A case of the "while you're in theres"

rothwem · 01-07-2016, 01:34 PM

I've got 100k on my 328xi wagon (N52N motor), and I'm going to be replacing the spark plugs the weekend after next. Somehow this car is on its original valve cover gasket, on my last e90, it only lasted 80k. Should I preemptively replace the valve cover gasket while I'm in there? The gasket kit is only ~$70 bucks. I was thinking about it though, should I replace the whole valve cover too? I recall hearing that it was a common failure point on the N54s, is that true for the N52s also?

Bartman619 · 01-07-2016, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rothwem

I've got 100k on my 328xi wagon (N52N motor), and I'm going to be replacing the spark plugs the weekend after next. Somehow this car is on its original valve cover gasket, on my last e90, it only lasted 80k. Should I preemptively replace the valve cover gasket while I'm in there? The gasket kit is only ~$70 bucks. I was thinking about it though, should I replace the whole valve cover too? I recall hearing that it was a common failure point on the N54s, is that true for the N52s also?

Yes, replace the valve cover gasket including the spark plug hole gaskets. Replace the Valve Cover while you're at it...Why ? because the PCV/Oil separator is built into it and can't be removed. It makes a loud whistling noise when and makes your engine idle weird when the valve is clogged. Yes it's true, it started to happen to my 2007 328i e90 at 100K.

PichaDis11 · 01-07-2016, 08:49 PM

Inspect the cover yourself, if it isn't broken why fix? I don't see why to replace it either as both jobs aren't really related. (I feel safer doing the plugs with the cover on).

But if you have the time and want to pre-emptively change them that is ok as well. Do change out the eccentric gasket sensor while you are at it if doing vc gasket only.

bvanderhaar · 01-08-2016, 12:04 AM

The valve cover gasket job is a much bigger job than spark plugs/coils, IMO. If you aren't leaking oil I don't know that it's necessary.

If you are leaking oil - check the oil filter housing gasket first. Again, much smaller job than valve cover gasket.

rothwem · 01-08-2016, 12:24 PM

I think I might just do the plugs. I was thinking valve cover because if I get in there and I see that my plugs are in a nice oil bath, I'd want to go ahead and knock it out. However, the valve cover IS a bit more involved than I previously thought.

Thanks for your input guys.

01-07-2016, 01:34 PM	#1
rothwem Major 497 Rep 1,208 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 328i Wagon Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Asheville, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 328i [10.00]	A case of the "while you're in theres" - Spark Plug Edition I've got 100k on my 328xi wagon (N52N motor), and I'm going to be replacing the spark plugs the weekend after next. Somehow this car is on its original valve cover gasket, on my last e90, it only lasted 80k. Should I preemptively replace the valve cover gasket while I'm in there? The gasket kit is only ~$70 bucks. I was thinking about it though, should I replace the whole valve cover too? I recall hearing that it was a common failure point on the N54s, is that true for the N52s also?
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01-07-2016, 08:49 PM	#3
PichaDis11 Colonel 296 Rep 2,214 Posts Drives: E90 N52 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: NY iTrader: (3)	Inspect the cover yourself, if it isn't broken why fix? I don't see why to replace it either as both jobs aren't really related. (I feel safer doing the plugs with the cover on). But if you have the time and want to pre-emptively change them that is ok as well. Do change out the eccentric gasket sensor while you are at it if doing vc gasket only. __________________ Retrofits: 322, 609, 6FL, 6NR, 6VC, 2TB.. Upgrades: Bilstein B8 Eibach Spring kit
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01-08-2016, 12:04 AM	#4
bvanderhaar Private 10 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 328xi Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Grand Rapids, MI iTrader: (0)	The valve cover gasket job is a much bigger job than spark plugs/coils, IMO. If you aren't leaking oil I don't know that it's necessary. If you are leaking oil - check the oil filter housing gasket first. Again, much smaller job than valve cover gasket.
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01-08-2016, 12:24 PM	#5
rothwem Major 497 Rep 1,208 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 328i Wagon Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Asheville, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 328i [10.00]	I think I might just do the plugs. I was thinking valve cover because if I get in there and I see that my plugs are in a nice oil bath, I'd want to go ahead and knock it out. However, the valve cover IS a bit more involved than I previously thought. Thanks for your input guys.
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