[Nicky1982]

Yesterday, I took my 328i F30 N20 to the auto mechanic to change spark plugs. He found there was some engine oil near the third coil pack. He said it was a leak in the gasket. It’s gonna be a big job costing around CAD$2000 to fix it. It’s not a dealer price. Just an ordinary repair shop in the neighborhood. An original BMW gasket set is being sold at about CAD$70 from the nearby BMW dealer. The labour cost seems too high.

I watched many YouTube videos on changing the gasket set. It looks like the job requires a large set of different tools and skills.

My question is: whether it’s really possible or feasible for a 5-month beginning owner to DIY the gasket change.

If I don’t fix it at all, what problems would be there?

Please share your thoughts with me. Many thanks.

[F32Fleet]

Sure with the proper tools and twice the time.

There's a lot of labor involved.

[Mkesler75]

It’s an afternoon job even for a novice. I’d change the whole cover. 2000 cad is way expensive. Plenty of very helpful write ups in this forum.

[Nicky1982]

Originally Posted by Mkesler75

It’s an afternoon job even for a novice. I’d change the whole cover. 2000 cad is way expensive. Plenty of very helpful write ups in this forum.

Tempting to DIY

[_bdiddyb_]

I've done this to my f30 many years ago, when instructions were not readily available. It's not difficult, but tedious. I took my time, so all-in-all about 4 hours. Pry bar, sockets set with universal joint are the tools to use on this one. If you were local, i'd charge you a six pack of Heineken!

[xHamfistedx]

Hopefully replaced the factory plastic cover with one of the aftermarket aluminums available. They come with all the gaskets and bolts needed. It's a easy weekend job.

There are several aluminum covers available from different sources. Amazon is easy. If you have a N26 motor you'll need to swap the PCV cap from your stock N26 valve cover, or buy a replacement cap on Amazon. The N26 motor has an added vacuum line running to the PCV cap to qualify for the SULEV rating to make the left coast happy. The N20 does not have this vacuum line, hence no vacuum nipple on the N20's PCV cap.
Get all your parts on hand before you start the job and it should go smoothly. The biggest danger with a leaky valve cover is the loss of oil over time. You do not want to run these motors low on oil, ever. The obnoxious burning oil odor is just a constant reminder to fix it.

[Billfitz]

Time consuming but not all that difficult. Just allot two days to do it. +1 on replacing the cover with aluminum.

[scubajim]

I agree with the others! Do some google searches and watch some videos. Gather the tools and parts you need. I would suggest a weekend project where the car and you are protected from the weather. Also, have a plan if you run into problems for backup transportation. Take pictures as you go. The more the better!! FCP has some decent videos.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/blog/how-to-...ver-gasket-f30