Why does BMW use plastic valve covers?


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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.

What is the best material for a valve cover gasket?

Silicon rubber: Silicon rubber valve cover gaskets are easy to replace, and tend to hold up better where breakage is concerned.

What causes BMW valve cover gasket leak?

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.

How much is it to replace a BMW valve cover gasket?

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 do BMW engines have so much plastic?

The Problem: 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?

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.

Do you put sealant on valve cover gaskets?

Valve cover gaskets are designed to seal “dry,” so don’t apply sealant to the face of the gasket. Finish off the job by snugging up the valve cover bolts to the torque specifications in your shop manual.

What is valve cover gasket in BMW?

You may have a leaking valve cover gasket. 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.

Do you put RTV on valve cover gaskets?

Please note that RTV is not to be used on the entire gasket; the gasket should be installed clean and dry. RTV should only be used on the corners of the gasket and/or stepped casting areas that have a gap. Using a small amount of RTV will fill in those areas to assure a leak-free assembly.

Who makes BMW valve cover gasket?

They are available separately. This is an OEM N55 valve cover gasket set manufactured by Elring – one of the original suppliers to BMW for this part, as well as many other gaskets and seals. As the OEM it meets all of BMW’s original design, fitment, and performance requirements and is TUV approved.

Is it OK to drive with 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.

Are BMW known for oil leaks?

Engine oil leaks are rather common in certain BMW models, but that doesn’t mean they can be overlooked. The most typical place for engine oil to leak is out of any seal or gasket, including: the valve cover gasket, timing cover gasket, front crankshaft seal, rear crankshaft seal, or oil pan gasket.

How long does it take to change a BMW valve cover gasket?

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.

How much does it cost to replace a valve cover on a BMW?

If you go to a dealer or independent shop to have your valve cover replaced on your BMW N51 or N52N engine, you can expect it to cost you between $600 and $1000 in parts and labor.

How many hours does it take to replace a valve cover gasket?

Valve Cover Gasket Replacement Cost 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. This, of course, will command a much higher labor cost.

Which BMW engine is the most reliable?

Why do BMW’s drive so well?

Driving Experience BMW has developed its own rear wheel drive platforms which they use on all their cars apart from the X line-up and the i8 range. The rear-wheel drive architecture is responsive, well-balanced, and handles well, with many arguing it does so better than Audi’s front-wheel architecture.

When did BMW start using plastic 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.

Can plastic valve covers warp?

The valve cover was steel. So it’s not a given that a plastic valve cover will warp. However, it is a given that rubber deteriorates.

When should a valve cover be replaced?

While the source of oil leaks can be hard to locate, a common and relatively easy to repair source is located where the valve cover meets the cylinder head. If oil is going missing and the area around and under the valve cover is soaked, then it could be time to replace the valve cover gasket.

How often do gaskets need to be replaced?

How Long Do Head Gaskets Last? Head gaskets typically last 200,000 miles, which is considered about the lifetime of most cars. That means, if you look after your car and follow the service schedule, you should never be faced with a blown head gasket.

Do you need to drain oil to replace valve cover gasket?

No, you don’t have to drain the oil to change the valve cover gaskets.

Should valve cover gaskets be installed dry?

Don’t apply RTV to the entire gasket, Fel-Pro valve cover gaskets are designed to be installed clean and dry.

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 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?

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