[Reflex_nl]

Hi Folks,

I own a E90 330i from 2006 with a N52 engine. No engine mods done; just a a great car. I used this form (THANKS) to learn more about my car and recent replaced the spark plugs.

Only one concern... I noticed at the first swap (in the front of the engine bay) that the old plug was heavily covered with oil from both sides, the top section and the bottom that fits in the engine. (btw: I just replaced all six)

I would expect this is not ok, and what could be leaking?

Some other items. My vanos system occasionally throws some errors (intake/outtake) and when I replaced/removed the solenoids both where covered lightly in oil as well.

Is this normal?

The service engine soon light when off after swapping the solenoids, but a few weeks later it was on again.

Hence, I could use any direction what is next? Your thoughts are welcome!

[328i_E92_2007]

Had the same problem. Sounds like its time to change your valve cover gasket.

[Reflex_nl]

aha... I was afraid so.

Hence, this DIY is the next step?

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=775317


Any more ideas are welcome as I would like to ensure that this 95% chance it solves the issue :-)

[Taskmaster]

That would probably be your best bet friend, good luck.

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by Reflex_NL

aha... I was afraid so.

Hence, this DIY is the next step?

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=775317


Any more ideas are welcome as I would like to ensure that this 95% chance it solves the issue :-)

This guide is more applicable.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=697252

I would also replace your eccentric shaft sensor and Valvetronic motor gasket while you are in there. Otherwise you are doing the same labor for each(and they all fail around the same time).

[lichtgelb]

It's the valve cover gasket. You need these parts since your's has the metal valve cover.

11127581215 gasket set
11120409288 aluminum bolts
11377516302 valvetronic gasket
11127528242 eccentric shaft sensor seal

11157522931 You will probably break this part while removing it from the cover. It's the CCV breather hose and it almost always breaks. The other end connects to the CCV under the intake manifold and it's a PITA. The hose also has a heater wire that connects under the intake. It's very tight in there. Try not to break it but don't be surprised when the POS plastic hose snaps.

[Reflex_nl]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

This guide is more applicable.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=697252

I would also replace your eccentric shaft sensor and Valvetronic motor gasket while you are in there. Otherwise you are doing the same labor for each(and they all fail around the same time).

Thanks - that is indeed a good write-up... still it looks a a bit like open-heart surgery when compared to swapping plugs.

[Reflex_nl]

Originally Posted by lichtgelb

It's the valve cover gasket. You need these parts since your's has the metal valve cover.

11127581215 gasket set
11120409288 aluminum bolts
11377516302 valvetronic gasket
11127528242 eccentric shaft sensor seal

11157522931 You will probably break this part while removing it from the cover. It's the CCV breather hose and it almost always breaks. The other end connects to the CCV under the intake manifold and it's a PITA. The hose also has a heater wire that connects under the intake. It's very tight in there. Try not to break it but don't be surprised when the POS plastic hose snaps.

This helps! - mmhh... I still don't fully understand that a valve cover gasket can cause oil on your spark plugs and in your ignition chamber - could you explain briefly? I would have expected a Valve Seal to be leaking...

[bimmerquick43321]

because the valve cover gasket is actually the gasket around the valve cover + the O rings gaskets that seal your valve cover around the spark plugs "holes", so if those fail oil on spark plugs

[lichtgelb]

Originally Posted by Reflex_NL

This helps! - mmhh... I still don't fully understand that a valve cover gasket can cause oil on your spark plugs and in your ignition chamber - could you explain briefly? I would have expected a Valve Seal to be leaking...

There's two gaskets. The main, and obvious gasket, is what seals the outer rim of the valve cover to the top of the cylinder head. The other gasket seals the cover around each spark plug down tube and that's what's leaking on your number 1 spark plug...oil is seeping and into the spark plug down tube. Google the part number for the gasket set and you will see what I'm talking about.

The eccentric shaft sensor gasket is right there on top and to the front of the number 1 cylinder. It seals a connector on the top of the valve cover. When you take the valve cover off you break the seal on this gasket so it needs to be replaced. Same with the valvetronic motor gasket. Both of those are weak points that will eventually leak anyway so you want to change them at the same time. The valve cover bolts are one time use Torque to Yeild aluminum so they cannot be reused. You will need a torque wrench that can do newtons and inch/pounds to torque those to spec. They break real easy.

This isn't a difficult job if you know your way around with basic hand tools. It can be time consuming since all the cowling has to come off. The fuel injector and coil wire harnesses are in the way the whole time. You can hold them back with bungee cords but they are still in the way.

[Reflex_nl]

Originally Posted by Broken_Gearbox

What mileage has this failed at? Wondering if I need to start preparing...

~100k Miles

[Reflex_nl]

Originally Posted by lichtgelb

There's two gaskets. The main, and obvious gasket, is what seals the outer rim of the valve cover to the top of the cylinder head. The other gasket seals the cover around each spark plug down tube and that's what's leaking on your number 1 spark plug...oil is seeping and into the spark plug down tube. Google the part number for the gasket set and you will see what I'm talking about.

The eccentric shaft sensor gasket is right there on top and to the front of the number 1 cylinder. It seals a connector on the top of the valve cover. When you take the valve cover off you break the seal on this gasket so it needs to be replaced. Same with the valvetronic motor gasket. Both of those are weak points that will eventually leak anyway so you want to change them at the same time. The valve cover bolts are one time use Torque to Yeild aluminum so they cannot be reused. You will need a torque wrench that can do newtons and inch/pounds to torque those to spec. They break real easy.

This isn't a difficult job if you know your way around with basic hand tools. It can be time consuming since all the cowling has to come off. The fuel injector and coil wire harnesses are in the way the whole time. You can hold them back with bungee cords but they are still in the way.

Thanks - helpfull... I'll do some more research before engaging in the action :-)

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by Broken_Gearbox

What mileage has this failed at? Wondering if I need to start preparing...

You should expect to do this every 100k miles. The oil filter housing gasket and oil pan gasket also fall into the same boat.