[Rocklicker]

Hi ya'll, couldn't find the answer on search so I'm just going to ask:

Tischer BMW sells a VCG kit that is $125 and comes with a bunch of stuff including all the fasteners.

Pelican Parts, Euro FCP, etc.. sell VCGs and even if you add in other gaskets and seals it comes up to far less than $125; it appears the primary difference is the fasteners. Is it wise to replace the bolts when doing the VCG or is that an unnecessary expense?

Also the VCGs look different between Tischer BMW and the non-OEM parts suppliers, what gives with that?

[W37V]

Bolts are one time use only.

[Rocklicker]

That's good to know, I would think that Pelican et al. would want to mention that. Are they aluminum bolts or something? Seems like an odd application for stretch steel bolts.

[E91 M Sport]

From my understanding if you have the silver (aluminum) valve cover you need new hardware because of the torque to yield of the aluminum bolts.

If you have the black (plastic) valve cover you don't need new hardware because the bolts are steel and are reusable. The torque value is noted on the valve cover as well.

[Rocklicker]

Ah thank you that makes more sense, I have the black plastic cover so it looks like I'll be fine skipping the expensive aluminum bolts. I guess they were worried about galling of the aluminum cover by steel bolts? It's not like there's a danger of galvanic corrosion there, as the steel bolts would be anodic. Anyways I'm just drifting into idle curiosity at this point, thanks for setting me straight!

[E90joee]

just call your dealer and ask.. that's what I did saved myself a couple bucks cause I could reuse my bolts.. just baught a vcg for like $20 on ebay oem too

[Ponedude]

Not recommended for re use if any bolt is painted blue

[hassmaschine]

Originally Posted by W37V

Bolts are one time use only.

only on pre-LCI. cars with plastic covers have reusable steel bolts.

[PhaseP]

Originally Posted by Rocklicker

Ah thank you that makes more sense, I have the black plastic cover so it looks like I'll be fine skipping the expensive aluminum bolts. I guess they were worried about galling of the aluminum cover by steel bolts? It's not like there's a danger of galvanic corrosion there, as the steel bolts would be anodic. Anyways I'm just drifting into idle curiosity at this point, thanks for setting me straight!

If not plastic then it is magnesium cover and that is the reason for aluminum bolts on metal cover cars which are first year n52

[Rocklicker]

Still scratching my head on the aluminum bolts, as I own another vehicle with a magnesium transmission case that uses standard steel bolts. I don't really need an answer, I'm just curious about the engineering decisions.

[PhaseP]

http://magnesium.com/w3/data-bank/ar...&magnesium=356

[hassmaschine]

They are also lighter.

[Rocklicker]

Thanks for that link PhaseP, it seemed to contradict my earlier readings by stating that fastener metallurgy does matter. Previous readings had discounted fasteners because the mass ratio between the fastener and the part theoretically wasn't small enough to cause the magnesium to corrode. Interesting they recommended using zinc-coated steel if steel was needed (a common galvanization for bolts anyways).

[Anthony199]

I have the magnesium cover and replaced my bolts. No matter what VC you have, I really, really suggest you get a good torque wrench with the lowest range of "torque" possible. I used a shitty wrench with the arrow, and kept bolting the screw in thinking it is still not being bolted to the proper spec, and ended up breaking the bolt... Was easy to remove but i had to use one old bolt, and panic for a while. Good luck.

[SDemetris]

pretty sure only 2006 has the mag valve cover, but yeah, what everyone else said with the blue bolts