2009 328xi SULEV

maxcsr · 07-20-2024, 05:18 PM

Hello eveyone.
I hit bad speed bump and as soon i hit it I felt something snapped and engine noise became noticeable inside the car and under my seat. I could feel as if I broke a muffler support or something.
Turns out I have this code: 2A31
I use Protools and it is saying i need to change Valvetronic, eccentric shaft sensor.

I searched online and found out that in order to change that sensor the Valve cover gasket will have to be changed as well is that right? I have had issues before with valve cover gasket while it was under sulev warranty. I had to go to dealer 2 times because they didnt put vcg correctly and it was leaking. Now that I have no leaks im worried if someone other than dealer cannot get this done correctly. In thinking to go to dealer to do it but worried how much would it cost me to change that sensor wih its gasket + valve cocer gasket
How much will that cost me?
My car has 175,000 miles and has no other issues.
Or do you recommend it I dont go to dealer for this? Just worried outside mechanics will not be able to put in thay VCG correctly and cause all other issues.

Thanks so much for providing a feedback and helping me through this.🙏

Bims328i · 07-20-2024, 10:34 PM

That will cost you a lot to take it to the dealership and have them do the work. That and they already did it wrong apparently. I did mine at 90,488 miles September 22' and it has been good since. Took time to do the job right. Biggest thing was the 3 bolts just under the cowl. You have to remove them to get the VC out easily.

Valve cover is not a hard job on these. Replacing the sensor is a bit tricky. Completely understand not wanting to have a independent mechanic work on it but what are the chances of you tackling the job yourself?

Biggest thing is to carefully remove the negative battery terminal when doing larger jobs on these cars. Maybe wrap it up in a towel to be safe. Give it 30 minutes to rest and you are typically safe to start working.

Watch a few YouTube vids to familiarize yourself if need be.

07-20-2024, 05:18 PM	#1
maxcsr Enlisted Member 8 Rep 36 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 328xi Sulev. M Packag Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: NYC, USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW/328xi [0.00]	2009 328xi SULEV - Code: 2A31 Hello eveyone. I hit bad speed bump and as soon i hit it I felt something snapped and engine noise became noticeable inside the car and under my seat. I could feel as if I broke a muffler support or something. Turns out I have this code: 2A31 I use Protools and it is saying i need to change Valvetronic, eccentric shaft sensor. I searched online and found out that in order to change that sensor the Valve cover gasket will have to be changed as well is that right? I have had issues before with valve cover gasket while it was under sulev warranty. I had to go to dealer 2 times because they didnt put vcg correctly and it was leaking. Now that I have no leaks im worried if someone other than dealer cannot get this done correctly. In thinking to go to dealer to do it but worried how much would it cost me to change that sensor wih its gasket + valve cocer gasket How much will that cost me? My car has 175,000 miles and has no other issues. Or do you recommend it I dont go to dealer for this? Just worried outside mechanics will not be able to put in thay VCG correctly and cause all other issues. Thanks so much for providing a feedback and helping me through this.🙏
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07-20-2024, 10:34 PM	#2
Bims328i DIYer 374 Rep 405 Posts Drives: 2008 328i E90 SULEV Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	That will cost you a lot to take it to the dealership and have them do the work. That and they already did it wrong apparently. I did mine at 90,488 miles September 22' and it has been good since. Took time to do the job right. Biggest thing was the 3 bolts just under the cowl. You have to remove them to get the VC out easily. Valve cover is not a hard job on these. Replacing the sensor is a bit tricky. Completely understand not wanting to have a independent mechanic work on it but what are the chances of you tackling the job yourself? Biggest thing is to carefully remove the negative battery terminal when doing larger jobs on these cars. Maybe wrap it up in a towel to be safe. Give it 30 minutes to rest and you are typically safe to start working. Watch a few YouTube vids to familiarize yourself if need be.
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