Step by step removal and installation of the valve cover gasket for an E46 BMW.
BMW e46 Valve Cover Gasket removal and replacement DIY
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Step by step removal and installation of the valve cover gasket for an E46 BMW.
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Excellent video. Thank you so much for the time and effort. Shall be performing this exact procedure on my 2000 528 sport wagon with 121,000 miles…several thousand miles back I noticed the slight smoke and odor of burning oil and traced it to the rear passenger side of valve cover gasket. Have you replaced brake rotors? I’m planning on complete rotor change also. Thanks again!!!
Thank you so much for this video! I just finished replacing my gasket and the video was very helpful. My coils were different as they bolted into a metal framework on the top of the valve cover but everything else matched up.
Yes, awesome video and super thorough!
valve cover gasket cost about 50 bucks, independent shop charges around 300 and stealership about 700 for the job around here.
thanks 🙂
Just did mine. Thanks!
cant believe they charge 800$ at the dealer to do this i will replace my very soon an use this video as a guide
excellent video, just done mine and was very easy to follow, thanks for posting 🙂
I did this on my 04 325ci today, successfully, thanks to you and your video. Thank you!
$800 – $900 at the stealership
I looked at several DIY videos to do this job, and this one is by far the best.
i LOVE your videos!!!!!! They are so helpful. You are very helpful and you dont butcher everything. Your OFHG video took me through every step and was a success. Thank you for taking the time to do all this!
its like 50$
How much did you pay for the Valve cover
When removing the engine bolt all the way in the back, what did you use? I’m finding it hard to remove it with my ratchet. Thanks!
added update. Seems that when you do the valve cover, it’s best to just go ahead and replace the valve cover itself as well, since it’s made of plastic it likes to warp. You may end up doing another VCG within a few months otherwise. Just something to think about. It happened with mine and I had to do a 2nd VCG job once it just got too bad to ignore :-/
U make the BEST videos. Over the weekend I did my OFHG using your video. Thank you!
Is that a double VANOS?
$600 to $800. I think the shop rates it as a two hour job.
i only use ECS Tuning. best parts best prices and they will explane the purpose for each replacement part.
great video talk to three local bmw dealers all said DO NOT USE SILICON only apply oil on gasket lol
thank you so much for the detailed info
Thank you for posting this video, I did mine last week end and it was very helpful especially the clips relating to the electrical rails. The DIY turns out to be fairly easy and I did not encounter any surprises thanks to your detailed documentation.
I have a 2000 323ci it’s the same procedure correct?
The E46 looks much more robust than the E36 IMHO. I would put in the Signature Motoring performance intake kit for only around $150 and gain up to 13HP on the stock output for the 330i and a bit less for the 325 and 328. I highly recommend this item, see my youtube channel for the action video on it.
-Installs in round 45min.
-Guaranteed HP increase
-Induction sound to die for
-Awesome fit/finish.
See my video of how it sounds AND performs!
what about a yellow scum like substance oil the oil cap.just notice it this morning.?
thank you so much. very clean and ur a pro ….
very helpful video..i watch did and did my own car and i save time and money,,,
like your video very helpful I follow your step and i did my own car thank you very much keep up the good work .. (erick bimmer)
hi thanks for the video it is really helpfully and i have a question i have done the cover gasket replacement view days ago and a did not mark the order of the coils and put them in a different order that a take them off. what can this mistake can cause to my car and what do you recommend me to do? thanks for your time and help
Excellent video…
Torque the bolts to 89 in lbs.
Thanks so much for this video. I am going to change the valve cover gasket on my 2002 E46 325i in a few weeks and you made it streamlined on what to do.
The E46 looks much more robust than the E36 IMHO. I would put in the Signature Motoring performance intake kit for only around $150 and gain up to 13HP on the stock output for the 330i and a bit less for the 325 and 328. I highly recommend this item, see my youtube channel for the action video on it.
-Installs in round 45min.
-Guaranteed HP increase
-Induction sound to die for
-Awesome fit/finish.
See my video of how it sounds AND performs!
I have 147,000 miles on my BMW 3 series with E46 engine. I tried changing the spark plug with a small socket wrench and a 12 in extension and a 5/8th socket. BUT THE SPARK PLUGS seem to be stuck … What should I do to remove the spark plugs ?
should be general guidelines for you to figure it out.
i shop several sites, pelicanparts, bavauto, penskeparts and buy from whoever gets it to me fastest and cheapest. if many parts are ordered then i’ll pick one and make them match or beat the others on all parts otherwise i won’t place the order with them. they never havent matched me thus far.
at least an arm, if not a leg as well.
it’s been so long but if i recall the black is more resistant to heat and oil. i always read the labels and find the best fit for whatever the application is.
i didnt.
up to you. I didnt. just make sure you clean off the dipstick tube very well and cover the hole with a rag when you remove it so nothing gets into the oil and your engine.
I have an E46 330i and the only performance item I have is the Signature Motoring performance CAI for about $160. The performance kit adds around 13.5HP on the dyno, sounds freaking great, and installs in under 30 minutes. Highly recommended.
-13.5 HP increase
-Lifetime filter
-SOUND AWESOME
-30 min. install time
Aside from the power gain, the SOUND is amazing at higher RPM but sounds normal in regular driving. I’m thinking about added high-flow exhaust next.
i notice you use the black RTV, i did this same repair and used the gray RTV and now leaking again after 3 months. is the black RTV better? Thanks