HELP To Fix or Replace 2000 740i engine?

[ricostewart]

First time user in need of some sound advice...

I currently own a 2000 E38 sport (186k (purchased 5 years ago, 128k)) and was informed by my local dealer that I have TWO oil leaks. The first leak comes from the valley pan and the second comes from the valve cover gasket/housing? Of course the dealer returned with a price quote of $1500 and $1600 respectively and I cordially declined the job. I have a minor oil spot (or two) in the driveway but no major leaks and no noticable loss of performance.

I am not selling this magnificent machine and plan to keep it for years to come but should I consider looking for another engine or is this not a major fix? I'm kinda spooked on head jobs regarding engines especially when there aren"t any noticable problems outside of a semi-soiled garage.

Any advice is appreciated...

[acidfire52]

Both of those are common leaks. For sure fix it, no need to replace the engine.
They can be repaired at the same time. Check out e38.org for DIY guides or find a good local indy shop.

[i495 bandit]

Welcome go the forum. First of all the valley pan docent leak oil, it leaks coolant. If you're handy with a wrench replacing the valve cover gaskets is a easy job to do. The valley pan is more labor intensive but still not a difficult job to do at all. It took me about 16hrs to change almost all the gaskets including VC, valley pan, intake, osv, rear coolant maifold, upper timing case and a few more. Here's everything you'll need to do the job right http://www.oembimmerparts.com/catalog/item/4550551/4657785.htm

[ricostewart]

Thanks, i appreciate it!
The dealer price quote had me considering other options and she runs too good to get rid of her, much too good...
Off hand, whats a good ball park price that I should get back from a independent shop to do the job?

[psjr]

Those are both extremely common, non-harmful leaks. No need to worry about a new engine.
You could save a lot of money by doing the work yourself. There should be plenty of writeups on www.e38.org (http://www.e38.org) and the DIY section here.

The parts for both jobs are $135 from Max:

http://www.oembimmerparts.com/catalog/item/4550551/4709527.htm

http://www.oembimmerparts.com/catalog/item/4550551/4642917.htm


Thanks, i appreciate it!
The dealer price quote had me considering other options and she runs too good to get rid of her, much too good...
Off hand, whats a good ball park price that I should get back from a independent shop to do the job?

I'm not sure, but if I was an Indy, I would say $800 valley pan, $3-400 valve covers. Those dealer quotes are absolutely insane.

[Mayorchuck]

Welcome here. Indy quoted me $700 (AllData) on the valve cover gaskets because they take everything off the passenger side. Some here can do it without doing that. I loosened the motor mound and raised my engine a hair to get that side off.

[fingersmazda]

Hello -

As others said, this is certainly not an engine killer. Get it fixed.

A lot of people on here get some pretty stellar deals on repair; or are pretty handy mechanics. Me, I got neither.

So, from a guy who pays other people he doesn't know to fix his cars - I had this done for about $1,900 - VCG's, and Valley Pan, along with miscellaneous belts, hoses that looked bad, and little stuff like that.

Regardless, you shouldn't have been quoted two separate prices for this work - by the time you get to the VCG you're 80% of the way to the valley pan. The way my mechanic posed it was "I can do the VCG's for $1,200-1,500 and add $300 to get the valley pan while I'm in there. Or, I can do the VCG's for $1,200-1,500; then do the valley pan later for $1,500-1,800).

I chose option 1.

So it seems you should shop around.

[Randy V]

Find a good independent mechanic and stay away from the Stealer!

[ricostewart]

Thanks you guys!
I appreciate the support and i'll report back when i get everything fixed...

[motion]

I prefer to do the valve covers (gaskets, grommets, plugs, powder coat) and the upper timing covers (gaskets, tensioner, crush ring, gasket ring, dipstick "O" ring) at one time. Then the valley pan/cover, rear accumulator gaskets (with new fasteners), heater hoses, coolant pipes"O" rings, injector "O" rings, CCV with related"O"rings, throttle body and CCV profile gaskets at another time. Just my .02