All the newer BMW's I own with plastic valve covers have leaks. The covers are plastic and warp and changing the gasket is not enough. My N55 335 leaks onto the exhaust, smells like hell and is in the area of the cabin intake so you get the picture. Has anyone used and aluminum replacement in this situation? I don't want to go plastic and have that warp and be back to square one. Thanks
N55 Valve Cover
- Thread starter bavbob
- Start date
As far as I know there is not an aluminum replacement available. Yes, the plastic ones do warp over time. Sometimes you can replace just the gasket, but it is a false economy. Eventually it will warp.
I just did the valve cover replacement on our 2014 640i Gran Coupe with an N55 and 70K miles. There is a lot of labor involved just to get to the valve cover, yet alone replace it. It took me about five hours to do the job. It was my first time and I can probably do it quicker now. I also replaced the spark plugs while I was in there.
I just did the valve cover replacement on our 2014 640i Gran Coupe with an N55 and 70K miles. There is a lot of labor involved just to get to the valve cover, yet alone replace it. It took me about five hours to do the job. It was my first time and I can probably do it quicker now. I also replaced the spark plugs while I was in there.
Last edited:
I'm coming down......................kidding, I have done this on two other cars so my learning curve is not as steep.
Found this: https://https://www.amazon.com/REAXOAL-11127570292-Compatible-2011-2019-ActiveHybrid/dp/B0DGGXRMJB/ref=sr_1_5_sspa?
Found this: https://https://www.amazon.com/REAXOAL-11127570292-Compatible-2011-2019-ActiveHybrid/dp/B0DGGXRMJB/ref=sr_1_5_sspa?
Plastic valve covers. Really!!!! This is what it has come to. Tragic. And for this company to make an aluminum cover they must know there is a profit to be made.
And remember my rule: Never own a BMW out of warranty. Especially if you don't do your own work.
And remember my rule: Never own a BMW out of warranty. Especially if you don't do your own work.
e30austin
Member
i would buy an Elring plastic valve cover with the understanding that it'll probably last about 5 years. it's the way all the parts are today. sucks, but not much we can do with that. the genuine BMW unit retails at close to $620 now - not really worth it, to me.
remember, the crankcase breather is built into the valve cover on the N5x engines. if the valve cover is leaking, it's either warped, or is suffering from an impacted breather system. either way, it needs to be changed.
the aluminum units don't fit worth a damn. the plastic aren't much better, but they're a little more forgiving. YMMV, however.
good luck with the project!
A
remember, the crankcase breather is built into the valve cover on the N5x engines. if the valve cover is leaking, it's either warped, or is suffering from an impacted breather system. either way, it needs to be changed.
the aluminum units don't fit worth a damn. the plastic aren't much better, but they're a little more forgiving. YMMV, however.
good luck with the project!
A