[BOSSBMW]

My car is currently sitting for a drive-train issue, something between the DS and the Diff, and I'm bored and never got around to telling you about my experience with the VGC replacement.

I have an 06 325i, currently at 45k miles. My car was losing oil, about a quart every month. Some said its normal for these cars to burn oil, but after my last change at the dealer, it was confirmed, my VCG was leaking.

I was fortunate enough to have a pal that works at the parts department of another dealer, who was able to obtain the parts for just a bit over cost, $60-something.

While admittedly I would rather pay someone to work on my car rather than do it myself, it was a wise decision on my part.

Removing the engine cover was a cinch.

While removing the valve cover bolts, my buddy discovered that 3 of them were broken, although they broke below the cover, so they did not keep him from getting the cover off.

However, there were two obstacles that did.
1. was the ignition coil wiring harness, that runs along the left side of the engine bay. This was very hard to manipulate and get it out of the way of the valve cover. After about an hour of struggling with it, he was able to twist it out of the way. Finally time to remove the cover.... But no, the damn strut bar was in the way and no amount of tension on it would give enough clearance to lift the cover, and clear the valves beneath. It kept getting stuck on the back. I was getting a bit worried at this point as the cover made contact with the valves several times, but alas, he finally managed to pull the cover off.

Putting it all back together was relatively easier than taking it apart. Since the bolts were broken in the bottom portion of the threading, he was able to use a pick, and thread them out easily.

replaced all the bolts, torqued to spec, reconnected everything, and went for a drive. No leaks!

Two weeks later, no leaks! Oil level still at full.

Took about 3 hours to complete. The mechanic was very familiar with BMW's, but had never worked on an E90.

[Dr.GumbyM.D.]

Originally Posted by beneliezer

Two weeks later, no leaks! Oil level still at full.

Took about 3 hours to complete. The mechanic was very familiar with BMW's, but had never worked on an E90.

Congratulations! Awesome experience, I'm glad it went so well, and thanks for sharing!

I'm at ~38k (CPO bought at 37k) and am hoping to not have to deal with this stuff for a looong time (warranty 3 more years!). When I do have to do something though, I'm glad there are so many great experiences shared on here, it'll make it easier to do down the road.

[queensfield]

Congratulations on VCG replacement. What year and month is your manufacturing date? It appears that the earlier built had problems, which were later corrected (I heard towards the middle to end of 2006).

[BOSSBMW]

My build is 07/'05