[Willsbma]

At 81k miles so it's probably time for some maintenance. I figure this is the VCG dripping here, just want to be sure. What else should I do when changing it? I came from a 99 e46 so I'm a little new to this motor and what kind of stuff I need to look for. TIA

[stashtrey]

I'd change the VCG and look over the cover with a fine tooth comb for cracks....ideally just replace it. Also do the Oil filter housing glasket. It is one or the other and likely both if neither have been replaced.

[Willsbma]

ECS has it for about 380. How hard to DIY?

[slimxb8]

Not to thread jack, but what is that oval cover with 2 nuts and ground strap? I did my vcg and all was well but 2 months later I grt a smell at start up again but now its from that thing dripping a bit on the manifold. Vc is clean all around head.

[MadeInPhilly]

+1 for checking for cracks on the cover. I had the gasket replaced and found out later the cover was also cracked. Had to replace gasket twice.

[PhaseP]

Originally Posted by slimxb8

Not to thread jack, but what is that oval cover with 2 nuts and ground strap? I did my vcg and all was well but 2 months later I grt a smell at start up again but now its from that thing dripping a bit on the manifold. Vc is clean all around head.

Looks like gasket number 9 in the link, part number 11727506214:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=11_3735

[Willsbma]

And I'm assuming that the N52 and N54 both have similar valve covers? Meaning, both are prone to cracking?

[Willsbma]

Originally Posted by hawaiiracer1

I did my VCG replacement last weekend go to http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tech...eplacement.htm
great article on it was a breeze replacing it , did the spark plugs at the same time also

How many miles do you have on the engine?

[Willsbma]

Originally Posted by hawaiiracer1

That's correct ....

Seems like there's a few more gaskets that I should replace while in there. And how about that breather hose off the back, should I grab one of those too for good measure? Does that hose come from the oil separator? I was gonna swap that when I finally got my 330 manifold but I wasn't planning on that for a few months down the road.

[Rick335i]

All you need is the valve cover gaskets, eccentric shaft sensor seal and valvetronic motor seal. Do all 3 since you will be in there. I'd buy the vent hose just in case as they typically break IF you are not careful removing it. I've done this job many times and I've only broken 1 but due to the hose being stuck really good. Check your oil filter housing gasket(s) as well. If it's leaking go ahead and replace as well.

Slimxb8: that's for the secondary air system for the SULEV N51 vehicles.

[Willsbma]

Originally Posted by Rick335i

All you need is the valve cover gaskets, eccentric shaft sensor seal and valvetronic motor seal. Do all 3 since you will be in there. I'd buy the vent hose just in case as they typically break IF you are not careful removing it. I've done this job many times and I've only broken 1 but due to the hose being stuck really good. Check your oil filter housing gasket(s) as well. If it's leaking go ahead and replace as well.

Slimxb8: that's for the secondary air system for the SULEV N51 vehicles.

Me and my brother tackled this today. Replaced the Vvt and Eccentric gasket too. I picked up the OFHG but a friend of mine said its really involved due to the placement of the fasteners, and it doesn't appear to be leaking so I'll take my chances for now. I also swapped the plugs while I had it open. I'll probably change the coils in the next few weeks, and maybe the oil housing gasket when I swap the manifold if it doesn't start leaking beforehand. Hopefully it can get me to the spring. If I had to do this over, I'd remove the windshield cowl. The pelican article is wildly inaccurate but that may be due to manufacturing differences between years. And I strongly urge people to not follow their removal of the fuel injector connectors. It's much easier and safer to unclip the wiring tray and remove them one by one. I managed to pull one of the female connectors out of the plastic clip that connects to the fuel injector using their "pull quick" method.

[slimxb8]

Thanks Rick. So its not likely that part is the cause of any oil... ?

[Rick335i]

Originally Posted by slimxb8

Thanks Rick. So its not likely that part is the cause of any oil... ?

There is a gasket there but no oil will leak out from there.

[Rick335i]

Originally Posted by Willsbma

Me and my brother tackled this today. Replaced the Vvt and Eccentric gasket too. I picked up the OFHG but a friend of mine said its really involved due to the placement of the fasteners, and it doesn't appear to be leaking so I'll take my chances for now. I also swapped the plugs while I had it open. I'll probably change the coils in the next few weeks, and maybe the oil housing gasket when I swap the manifold if it doesn't start leaking beforehand. Hopefully it can get me to the spring. If I had to do this over, I'd remove the windshield cowl. The pelican article is wildly inaccurate but that may be due to manufacturing differences between years. And I strongly urge people to not follow their removal of the fuel injector connectors. It's much easier and safer to unclip the wiring tray and remove them one by one. I managed to pull one of the female connectors out of the plastic clip that connects to the fuel injector using their "pull quick" method.

I use a 90 degree pick and unlip all the fuel injector connectors carefully. I've tried removing the fuel rail with the injector harness but you have to be careful as injectors will pop off the rail and/or injectors o-rings will pop off as well and disappear. I also remove both strut braces and remove the strut brace guide bracket that bolts up to the firewall. this allows more clearance.