530i O2 Sensor Replacement and Valve cover gasket Leak

[aussie01]

Hi Everyone,

I recently bought a 2002 530i which was as good as new when I bought it. Recently when i took it to the dealer for a oil change he told me that there are 2 problems.

1. The Bank 1 O2 Sensor is not working at all and needs to be replaced.
2. Valve cover gasket leaking oil
The dealer wanted to charge $828.94 for O2 Sensor and the DME programming and $366.12 for the valve cover
My question is, can I get this job done by somewhere outside for less? (Pepboys or Firestone). If I want to buy these products online is there a suggested website? What brand O2 sensor and valve gasket goes into this particular model? Is there a suggested brand? Can someone post a picture of the actual parts as I wouldnt even know what to order.

Cheers

[stilljester]

Drive up to Philly and I'll replace everything for $950 :D jk...

Seriously both of these issues are very straight forward DIY projects which would require a minimal amount of tools.

Have you done any of your own maintenance in the past? Interested in trying?

Figure $60-$80 for the O2 sensor & another $40 for the valve cover gasket & seals.

One place to buy online: http://www.eactuning.com/

[Poolman]

What about the DME programing that the guy stated above--is that something that is of an importance?

[e39dream]

the DME should not need to be reprogrammed, just have the codes cleared after the O2 sensors are replaced.

Mark

[aussie01]

Hey Stilljester.

I haven't done any of the maintenance myself yet, but I can give it a try. Can you describe the process?
Can some one post a reply about how to clear the DME codes as well

Cheers!

[e39dream]

the codes must be cleared with a scan tool. Most any obd-2 scanner will work fine.

[PJB]

The codes can be cleared with a scanner that can be rented for free from AutoZone. As for the valve cover gasket job, that's very common and I feel that the best DIY procedure for it is located here:

http://www.beisansystems.com/procedures/vanos_procedure.htm

Now your issue is embedded in that procedure so it's not THAT big of a job. The only parts you'll need are the rubber gasket and the 15 rubber grommets; the pieces in the top half of the following picture:

http://www.beisansystems.com/procedures/vanos_procedure_files/image002.jpg

The valve cover gasket change in that DIY is described by the following text:

"Remove valve cover gaskets from valve cover.
Remove sealant on valve cover gasket (pick tool, finger nail).
Clean valve cover gaskets (water based cleaner & towels).
Clean valve cover mating surfaces; at gaskets and bolt access holes (water based cleaner & towels).
Clean engine head matting surfaces; vanos, vanos studs, valve cover gaskets (brake cleaner & towels).
Mount clean valve cover gaskets on valve cover.


Optional: Replacement of valve cover gaskets


Remove valve cover gaskets from valve cover and install new gaskets on valve cover.
Remove 15 valve cover grommets from bolts/studs and install new grommets on bolts/studs.
Remove valve cover oil fill cap. Remove oil fill neck gasket and install new gasket. Mount valve cover oil fill cap.
Note: If oil fill neck gasket not present on valve cover, then gasket is likely of old design and can be fond on engine cover at oil fill hole. Remove old gasket from engine cover.

Note: If old gasket is stuck to valve cover, attempt inserting blade between gasket and cover starting from an edge (putty-knife). This facilitates gasket removal without breaking plasticized brittle gaskets into pieces."


However, you may want to give yourself 30 minutes and look over that VANOS seals replacement website that I linked, because that is a problem that is currently affecting your car right now, is "hidden" by a software upgrade, and is a repair that your dealer likely won't do. Doing the valve cover gasket change is maybe 1/3 of the VANOS seals change, and it would be a very good idea to take care of both at the same time. You won't notice any change in performance with the valve cover gasket repair, but the VANOS seals repair will give your car a small but noticeable power boost, not to mention that your car will be running in the manner in which it was designed.

[MaxVQ]

the DME should not need to be reprogrammed, just have the codes cleared after the O2 sensors are replaced.
Mark

I agree, but it could be an update to v81.

[stilljester]

Hey Stilljester.

I haven't done any of the maintenance myself yet, but I can give it a try. Can you describe the process?
Can some one post a reply about how to clear the DME codes as well

Cheers!

Aussie,
On the 02 sensors this should give you an idea of what you're up against.

Click Me: O2 Sensor Replacement (http://public.fotki.com/stilljester/2003-bmw-525i/oxygen-sensor-replacment/)

[aussie01]

Thanks for the help guys will get on it this weekend!!! you guys are awsome!!!

[Jackcat559]

I think the OP is in Connecticut. If DIY is out of the question the local BMW Car Club chapter http://www.ctvalley.org/ will probably be able to help him find a good indy shop.

http://www.ctvalley.org/

[aussie01]

Did the O2 sensor replacement myself. Thanks for your help. The other problem was Valve gasket cover replacement and Service engine light.

Can you help me?

[Jackcat559]

If you disconnect the battery for a few minutes you may clear the code.

[ECSTuning]

We have the o2 sensors available here:

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E39-530i-M54_3.0L/Engine/Emission/Oxygen_Sensor/?utm_source=bimmerforums&utm_medium=forum&utm_content=postreply&utm_campaign=postreply

And the valve cover gaskets available here:

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E39-530i-M54_3.0L/Engine/Gasket/Valve_Cover/?utm_source=bimmerforums&utm_medium=forum&utm_content=postreply&utm_campaign=postreply

http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/images/dis/12505/800/11781742050.jpg (http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E39-530i-M54_3.0L/Engine/Emission/Oxygen_Sensor/?utm_source=bimmerforums&utm_medium=forum&utm_content=postreply&utm_campaign=postreply)

http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/images/dis/8186/800/11120030496.jpg (http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E39-530i-M54_3.0L/Engine/Gasket/Valve_Cover/?utm_source=bimmerforums&utm_medium=forum&utm_content=postreply&utm_campaign=postreply)