Oil filler cap location

[Christopher]

I had always assumed (and perhaps have even previously read)

that the oil filler on the left hand side of the cylinder head was a feature of the later series 2 model, as mine is.

However, having seen an image of Michael Kaye's engine (another series 2 model), and others, it appears that they are placed on the right hand side.

I'm aware that the head on my car was replaced twice prior to my ownership, and the valve cover may have been replaced at the same time.

Can anyone shed any further light on this ?

 

[HB Chris]

To my knowledge all coupe fillers are on the right side. BMW moved it to the left when the later style air cleaners were introduced as they hung over the old location. The date on your head is between cylinders 1 and 2 on intake side of head.

 

[Simufly]

AFAIK all e9 models had the oil filler cap the front of the engine Ljet models (late Si and 3.3lia) had the filler at the rear.

 

[Stevehose]

There might be a date code on the underside of your valve cover

 

[Christopher]

Thanks all - it's never been eassy filling it with oil where it is, so makes sense. Another job for the list ...

 

[eriknetherlands]

Interesting question!
I have been wondering about the same thing. My engine is from a sedan, the head is dated 87, and the valve cover also has the filler cap close to the window. I always thought it may have been replaced due to a failed head.

Are the covers interchangeable? I can mount a valve cover with an oil filler cap at the front on my '87 head for that original look?

 

[Simufly]

Interesting question!
I have been wondering about the same thing. My engine is from a sedan, the head is dated 87, and the valve cover also has the filler cap close to the window. I always thought it may have been replaced due to a failed head.

Are the covers interchangeable? I can mount a valve cover with an oil filler cap at the front on my '87 head for that original look?

Yes they are intechangeable

 

[eriknetherlands]

Thanks. So on the hunt for a new valve cover then!

 

[HB Chris]

Careful, b35 valve covers have a different location for the front timing cover bolt. And, many later valve covers have flat bosses and/or studs for mounting other devices like ICVs.

 

[Wladek]

I have two valve covers (none for sale) date stamped on both 74', but in one oil filler is on the left & in the second one is on the right.

 

[HB Chris]

The one on the left must be for an l-jet e3.