[Bloom_435i]

Anyone have any recommendations on a valve cover and gasket besides going the OEM everything route.

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by Bloom_435i

Anyone have any recommendations on a valve cover and gasket besides going the OEM everything route.

So buyer beware, FCP Euro lists the Elring valve cover as "OEM", but not "OE".

https://www.fcpeuro.com/BMW-parts/33...e=&t=&b=&d=&v=

[Jvac]

Originally Posted by Polo08816

So buyer beware, FCP Euro lists the Elring valve cover as "OEM", but not "OE".

https://www.fcpeuro.com/BMW-parts/33...e=&t=&b=&d=&v=

What's the difference? Not in a general sense but in this case. We know many of the "genuine bmw" parts are made by other companies not bmw. They charge more for the same part with their name slapped on it.

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by Jvac

What's the difference? Not in a general sense but in this case. We know many of the "genuine bmw" parts are made by other companies not bmw. They charge more for the same part with their name slapped on it.

I think there was a FCP post/blog that explained the difference:

https://www.fcpeuro.com/page/oe-acad...0manufacturers.

Original Equipment (OE) Parts: These are the same parts originally supplied to dealerships, except with the dealer logos removed. This is done by manufacturers so the parts can be sold outside the dealer network due to licensing agreements.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts: These are produced by a manufacturer that supplies at least one OE part to a vehicle manufacturer. OEM parts may not have been original to the car, but are held to higher-quality standards and stringent quality control.

Genuine Parts: These parts come branded by the vehicle manufacturer and at a premium cost, as they're sold through dealerships with higher overhead expenses. These are the same parts you would find at your local dealership.

[Jvac]

I see. I have to tackle this job soon too. I will probably use the Elring part

[Bloom_435i]

Is this my best bet? Does it come with everything I need, and how long does the job usually take?

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...11127570292kt/

[dbldangertilt]

Originally Posted by Bloom_435i

Is this my best bet? Does it come with everything I need, and how long does the job usually take?

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...11127570292kt/

That ECS kit is all over the place... the 4 screws/standoffs can be pulled from the existing cover. Typically the gaskets are included with the cover... I'd use the FCP kit as a guide for the necessary parts and use an OEM breather hose + a valve cover (and PCV) made in Europe not China:

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-11127570292kt

[F32Fleet]

I've seen an OEM cover with had a minor defect in the mold which required minor sanding to prevent the cover from rubbing on the timing chain.


Iirc MAHLE is the OE supplier for BMW.

[Jvac]

Now seeing aluminum valve covers for sale by bremmen parts (at ecs/Turner) and hamburg technic (pelican parts) Are these new or am I just ignorant? I wasn't aware metal was an option for the n55. I love the idea of ditching the plastic cover and they look nice too but I wonder about the build quality.

[Burnout]

Originally Posted by Jvac

Now seeing aluminum valve covers for sale by bremmen parts (at ecs/Turner) and hamburg technic (pelican parts) Are these new or am I just ignorant? I wasn't aware metal was an option for the n55. I love the idea of ditching the plastic cover and they look nice too but I wonder about the build quality.

There are some horror story reviews of instant codes on first start and other issues. I started with similar thoughts as you but stayed away and just went genuine OEM/Mahle.

[Jvac]

Originally Posted by Burnout

There are some horror story reviews of instant codes on first start and other issues. I started with similar thoughts as you but stayed away and just went genuine OEM/Mahle.

I did find some of that but I think it was from a noname Amazon valve cover. I think I'll probably get the oe but I am curious if these metal covers are new on the scene

[rlesko]

Originally Posted by Jvac

I did find some of that but I think it was from a noname Amazon valve cover. I think I'll probably get the oe but I am curious if these metal covers are new on the scene

They’re pretty new I saw a few posts on Facebook about them. I’d never use one.

I’m honestly not sure why the Elring commands such a premium over other aftermarket Valve Covers when it’s not even the OE manufacturer.

[Jvac]

Originally Posted by rlesko

They’re pretty new I saw a few posts on Facebook about them. I’d never use one.

I’m honestly not sure why the Elring commands such a premium over other aftermarket Valve Covers when it’s not even the OE manufacturer.

I don't know, a metal valve cover is not a *new thing, it's just new for the stupid f series. It's not a spaceship. But, it is a big job and I don't want to do it more than once. I don't want to be a guinea pig

[rlesko]

Originally Posted by Jvac

I don't know, a metal valve cover is not a jew thing, it's just new for the stupid f series. It's not a spaceship. But, it is a big job and I don't want to do it more than once. I don't want to be a guinea pig

Yep, but by that token how long did your genuine Valve cover last? Mine lasted at least ten years, so how much of a savings is an aluminum valve cover anyways?

[Jvac]

Originally Posted by rlesko

Yep, but by that token how long did your genuine Valve cover last? Mine lasted at least ten years, so how much of a savings is an aluminum valve cover anyways?

It's lasted 7 years, roughly. Hard to know if it's the gasket or the cover leaking, but I'm going to swap both while I'm at it. For comparison I had a Honda that lasted 15 years on the metal valve cover, and possibly longer as that was when I sold it. I changed the gasket only once in that time. I'm sure metal is more durable, but concerns about fitment in this case.