Valve Cover

Not only will this kit stop most E90 oil leaks, it's the perfect addition for ignition coil or spark plug replacement! Oil leaks - and the damage they can cause - seem to be the worst annoyances on these cars. The biggest source of an oil leak is from the valve cover, followed by the oil filter housing, Valvetronic seal, camshaft seals, and the eccentric shaft sensor seal. Once the oil leaks, and if ignored for an extended time, the oil will contaminate vital electrical sensors. This is especially the case with ignition coils and also the eccentric shaft sensor on the Valvetronic shaft at the top of the cylinder head. During any ignition coil and spark plug replacement take a close look inside for any oil pooling at the bottom. We have been seeing valve cover oil leaks as soon as 40,000 miles. We look for oil leaks on every E90 that comes into our shop.

We have put together this package of valve cover gaskets and other related gaskets and seals for you to fully overhaul the N52 valve cover and put a stop to those pesky oil leaks. This package has the replacement parts for N52 engines built up to 10/2006 and includes:
 

• 11127581215 - N52 valve cover gasket set
• 11120409288 - N52 aluminum valve cover bolts (1-time use only, not re-usable)
• 11377516302 - N52 Valvetronic gasket
• 11127528242 - N52 eccentric shaft sensor seal

These are all Genuien BMW parts. Replacement of these gaskets and seals is straight-forward but a long process. BMW dealers typically charge for over eight hours of labor. If you have replaced spark plugs before you should be capable of this repair. In addition, there are several other parts to replace while you're in the vicinity: camshaft sensor o-rings, oil filter housing profile gasket, VAN0S solenoids, and the eccentric shaft sensor. These other parts, except the eccentric shaft sensor (see below), are replaceable without removing the valve cover but are more easily accessed during the valve cover work.

Eccentric Shaft Sensor: This is the position sensor that relays the eccentric shaft's position back to the DME. It's located at the front of the engine and is only accessible with the valve cover off. Over time the seal around the sensor comes loose and oil is allowed to blow out of the cam cover and it eventually finds its way into the sensor (which will eventually fail). Without a functioning sensor your E90 can experience poor running, hesitation, poor performance, jerky shifts, and sluggish response. It's easy to check and see if oil has accumulated inside the sensor: unbolt the engine trim cover (the outer cover with the BMW roundel), unplug the sensor, and look inside. If oil is present inside or even around the sensor itself, plan on replacing this sensor during your next ignition coil, spark plug, and/or valve cover gasket work.

This valve cover kit fits the following BMWs:
2006 E90 BMW 325i 325xi 330i 330xi - Sedan
2006 E91 BMW 325xi - Wagon
2006 E60 BMW 525i 525xi 530i 530xi
2006-10/2006 E85 BMW Z4 3.0i Z4 3.0si

Keeping the oil inside your engine is extremely important to performance. Between oil change intervals, your oil can dip to dangerous levels if there is a leak you may not be aware of. The valve cover is an extremely common place for this to happen. BMW straight six engines are notorious for leaky valve cover gaskets. Years of exposure to extreme temperature change degrades the gaskets and causes failure. Replace yours to keep your engine oil in your vehicle.

This valve cover gasket set fits the folowwing BMWs with the M54 engine:

E39 525i 530i For vehicles with production date from 09/2002 
E46 325Ci 325i 325Xi 330i 330Ci 330Xi For vehicles with production date from 09/2002 
E53 X5 For vehicles with production date from 09/2002 
E60 525i 530i 
E83 X3
Z4 2.5i 3.0i

NOW LOCATED UNDER T#337951

Original BMW replacement valve cover gaskets, including large cover gasket and spark plug cavity gaskets. Fits M52 engine with single VAN0S. This is the OE BMW gasket rather than an OEM or aftermarket brand - we have found the OE gaskets are a better seal than the others.

This item fits the following BMWs:
1996-1999 E36 BMW 323is 323ic 328i 328is 328ic
1996-1999 E36 BMW M3
1997-1998 E39 BMW 528i
1997-1998 Z3 BMW Z3 2.8
1998-2000 Z3 BMW M Roadster M Coupe

Genuine BMW replacement valve cover and gasket for a damaged or cracked valve cover.

Genuine BMW Cylinder Head Cover -
This item fits the following BMW Chassis:
E39,E46,E53 X5

Fits BMW Engines including:
M52,M54

• All-in-one valve cover overhaul
• Preventative replacement saves time and trouble later on
• Includes new oil separator system
• Replace valve cover gaskets before a leak becomes worse
• Replace valve cover before it cracks

For the 2007 model year BMW switched to a plastic valve cover on the N51 and N52 engines. As we have seen over time the plastic can crack which leads to oil leaks, vacuum leaks, poor running, and other issues. Unfortunately, it's not just the gasket that needs periodic replacement but the entire valve cover itself. This kit includes a new valve cover, gaskets, eccentric shaft seal, and hardware. The valve cover also incorporates the oil separator which is not a replaceable item on its own. So a complete valve cover replacement will tackle multiple problem areas at once. The valve cover is the same for N51 SULEV and N52 engines.

Cracked Valve Cover. The plastic used for the N52 valve cover is thin and weak in certain spots. This makes it prone to hairline or larger cracks that will leak oil and cause vacuum leaks. You might also notice rough running, especially at idle. Often a technician will go looking for a failed ignition coil, spark plug, or failed vacuum hose on the engine. And without a fault code to assist in diagnosis this can often mean wasted time and money. A cracked valve cover is a new problem area that many techs don't think to check.

Oil Separator/Crankcase Vent. BMW integrated the oil separator system into the valve cover on these later engines. An internal manifold creates a cyclone effect and centrifugal force separates vapor from the liquid oil. The liquid oil is supposed to drain through the valve cover and back to the oil pan while the remaining vapor is burned up during combustion. It's a very efficient and environmentally-friendly design with very few moving parts. Unfortunately it's not perfect and eventually the internal passageways will become clogged. This problem is made worse in cars that have short drive cycles, sit for long periods of time, do not have frequent oil changes, do not see regular runs to redline, and cars in freezing climates. If the engine never reaches optimal operating temp the oil remains in liquid form or becomes sludge. This is bad news for the entire engine, leading to fouled spark plugs, rough running and misfires and even premature failure of catalytic converters and oxygen sensors. Since the oil separator system in the valve cover is not available on its own, and cleaning it is nearly impossible, the complete replacement of the valve cover is the only option. Other oil vent tubes and vacuum hoses are also recommended to get replaced at the same time.

Valve Cover Gaskets. As with any rubber part, failures occur when the rubber becomes dry and brittle. The pliable rubber no longer forms a seal between the cylinder head and valve cover where it will develop an oil leak. Valve cover gaskets that leak can allow oil to seep into the spark plug holes and contaminate ignition coil boots and plugs. That can lead to rough running and misfires. A new valve cover includes new gaskets.

Eccentric Shaft Seal. The seal for the eccentric shaft sensor is a known spot for oil leaks. When the seal to the valve cover fails oil can end up in the sensor itself and ruin the sensor (an unecessary $300 expense). Usually a new seal (o-ring) will stop the leaks but sometimes the valve cover is at fault too. A new eccentric shaft seal is included.

All new hardware is included to avoid re-using and over-tightening the original bolts (they have a very low torque rating).

Replacement requires accessing the rear of the engine with a lot of the upper plastic shrouding removed. The vent hose on the valve cover should be replaced as it is almost always broken anyway (#11157559528). The metal fuel line must also be removed and disconnected from the fuel injectors. Professional installation is encouraged if you have never done this kind of work before. Serious DIY types should have a Bentley Service Manual to use which greatly explains the process. You may also want to combine this work with the oil filter housing gasket replacement.

There is no maintenance or replacement interval for the N52 valve cover. However, we have seen cracks and other failures in the 50,000-90,000 mile range. Our best advice is to plan on a major top end overhaul around the 70-80,000 mile mark. There's no mechanical downside to replacing it as prevention and it will make the engine run better and last longer.

This item fits the following BMWs:
2008-2012 E82 BMW 128i
2007-2011 E90 BMW 328i 328xi 328i xDrive - Sedan
2007-2012 E91 BMW 328i 328xi 328i xDrive - Wagon
2007-2013 E92 BMW 328i 328xi 328i xDrive - Coupe
2007-2013 E93 BMW 328i - Convertible
2008-2010 E60 BMW 528i 528xi 528i xDrive
2011 F10 BMW 528i
2007-2010 E83 BMW X3 3.0i X3 3.0si
2007-2008 E70 BMW X5 3.0si
2007-2008 E85 BMW Z4 3.0i Z4 3.0si
2009-2010 Z4 BMW Z4 sDrive30i