[zirc]

Had a service the other day and apparently it's leaking, although must be slow I haven't noticed anything or had any issues, but thought I'd see if anyone on here knows how to fix it in the Denver area? Did some searching and it could be a DIY, would certainly throw some cash! Thanks!

[16M4]

This has got to be the easiest thing to do. If I had a garage, I'd help....look online for instructions possibly...?

[OnlyDriveGerman]

It's not that easy, but surely isn't that difficult. Grab a Bentley for help, it has some good info and all the torque settings. I'm actually doing it to my car as we speak. Hopefully I'm done tonight, but I'm also changing the ofhg and serpentine belt and pulleys as well. There's some good videos out there too. Watch them a lot.

[mojobmw_e90]

Very easy. To play it safe dedicate entire 8hrs to it and you will be fine

[zirc]

I'm too scared, not very mechanically inclined lol! I'd probably mess something up, but I will check out the videos to feel it out a little more. Thanks!!

[wildcatcrazy]

Originally Posted by zirc

I'm too scared, not very mechanically inclined lol! I'd probably mess something up, but I will check out the videos to feel it out a little more. Thanks!!

Hardest part is getting the VC to pop off and lift up, then the next difficult task is to make sure the gasket stays in place while lowering the VC. If it's not lined up correctly, you'll have a leak and a ruined gasket. Then you get to start all over again.

But really, the job isn't that bad as long as you take your time and double check your work.

Would also be a good time to replace plugs if they are due. Since you'll have it torn down that far.

[igzekyativ]

Originally Posted by wildcatcrazy

Hardest part is getting the VC to pop off and lift up, then the next difficult task is to make sure the gasket stays in place while lowering the VC. If it's not lined up correctly, you'll have a leak and a ruined gasket. Then you get to start all over again.

But really, the job isn't that bad as long as you take your time and double check your work.

Would also be a good time to replace plugs if they are due. Since you'll have it torn down that far.

I did it myself (2007 e91). It does take a lot of time, at least 8 hours, and I needed a huge e24 (inverted/female torx) socket to remove the brace that runs above my valve cover and no local store near me carries them. I did find a universal set at lowe's that worked, but I returned them and ordered the e4-e24 sockets online as I know I would need these to work on the bmw in the future.

There is a great DIY on this forum that gets you through everything. There are a couple youtube video's too. Also look at pelican parts for instructions.

Ditto that the hardest part is getting the valve cover on and off. Took like 25 mins to get it on, I was being careful not to break it and it's just a pain to line up.

I replaced the cover, gasket, bolts, and spark plugs all at the same time (you cannot reuse the bolts). You will need u-joints and extensions to get at the bolts at the rear of the engine.

[MilehighM3]

I've done plenty of them and they're not that bad. If you have the plastic valve cover it's often the cover that is warped/distorted and causing the leak to occur. If yours has the plastic valve cover its worth buying a new one and installing it. It comes with the gasket and makes the job a lot easier.

[zirc]

Thanks fellas, in my situation it's probably worth getting it professionally done, I'll price out some options - when do you guys think it REALLY needs to be fixed? If I see oil leaking in my parking spot, check the oil and see it's going down rapidly, etc? Thanks!

[Alen E90]

If your car is still under 70k miles, BMW will replace it under the emissions warranty that comes with these cars.

[zirc]

Originally Posted by Alen E90

If your car is still under 70k miles, BMW will replace it under the emissions warranty that comes with these cars.

Serious? Freakin Murray wanted like $900 or something! Guess I need to hit them back up.

Thanks for the info.

[Alen E90]

Originally Posted by zirc

Serious? Freakin Murray wanted like $900 or something! Guess I need to hit them back up.

Thanks for the info.

You're welcome That's how I got my VCG fixed.

[MilehighM3]

Originally Posted by zirc

Serious? Freakin Murray wanted like $900 or something! Guess I need to hit them back up.

Thanks for the info.

Emissions warranty is based off the state in which the car was originally sold. If you don't know, I can look that information up for you. Shoot me a PM and I'll take a look.

[tc535i]

Originally Posted by MilehighM3

Emissions warranty is based off the state in which the car was originally sold. If you don't know, I can look that information up for you. Shoot me a PM and I'll take a look.

Damn... does this apply to valve cover as well? And if the car is sold in ca, would bmw na do the work in another state if that's where the car ended up?

[MilehighM3]

Originally Posted by tc535i

Damn... does this apply to valve cover as well? And if the car is sold in ca, would bmw na do the work in another state if that's where the car ended up?

NA doesn't do the work, dealers do. The servicing dealer would be the one to confirm the retail dealer and the emissions warranty is not limited to California alone. About 7-8 states adopted the same emissions warranty after model year 2009.