The telltale sign of a valve cover gasket that has lost its seal is an oil-covered valve cover or a burning oil smell when the engine is running. As oil leaks from a valve cover, it can contact a hot exhaust manifold and burn. Smoke can then waft into the cabin.
How much does it cost to replace a valve cover on a BMW?
BMW 328i Valve Cover Gasket Replacement Cost Estimate. The average cost for a BMW 328i valve cover gasket replacement is between $581 and $713. Labor costs are estimated between $501 and $632 while parts are priced between $80 and $82.
Why does BMW use plastic valve covers?
Most BMW valve covers and intake manifolds are made of plastic to reduce weight and production costs, but as with most things that age, these components are susceptible to warpage and gasket failure due to the constant heating and cooling they experience.
Why do BMW valve covers leak?
Your valve cover gasket may leak because of cracks and wear and tear. These leaks will cause your engine oil to deplete rapidly. The symptoms can result in a burning smell coming from under the hood. Oil will run down your engine block and create major issues if not attended to immediately.
How long does it take to change a valve cover on a BMW?
Depending on your model, it takes 2 to 8 hours to replace BMW Valve Cover Gaskets.
How much does a BMW gasket cost?
On average, you can expect to pay approximately $3,200 to replace a BMW head gasket. The typical price range is between $2,900 on the low end and $3,600 on the high end. The exact price will differ depending on the specific BMW model you have, the age of your car, and your mechanic’s location. What is this?
Why do BMW engines have so much plastic?
In every BMW there is a large amount of plastic components through which coolant flows in order to keep the engine at it’s normal operating temperature. In the old days, coolant would travel through the engine via rubber hoses and metal radiators and thermostats.
How long do plastic valve covers last?
Without a functional valve cover gasket, it will be very hard for you to keep your engine oil where it belongs. When running your vehicle, the valve cover will have to do its job and keep the oil from leaking out. Most of the gaskets on your car last anywhere from 20,000 to 50,000 miles.
Why BMW uses so much plastic?
Can I drive my car with a leaking valve cover gasket?
Is it safe to drive with a valve cover gasket problem? Yes, as long as the amount of oil leaking is small, and there is no leak onto hot engine parts such as the exhaust manifold, it is safe to drive your car until you have an opportunity to fix it.
Is a valve cover leak serious?
The short answer is, yes. If your engine is losing oil, running the car for too long without an inspection and repair can cause permanent damage. If the gasket is worn out, it will leak engine oil and the top of the engine will be likely be covered in oil.
How do I know if my BMW head gasket is blown?
- White smoke coming from the tailpipe.
- BUBBLING IN THE RADIATOR AND COOLANT RESERVOIR.
- unexplained coolant loss with no leaks.
- Milky white coloration in the oil.
- Engine overheating.
What is BMW valve cover?
The valve cover is a part that goes over the top of the cylinder head, keeping oil in and dirt out. In some engines it covers the timing chain too. Between the cover and the cylinder head there’s a gasket that seals the joint.
How many hours does it take to replace a valve cover gasket?
In many cases, valve cover gasket replacement can be completed in 1-2 hours, leading to only modest labor charges. However, it can take as long as 4-5 hours to complete the same job on other more complex engines.
Are oil leaks common in BMW?
Many BMW engines succumb to oil leaks, which come with expensive and lengthy repairs. Many of these leaks would have been covered under a factory warranty but can often reoccur after the warranty period due to a lack of engine maintenance.
Are BMW oil leaks expensive to fix?
Further, in terms of the most common leak-related repairs, you’ll face average costs of around $1524 for a valve cover gasket replacement, $2180 for an engine oil pan replacement, $1476 for an engine oil pan gasket replacement, and $20 for an engine oil filter replacement.
Do BMWs have head gasket problems?
While BMWs are pretty reliable vehicles, a head gasket failure is more common in these vehicles than it is in many other brands. According to Consumer Reports, there are several BMW models that are likely to have head gasket problems. This includes the 2011 BMW 3 Series, the 2014 BMW X1, and the 2012 BMW 5 Series.
How do you diagnose a bad valve cover?
- Visible Oil Leaks in the Valve Cover Area. Oil leaks don’t always show up as black puddles on your garage floor.
- Low Oil Levels. Engine oil is the lubricant that lets parts smoothly slide alongside each other to prevent friction and breakdown.
- Burning Oil Smell.
When replacing valve cover gasket What else should I replace?
If you were recommended a valve cover gasket because it was leaking, just make sure that the fastener seals are also replaced. If not, they are guaranteed to go next. As far as any other components go, if they are attached to the valve cover in any way, you should likely consider replacing those seals as well.
How much is a valve cover gasket job?
What is the typical valve cover gasket replacement cost? The typical total cost of a valve gasket replacement is around $110 – $340 depending on the make and model of the vehicle. The parts cost very little – perhaps $10 to $40. The labour makes up the bulk of the cost: from $100 to $300.
Which BMW engines are reliable?
- BMW B58 Engine.
- BMW M20 Engine.
- BMW M50 Engine.
- BMW S62 Engine.
- BMW N52 Engine.
- BMW M54 Engine.
Why do BMW’s drive so well?
The responsive steering allows you to turn the steering wheel intuitively and your car will turn as you expect it to. Balanced weight distribution means that the car feels stable when turning. This is a car that is not only a joy to drive, but feels safe and predictable – it’s confidence building for any driver.
When did BMW start using plastic engine parts?
However, as of about 1991, BMW entered the new age of the latest technology in plastic injection molds. Plastic is a wonderful innovation; it has improved everyone’s life in someway.
How much does a valve cover cost?
The average valve cover gasket replacement cost is between $90 and $400, depending on your make and model. You can buy a new valve cover gasket for about $40 to $50, but most of the expense is spent on labor. Expect it to cost between $50 and $350 to replace the valve cover gasket.
Why do valve cover gaskets leak?
Your valve cover gasket may be leaking for a variety of reasons. It could be shrunken, cracked or rotten, or your valve cover itself may be cracked or broken or one of the valve cover bolts may just be loose, allowing a little leak. Your car may have 1 or 2 valve covers depending on its configuration.