Valve Cover Gasket Replacement

[Zkraemer]

Hi All -

I’ve got a 2009 BMW 328i with about 70K on it. I noticed there was excess oil around one of my cylinder heads and realized my valve cover gasket was probably cracked open. I’ve read that’s a common problem with these cars.

I called my repair shop and they said they wanted to replace the whole valve cover along with the gasket. Would someone be able to tell me if that is necessary? It’s about $350 more in parts for the entire valve cover..

Thanks to anyone that can provide me advice/guidance here!

[Old525i]

I replaced just the gasket at a little over 100k due to oil leaks.

At 200k, I had to replace the entire valve cover gasket because there is computer controlled valve on them (at least for the California cars) that when it goes bad, causes too much air pressure buildup inside the engine. That causes all kinds of oil leaks everywhere. After the replacement went in, all oil leaks went away (including oil leaks from the main oil seal between the engine and transmission).

[legoman67]

Its a gamble. The job takes considerable time and the valve cover fails just as often as the gasket. IF they install a gasket and 100 miles later it needs a valve cover your on the hook for the labor and another gasket all over again.

There is also the shops side of it. If they did not suggest the cover, and then 100 miles later you come back and they say it needs a cover... you likely wouldn't be very happy. where as if they recommend it and you decline... then its all on you.