[StradaRedlands]

I have a pretty good leak on an N52, and am just going to replace the full cover. I'm wondering if the Elring cover will be fine or to go with BMW one? It's $278 made in China vs. $575 made in Austria... is that extra $300 going to be worth it down the line? Please weigh in with opinions and experiences!

[lowrydr310]

Is this for your 330? If so, your only other bolt-on option is the OEM magnesium cover for $835.

I've toyed with the idea of converting to a plastic cover just to eliminate the mess of the medusa-like external oil separator with all those hoses coming out of it.

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by lowrydr310

Is this for your 330? If so, your only other bolt-on option is the OEM magnesium cover for $835.

I've toyed with the idea of converting to a plastic cover just to eliminate the mess of the medusa-like external oil separator with all those hoses coming out of it.

Our F10 with the N52... just posted it here as there is a lot more knowledge & experience here in E90 land. It's blowing through a ton of oil. Been putting it off hoping to have the VANOS recall done, but don't know how much longer I can wait.... :-/

[e90yyc]

I was in your situation a while back. I really wanted to do the Mahle but reviews were mixed. Went with the BMW part and don’t regret it. I’m sure many have luck with the Mahle part though, or adjust their expectations based on the difference in price.

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by e90yyc

I was in your situation a while back. I really wanted to do the Mahle but reviews were mixed. Went with the BMW part and don’t regret it. I’m sure many have luck with the Mahle part though, or adjust their expectations based on the difference in price.

Thanks! I'm leaning towards BMW, but that's a huge difference in price between the two! Wondering if this is a part where it makes a difference or not. Seems like it could...

[e90yyc]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

Thanks! I'm leaning towards BMW, but that's a huge difference in price between the two! Wondering if this is a part where it makes a difference or not. Seems like it could...

I agree: the price difference is significant.

After reading about fitment issues I knew it would bother me if I tried to install it and ended up having to trim the plastic or otherwise force it into place.

Bought mine from FCP on the basis that if it ever needs replacing I’d rather have genuine. It would be great if an OE option existed, but it doesn’t appear to .

[StradaRedlands]

What could possibly go wrong...

[The Nightman]

What's up with the factory valve cover? I'd rather keep a working BMW cover than roll the dice with aftermarket parts nowadays.

I really wish there was more data on the metal aftermarket valve covers

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by The Nightman

What's up with the factory valve cover? I'd rather keep a working BMW cover than roll the dice with aftermarket parts nowadays.

I really wish there was more data on the metal aftermarket valve covers

It has aftermarket on it from PO... that's probably why it's leaking!!!

Yeah, I think I've made the decision to go with BMW.

[The Nightman]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

Our F10 with the N52... just posted it here as there is a lot more knowledge & experience here in E90 land. It's blowing through a ton of oil. Been putting it off hoping to have the VANOS recall done, but don't know how much longer I can wait.... :-/

How bad is the leak from the valve cover? I wouldn't expect it to affect oil level that badly without other issues. Eg my valve cover was leaking minimal oil but the smoke and smell were terrible when the oil dripped on the exhaust manifold

[StradaRedlands]

Not leaking right on the exhaust, so no smoke. I'm needing to add a quart every 4,000 miles.

[StradaRedlands]

Did the VC job this weekend, and used an Elring VC from Rock Auto for $170 shipped. Perfect fit and really easy job to do on a F10 with all the extra room. So I am tentatively saying Elring is the way to go!