BMW Valve Cover Gasket Replacement – Our Process

If you suspect an oil leak, our team will perform a thorough inspection. We start by cleaning any old oil residue from the engine and then running the engine to see where fresh oil appears. Often, with a flashlight, we can spot oil seeping around the joint of the valve cover. We may use UV dye in the oil to trace the source when multiple leaks are possible. Once we’ve confirmed the valve cover gasket is the culprit, here’s how we address it:

• Gasket Replacements: In this first step, we’ll carefully remove the valve cover by removing some peripheral components or wiring harnesses that are in the way. Once that’s complete, we’ll pull out the old hardened gasket. You can usually see flat spots or cracks that caused the leak. The gasket area on the cover and engine head is cleaned of any old material or sealant. We then install a brand-new gasket, ensuring it’s seated correctly in the cover grooves. We often apply a dab of engine-grade RTV sealant at specific corners or joint areas if the manufacturer specifies (for example, some engines have a sharp corner where a little sealant helps). Finally, the cover goes back on, and bolts are torqued in sequence to ensure an even seal. If the valve cover was warped or cracked (not uncommon in some high-mileage BMWs), we recommend replacing the cover to ensure the new gasket can do its job.
• Replacing Grommets/Seals: Many valve cover gaskets include spark plug tube seals or bolt grommets. We always replace these as well if applicable. For instance, the spark plug well seals are integrated into the valve cover gasket system on many BMWs. Replacing all related seals ensures no more leaks from those points.
• Cleaning and Testing: After the new gasket is in place, we clean off any spilled oil. Then we run the engine and sometimes take the car for a short test drive to get it up to temperature. We verify that no oil is seeping out and that the previous symptoms (smell, smoke, etc.) are gone. You’ll likely notice immediately that the burning oil odor is eliminated once the residual oil burns off in your BMW.
• Oil Top-off and Check: If you lost a significant amount of oil from the leak, we’ll check your oil level and top it off. In chronic leaks, an oil change may be suggested if the oil has been exposed to air and contaminants for a while.

At Tanner Motors, we pride ourselves on precision, especially for European engines where each part is engineered to tight tolerances. Our technicians have replaced hundreds of valve cover gaskets on BMW 3-Series and 5-Series models (prevalent as they age). We know the little quirks – like how some BMW inline-6 engines have an eccentric shaft sensor gasket that can leak simultaneously, or how older Mercedes V6 engines often leak at the rear of the cover and require special attention. We’ll address all such issues so your engine remains clean and oil-tight.

Once your valve cover gasket is replaced, you can confidently drive, knowing that the oil stays where it belongs. Burnt smells’ll no longer greet you at stop lights or ugly oil stains on your driveway. Importantly, your engine will maintain proper oil pressure and lubrication, preserving longevity.

Practical Tips for Phoenix BMW Drivers

In Phoenix, where summer heat is brutal, consider these tips to help your engine gaskets last: try to park in the shade or garage when possible to avoid excessive under-hood heat soak, maintain your cooling system so the engine doesn’t run hotter than usual, and stay on top of oil changes – fresh oil keeps gaskets conditioned, whereas old dirty oil can accelerate rubber degradation. Don't ignore these signs if you ever smell oil from your car or see oil puddles forming under it! Even if it seems like a small leak, it can quickly become a larger, more significant problem if left unattended. Our team at Tanner Motors is always ready to perform a quick leak check if you’re unsure!