[colin86325]

Hi forum!

I had the valve cover gasket replaced about a year ago on my 2015 328Xi (N26) and I see it is leaking again on exhaust side, especially towards the back. Oil is dripping on exhaust manifold, and it smells bad.

I should've replaced the actual valve cover + seal instead, but you know what they say about hindsight.

Anyway, I am looking for advice on the most reliable valve cover to get. I'm not impressed with the factory one, which developed a warp or crack with less than 85,000 miles.

Some options I've considered:

• good quality aftermarket N26 valve cover. Recommendations, especially from those who have put decent mileage on theirs?
  
• aluminum valve cover. I've only seen aluminum N20 valve covers. I was thinking about ordering one to see if it can be modified to suit an N26. Does anyone have any experience with adapting N20 to N26 fitment?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

best regards,
Colin

[Billfitz]

I don't know about the fitment but I'd go with a well reviewed aluminum cover. Aluminum sheds heat, plastic doesn't.

[fortythirtyfive]

Originally Posted by colin86325

Hi forum!

I had the valve cover gasket replaced about a year ago on my 2015 328Xi (N26) and I see it is leaking again on exhaust side, especially towards the back. Oil is dripping on exhaust manifold, and it smells bad.

I should've replaced the actual valve cover + seal instead, but you know what they say about hindsight.

Anyway, I am looking for advice on the most reliable valve cover to get. I'm not impressed with the factory one, which developed a warp or crack with less than 85,000 miles.

Some options I've considered:

• good quality aftermarket N26 valve cover. Recommendations, especially from those who have put decent mileage on theirs?
  
• aluminum valve cover. I've only seen aluminum N20 valve covers. I was thinking about ordering one to see if it can be modified to suit an N26. Does anyone have any experience with adapting N20 to N26 fitment?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

best regards,
Colin

I opted for a Febi one when I did mine, the savings over OEM was a bit of a no brainer.

Some have mixed opinions on Febi but their parts have never let me down, they're part of the Bilstein group and being German made I have always found them to be of good quality. Needless to say mine has been great since fitting.

[colin86325]

Thanks guys. I opted for the N20 HD aluminum valve cover from Uro. Rock Auto has if for about $200.
Hopefully it works for me!

[xHamfistedx]

Originally Posted by colin86325

Thanks guys. I opted for the N20 HD aluminum valve cover from Uro. Rock Auto has if for about $200.
Hopefully it works for me!

I think the engine sound proofing and decorative cover do not allow heat to escape the plastic valve cover very easily and contribute to the degradation of the cover sealing. But without that sound proofing the direct injection is pretty loud and sounds like a John Deere tractor at idle. The aluminum is an easy upgrade. Just swap the PCV cover cap to one with the vacuum nipple on it for the N26.

N26 PCV Cap .....
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C1SJ2MDB...v_ov_lig_dp_it




Aluminum Valve Cover.....
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7MZYZK1...ding=UTF8&th=1






.

[sspade]

colin86325 how did the aluminum cover work out for you?

Im due for a replacement myself and on the fence about which to get, would really appreciate your feedback on the URO aluminum unit!

[xHamfistedx]

The aluminum valve cover will work with the N26 motor, you just have to change the PCV cap to one with a nipple on it to allow for the N26 added vacuum plumbing attachment. Easy swap.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C1SJ2MDB...v_ov_lig_dp_it






.