N53 Rocker Valve Bolts

RouxD · 05-26-2022, 10:05 AM

Hey guys!
Would really appreciate anyone's help, a relatively new owner of a BMW 330i 2008 (pre-lci) N53 over in the UK.

Having trouble establishing whether the bolts are aluminum or steel on the N53 engine and whether I will have to replace them when I change the rocker gasket valve shortly.

If anyone could let me know that would be great

hassmaschine · 05-26-2022, 10:42 AM

do they have painted blue heads and are they non-magnetic? is your valve cover magnesium? then they are aluminum.

Is your valve cover made of plastic and not magnesium? are the bolts magnetic? then they are steel.

RouxD · 05-26-2022, 11:41 AM

Thanks Hassmachine, I've just had a look at it would seem to be a plastic valve cover so that would lead me to believe the bolts would be steel. I will double-check to make sure they are magnetic and won't need to replace.

Cheers buddy

Phil325i · 05-26-2022, 02:04 PM

If you can afford it, I would recommend replacing the whole cover, not just the gasket. They suffer from hairline cracks due to heat cycles. My indy now recommends this, having replaced a lot of gaskets only to find the cover then leaks, so the whole job has to be done again. By the way, the new cover comes with all the necessary bolts.

05-26-2022, 10:05 AM	#1
RouxD Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: BMW 330xi Join Date: May 2022 Location: London, UK iTrader: (0)	N53 Rocker Valve Bolts Hey guys! Would really appreciate anyone's help, a relatively new owner of a BMW 330i 2008 (pre-lci) N53 over in the UK. Having trouble establishing whether the bolts are aluminum or steel on the N53 engine and whether I will have to replace them when I change the rocker gasket valve shortly. If anyone could let me know that would be great
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

05-26-2022, 10:42 AM	#2
hassmaschine Major General 3989 Rep 7,212 Posts Drives: "NBO" 330i Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: earth iTrader: (0)	do they have painted blue heads and are they non-magnetic? is your valve cover magnesium? then they are aluminum. Is your valve cover made of plastic and not magnesium? are the bolts magnetic? then they are steel.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-26-2022, 11:41 AM	#3
RouxD Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: BMW 330xi Join Date: May 2022 Location: London, UK iTrader: (0)	Thanks Hassmachine, I've just had a look at it would seem to be a plastic valve cover so that would lead me to believe the bolts would be steel. I will double-check to make sure they are magnetic and won't need to replace. Cheers buddy
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-26-2022, 02:04 PM	#4
Phil325i Brigadier General 645 Rep 3,228 Posts Drives: E92 325i MSport Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK South East iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 325i Coupe [6.00]	If you can afford it, I would recommend replacing the whole cover, not just the gasket. They suffer from hairline cracks due to heat cycles. My indy now recommends this, having replaced a lot of gaskets only to find the cover then leaks, so the whole job has to be done again. By the way, the new cover comes with all the necessary bolts. __________________ E92 pre-LCI 325i - Ohlins R&T; H&R spacers; M3 strut brace; Swift thrust sheets; 3 x chassis braces; diff brace; N53 V-brace; 034 subframe inserts; BMS clutch stop; BMS CDV; RE g/box mounts; Delrin shift bushes; Saikoumichi OCC; Cyba scoops; BMW Perf Exhaust; HEL s/steel brake hoses; M3 rear spoiler; Recaro Sportster CSs; M3 white dash LEDs; LED Angels; LED side repeaters; BMW Perf black grille; CSL reps; SSDD carbon diffuser; Monster Wrap black roof/clear front
	Appreciate 0 Quote