[White435]

At the beginning I would like to say Hello Everyone!, as this is my first thread.

I am fixing my oil filter housing gaskets and valve cover gasket leaks at an indy shop soon. My question is should I reuse the valve cover and replace only the gasket or is it better to install new valve cover? The oil started to drip onto the downpipe and white smoke showed up in the engine bay. I'm not selling the car anytime soon so I want to do it the right way.

2014 435i, currently at 70k miles.

Any advice is appreciated!

[Billfitz]

I never fix anything that's not broken, unless it's approaching the end of its useful life.

[F32Fleet]

Generally speaking at that mileage and if you intend to keep the vehicle you should replace the cover. There's a bit of labor involved with this job so you'd hate to have to do it twice if the cover develops a crack or the PCV diaphragm fails (there's a hack repair for it but still).

[White435]

I did some research and found that N55 valve covers can warp and even crack over time but it is more likely to happen at 100K miles. If my mechanic removes it and doesn't find any major wear and deformation will changing the gasket only solve the problem untill the new gasket fails again?

I'm asking because many of people claim that it is worth doing at the same time as a preventive maintenance because of labor required to change the gasket. On the other hand, paying $500 for unnecessary part isn't fun either. My shop will charge me around $225 for labor for the VCG.

[Billfitz]

I'd say it depends on how long you plan on keeping the car. $500 is only one monthly car payment, which you're not paying for another two years or so if you keep it to 100k or more.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by White435

I did some research and found that N55 valve covers can warp and even crack over time but it is more likely to happen at 100K miles. If my mechanic removes it and doesn't find any major wear and deformation will changing the gasket only solve the problem untill the new gasket fails again?

I'm asking because many of people claim that it is worth doing at the same time as a preventive maintenance because of labor required to change the gasket. On the other hand, paying $500 for unnecessary part isn't fun either. My shop will charge me around $225 for labor for the VCG.

Which is why I prefaced my recommendation with whether or not you want to keep the car.

If the cover fails in 25k miles will you be pissed if you have to have the job done again? Only you can answer that. Pay $1k now or $1500 later?

I replaced my cover when I had the work done at 55k miles.

[White435]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

I'd say it depends on how long you plan on keeping the car. $500 is only one monthly car payment, which you're not paying for another two years or so if you keep it to 100k or more.

I intend to keep the car at least for another 6 years (most likely for even longer) and according to my annual mileage I will hit the 100K miles in around 3 years. That's why I consider replacing the valve cover to keep the car running flawless in a long run.

[Billfitz]

So you can anticipate the cover will reach the end of its useful life long before you plan on replacing the car but before the gasket will likely need replacement again. In that case it makes sense to do it now.

[328iX]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

So you can anticipate the cover will reach the end of its useful life long before you plan on replacing the car but before the gasket will likely need replacement again. In that case it makes sense to do it now.

The valve cover houses the PCV system. At 44k miles my dealership found it out of spec for pressure measurement. There's other factors than the plastic life span.

[White435]

I had to think for a while but finally decided to order a new valve cover.
Thank you all for the advice!

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by White435

I had to think for a while but finally decided to order a new valve cover.
Thank you all for the advice!

GL. Piece of mind is sometimes worth it.

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by White435

I had to think for a while but finally decided to order a new valve cover.
Thank you all for the advice!

If you're going to remove the valve cover and replace it at close to 100k miles, you may want to consider replacing as much stuff ie. injectors, VANOS solenoid valve, while you're in there since you will have to remove the fuel rails and pipes anyways.

One of my injectors failed (stuck open) at 100k miles while I was at the track. I think your injectors will fail before your valve cover fails.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by Polo08816

If you're going to remove the valve cover and replace it at close to 100k miles, you may want to consider replacing as much stuff ie. injectors, VANOS solenoid valve, while you're in there since you will have to remove the fuel rails and pipes anyways.

One of my injectors failed (stuck open) at 100k miles while I was at the track. I think your injectors will fail before your valve cover fails.

FYI... Neither the injectors nor the solenoid valves require removal of the VC on the N55.

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by White435

I had to think for a while but finally decided to order a new valve cover.
Thank you all for the advice!

Great decision. Peace of mind is priceless.

[Billfitz]

Shop around, this one is $255, and ECS is a trusted supplier. https://www.ecstuning.com/b-vaico-pa...xoC650QAvD_BwE