There are lots of tutorials for N54 valve cover gasket replacements, however I haven’t seen any for the N55 on an F30 chassis. These cars are starting to get to the age where this is common, so I decided to make a video when I replaced mine. In many ways it is similar to the earlier E90 generation N54 cars, but there are some differences. Here is a complete guide to replacing your leaky valve cover gasket on an F30 BMW.
Valve Cover Gasket: https://amzn.to/2Fd1DIy
External Torx: https://amzn.to/2JMgzMi
Crowfeet for torquing fuel lines: https://amzn.to/2ASJ4oI
Torque Wrench: https://amzn.to/2PHaxlN
@2:57 it’s a E18 not E14 dude!
Great video. You are very meticulous at what you do.
I own a 2015 335i M Sport that I'm planning on a DIY maintenance plan after the warranty is up. After watching this video it reminds me how it looks like a similar procedure such as my 2005 330ci VCG job I did a year ago. If one is familiar with the process of "de layering" the top components and accessories to get down the the valve cover cover pull, it doesn't appear to be that much more difficult than the M54B30. So I'm guessing compared to an e46 the main difference is no RTV on the half moons?
Thank you for posting this,
Subscribed.
Awesome video, thanks for posting! One question: did that broken tab on the engine vent line give you any trouble? Would you recommend attempting to disconnect that line from the other end?
What is your odometer mileage?
Man I thought my N54 was a pain in the ass. Wtf is all this ?
FYI – For the N55 powered E92, it also requires removal of the fuel rail. Otherwise you
cannotget the rear of the cover to clear the head for removal.Did the broken clip on the pcv hose cause a leak? Mine has a broken tab I guess from when the previous owner had the valve cover gasket replaced and I'm seeing a lot of build up around the area.
Thank you for recording this job
Did you replace the strut bar bolts? Bmw says they're one time use.
i want to do this myself but so much wiring i dont want to forget to connect something sheesh .. great job
Wow, tedious. Would the gaskets last longer if you put a coat of Blue RTV sealer on them and a little in the grooves to hold them in place as you place them back on the engine? Just wondering. Maybe someone makes a silicone type gasket for this that lasts for the life of the car. Anyway, great work. Thank you!
Man this is too time consuming. Just swipe the card or buy a Toyota if you can’t afford the service costs
Great video, definitely bookmarking for future reference. I just had this done today at the dealer since it was covered under my warranty. 2015 BMW 335i M Sport (F30, N55) @m3beats on IG/YT
It's worth noting the symptoms I experienced before I took it in, the car smelled like burning oil from the outside after I drove it for a while. Occasionally the burning smell and a faint smoke would come into the interior cabin through the vents.
As far as time to fix goes, I took it to the dealer at 7:30 AM and they were done at 4:45 PM. So this is definitely an all day DIY job and you should make sure you have everything you need and the time to do it before you start.
Thanks man for the video. Doesn't look that hard, just tedious.
I have both N55 and N54 BMWs and also have been looking for an N55 VC DYI video. Nice job. A bit dark at first but the lighting improved later in the video. Very good presentation. Well, now it's my turn!! The N54 sucked this looks a bit easier. Thanks!!
That was a lot of work man , I went as far as plugs and coils but wow all day right
Great video …I have a 2011 335 n55 I’m thinking about dumping it before all this stuff happens
Right now mine is losing antifreeze and I can’t find the leak
Nice work! ….btw is that a Jaguar XK8 coup to your left?
Pretty involved. Very easy to break things during the removal processes as happened to the clip. I’d rather pay to have a qualified independent shop do it and guarantee their work.
Pro-tip – when breaking the E14 nuts free pull the ratchet toward you vs. push away – avoid a broken windshield 😉
Given the age of that car it should not have a leaking valve cover gasket. BMW's are nice cars, but the quality is blow par!
Real great work and very through.
I did mine 4 months ago, I thought about doing a video but didn’t have enough time, hopefully this helps other n55 owners. Saves a lot of money!
Great work. Thank you for this!
Great tutorial. I can't believe they still have solved this problem which plagued the E90s. My E92 needs doing in the next few weeks (including the cracked valve cover and eccentric shaft sensor).
Love the videos that fill a void in DIY repair.