Hello all, looking for some info. N52 valve cover oil leak

[franksZ4]

I'm not familiar with how to find past (previous) posts so I could use some help. I recently purchased my first BMW, a 2006 E85 Z4 with a N52. It needed some attention so I replaced the following gaskets: oil level sensor, oil filter housing, oil cooler. I know this is common stuff. I also put the 3 stage intake manifold on the car and re-flashed the DMU. The valve cover gasket still has a small oil leak. While pecking around in .com land, I found lots on examples of leaks but no real solid solutions. How do I get this to stop? Should I use sealant with gasket or not? I have seen at least 3 (aluminum) bolt torque specs. Is there some consensus as to what actually works? I don't want to do this a third (or 4th) time.

[falconpunch]

I'm pretty sure the solution is to replace the whole valve cover gasket. Here's a video where a guy does it (although I'm pretty sure his is a 2.5)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlBby98Kg-w

I'm having this issue myself on my '06 3.0si Coupe, gonna be next on my list of repairs. From what I understand all valve cover gaskets from this generation dry out and crack over time, leading to a slow oil leak. From my initial research it looks like a ~$100 gasket kit on eBay, or my somewhat expensive mechanic will do it for $500 total.

I'm no expert with this stuff, and don't have the garage/tools right now to do this myself, but I hope that helps!!