Do not use RTV silicone on valve cover gaskets. The ‘slimy’ consistency of RTV silicone will tend to cause many gaskets to slide under pressure as the screws are tightened. You want the gasket to ‘squish’ in place, not slide out of position!
Table of Contents
How much does it cost to replace a valve cover gasket on a BMW?
The average cost for a Valve Cover Gasket Replacement is between $581 and $713 but can vary from car to car.
How long does it take to replace a valve cover gasket on a BMW?
Depending on your model, it takes 2 to 8 hours to replace BMW Valve Cover Gaskets. The cost to change the gaskets vary from BMW engine and model so it always best to have German Car Depot inspect before quoting a price.
Is it worth to replace valve cover gasket?
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 much does it cost to replace a valve cover gasket?
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.
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.
Why do BMW valve cover gaskets fail?
BMW valve cover gasket Because the gasket is delicate and prone to damage, continuous exposure to dirt, debris, and heat over time will cause it to become brittle and crack, losing its ability to prevent leaks.
Can I change valve cover gasket myself?
Replacing a valve cover gasket is fairly basic but the procedure varies by engine. The toughest part is usually getting to the valve cover itself. Step 1: The first step may be the last step. Before tearing everything apart, first try gently cinching down the valve cover bolts or use a torque wrench.
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 long does it take a mechanic to replace a valve cover gasket?
The book time calls for approximately 3.5 hours to complete the replacement of both valve cover gaskets. But this will vary by mechanic, but this is the average book time.
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.
Should you replace both valve cover gaskets at the same time?
If you have an engine oil leak that is coming from both valve covers then it would be recommended that you have both valve cover gaskets replaced at the same time to stop oil leaks and prevent repeating work at a later time to do the other valve cover.
How many miles do valve cover gaskets last?
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.
What happens if you don’t fix a valve cover gasket?
When this occurs, the gasket can lose its integrity and leak, potentially causing cosmetic issues like leaking oil, or drivability problems and reduced engine performance. If not replaced by an ASE certified mechanic in time, a bad valve cover gasket can lead to complete engine failure.
What are the symptoms of a leaky valve cover?

What happens if I dont replace my valve cover gasket?
The gasket acts as a seal between the valve cover itself and the cylinder block. When the gasket deteriorates, it will leak oil. This will lead to damaged valves, lifters and cylinder heads. It might even lead to a cracked cover.
How do I know if my BMW valve cover gasket is leaking?
What usually prompts the owner to seek some advice is a burning smell. Typically it will be strongest when the engine’s hot and the car isn’t moving. This smell is caused by oil dripping onto the exhaust manifold. If you do nothing about it the oil will spread further and make a big mess.
Why are BMW valve covers plastic?
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.
Are BMW known for oil leaks?
Despite exceptional engineering and craftsmanship, BMW’s run into issues like any other car. Many BMW engines succumb to oil leaks, which come with expensive and lengthy repairs.
Will a leaking valve cover gasket cause loss of horsepower?
Will a leaking valve cover gasket cause the loss of horsepower? Not usually, they just leak oil. If it lets oil get onto a spark plug well a misfire would be possible though. You would see a check engine light in that case.
Can valve seal be replacement without removing head?
Replacing valve stem seals without removing the heads will typically require a couple of specialty tools to accomplish. On a given cylinder, you will want to be sure that both of the valves are closed. Then you remove the spark plug and fill the cylinder with air through the spark plug hole.
Do I need to drain oil to change valve cover gasket?
No, you do not drain the oil to change the valve cover gasket, but you may need to change the oil after because some old gasket may fall into the engine; the best option is to wait until you get ready to change the old, change the valve cover first, then replace the oil.
What causes valve cover gasket 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.
What does it mean if there’s oil in my spark plugs?
Oil on spark plugs can be caused by bad valve cover gaskets, worn spark plug o-rings or valve guides, a faulty head gasket or a broken piston ring. Symptoms of oil on spark plugs include blue smoke from the exhaust, poor fuel economy and engine misfires.
How long can you drive with a valve cover leak?
It is always good not to run your car if it has an oil leak. However, a short distance drive within the city, less than 15 miles is not dangerous as driving with an oil leak until it lowers your oil level. In a nutshell, if the oil leak is much, do not drive the car at all.