real thing the plastic covers have that is better is the integrated PCV system, otherwise they are way more likely to have issues with cracked covers and leaky gaskets.

07-19-2018, 11:48 AM	#1
jsax050 New Member 2 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Rochester, NY iTrader: (0)	2006 330i Valve Cover Warping Hi all, I have a 2006 330i, and while replacing the rear shocks the other day the mechanic noticed a small oil leak from the valve cover area on the passenger side of the engine. This was a little surprising to hear, because I know the previous owner replaced the valve cover gasket in 2014 (32k miles ago). It looks like the valve covers on the 2006 E90s are metal, not plastic like 2007+. Has anyone heard of these warping? I've heard of the plastic ones on the later E90s warping, but haven't read much about the metal valve covers. Seems too early for the gasket to fail. I'm thinking maybe the cover is warped or it wasn't torqued down properly?
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07-19-2018, 04:08 PM	#2
desertman123 E82 Mudflap Ambassador 2244 Rep 2,220 Posts Drives: '08 128i Join Date: May 2016 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 1992 Honda Beat [9.50] 2008 BMW 128i [10.00] 2014 BMW 528i [10.00]	Probably wasn't torqued correctly. Some of those bolts are impossible to get with a torque wrench, so gutentite is required. __________________ My 2008 128i - Sparkling Graphite/Beige - Sport pkg - 6MT - Click me! Parents' 2014 528i - Mineral White/Ivory White - fully loaded Instagram @Andreys_128i and @Honda.Bito
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07-19-2018, 07:03 PM	#3
jsax050 New Member 2 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Rochester, NY iTrader: (0)	Thanks, that's what I was thinking. Might just bite the bullet and replace the gasket if I have to go that far anyway.
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10-09-2018, 07:20 AM	#4
juld0zer Lieutenant Colonel 480 Rep 1,600 Posts Drives: Prev 135i 7DCT, Now 130i 6sp Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: 2153 iTrader: (0)	Bolts are all aluminium so if they reused the old bolts with improper tensioning procedure then a leak is likely. 7Nm +90* rotation. The only bolts that are a little difficult to access are the ones along the firewall. Use 1/4" tools. Wobbly extensions and a 1/4dr E10 are your friend. The magnesium covers are easier to remove and refit than the plastic ones.
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10-09-2018, 11:09 AM	#5
hassmaschine Major General 3989 Rep 7,212 Posts Drives: "NBO" 330i Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: earth iTrader: (0)	There was some corrosion on mine where the coating on the gasket wore through a bit leading to steel/magnesium contact, but it still didn't leak. I just cleaned it up before putting on the new gasket. If you managed to warp the metal cover, you've probably seriously overheated the engine and caused other damage as well. The only real thing the plastic covers have that is better is the integrated PCV system, otherwise they are way more likely to have issues with cracked covers and leaky gaskets.
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