750il cylinder head surprise...not sure how to proceed

[1999750il]

HI guys,

I am in the middle of replacing intake and valve gaskets and was surprised when I removed the valve cover....it appears that there is another gasket used to hold the rear section of the cylinder. What the hell is that about?
I never came across such a design...and not sure if its a good idea to replace it. It seems to have 4 bolts that hold it in place and its on both sides..driver and passenger. Has anyone else replaced these gaskets?
I did see a bit oil on the outside of the heads close to this area and was tempted to replace them both while I have everything apart. What do you guys suggest?

[cazal740i]

I don't have a V12 but can you take pictures? I would change it out....

[1999750il]

Hi Cazal,

Dont have a pic but the diagram is below. I ordered the gaskets for both sides and hope its as simple as removing the 4 bolts holding to the heads.

[xboss]

It's just the back cover of the cylinder heads and is either there for heat expansion on that aluminum or the way it was cast and milled required it. Paper gaskets and done.

[1999750il]

Thanks xboss...I was able to remove the passenger side piece but the driver side involves removing the coolant manifold in order to get the cylinder head piece out...and I didnt want to create a leak in the coolant tubing running under the intake manifold from the water pump to the rear of the engine. While I have the intakes off...I can see that neither of the two pipes are leaking so I am leaving them alone. I dont want to chance replacing the orings on the pipes and creating a leak. So for the driver side..I simply placed indian head gasket sealant around the outside od the cylinder head....I wasnt able to see an oil leak but figured the indian head sealant couldnt hurt.
Still dont understand BMWs reason for making the heads this way