E46 Fanatics Forum banner

DIY: Valve Cover Gasket Replacement

358K views 306 replies 150 participants last post by  OnTheFence 
#1 · (Edited)
***All, the original site hosting the images was removed. The pictures along with the full DIY can now be found below***

BMW E46 3-Series Valve Cover Gasket DIY





This DIY article will help you successfully change the Valve Cover Gasket in the E46 3-Series. This was done on a 325xi so there might be a few variations between the different models, but all should be closely related.

This is also a very good time to do your Spark Plugs if it is time to have that done. If you are looking for the Spark Plug DIY please follow the link below:

E46 Spark Plug Replacement DIY

TOOLS NEEDED:
Flat Head Screwdriver
3/8 Ratchet
3/8 Extensions (6"+)
Torque Wrench
8mm Socket
10mm Socket
19mm Socket
TORX 30 Socket

Optional: RTV Red High Temp Silicone

PARTS REQUIRED:
OEM Valve Cover Gasket: 11129070990
Valve Cover Grommets (15): 11-12-1-437-395

First thing we want to do is remove the cabin filter housing



There are 3 securing tabs holding the cabin filter cover on. They are outlined in the picture below



To release the tabs, simply twist them counter-clockwise



Here is a shot of the tabs in the released position



Pull the cover off the reveal the cabin filter



The cabin filter just sits in the housing. Simply pull it out to remove. Note the orientation so you put the new one back in correctly



Removing the cabin filter will reveal four (4) TORX30 bolts holding the carbin filter housing in place. Grab your 3/4 Ratchet and loosen these up. They will not come out from the housing, but will become loose as to where you can remove the panel



Below are all four bolts outlined for your convenience





Before we remove the cabin filter housing let's take the battery line and the coil pack harness line out of the front holder. These wires are secured in this plastic housing. Simply pop the four (4) clips as shown below to open the compartment



Remove the two wires (coil harness on top / battery line on bottom)



We can now remove the cabin filter housing by pulling forward and placing it out of the way.



Let's get the battery line out of the way. Pop the cover shown below next to the passenger shock tower to reveal the 19mm bolt holding it down



Grab your ratchet and 19mm socket and remove it



Place the 19mm bolt back on the screw to ensure you don't misplace it. You can now move the line out of the way



Now we can work on removing the engine dressing covers. Grab a flathead and locate the two caps pointed out below. By popping these off you will reveal the two 10mm bolts holding the cover to the valve cover.



Remove the oil fill cap by rotating counter-clockwise



Grab your 10mm socket and remove the two bolts holding the engine dressing on



We can now pull the cover off and place it out of the way.



Same thing for the top cover. Remove the two covers shown below and remove the two (2) 10mm bolts. Then pull the engine cover from the engine bay



Let's remove the line at the top right of the valve cover. To do so pinch the areas shown below to release the connector and pull



By now you should be looking at something like this



Next step is to remove the coil packs.



Note: I believe some of the early model E46 coil packs might be secured to the valve cover via bolt design. If so you can easily enough just unbolt them and pull them free from the valve cover

First step to the coil pack removal is to release the coil pack harness from the coil pack itself. This can be done by sliding the locking mechanism upward as shown below



The with lock mechanism released you can grab the connector and pull away from the coil pack. Repeat this step for all 6 coil packs.



Here is a shot of the connector free from the coil pack



The coil packs are suctioned into the cylinder head so i found the best way to remove them was with a small extension. Grab your extension and slide it through the release connector as shown below. Apply and equal amount of pressure on each side to prevent snapping it. Pull upward gently to remove the coil pack



With the coil pack loose you can slide it out of the cylinder head



Here is a shot of valve cover with all of the coil packs removed



Next we want to remove the O2 sensor plugs and all of the wires that are connected to the bottom of the valve cover. All of this stuff is secured via clips and can just be popped free





Grab a 8mm socket and remove the bolt holding the ground wire to the valve cover



Here is a shot of the wire removed

 
See less See more
33
#69 ·
So if your missing a bolt, the bolt to hold the valve cover, and its not in he engine bay or on the ground but when you start the car there's a clicking noise that makes you think the bolt is inside? Where would you look? I've taken the valve cover off again but all I found was the washer. Where should I look?
 
#70 ·
:facepalm:
 
#73 ·
Do you have an M3 perhaps? Just looking at another discounting BMW dealer online, the M3 VCG (only the gasket) lists for $65 sells for $51 and the 325/330i one lists for $46 sells for $36. Of course you can go OEM for $24 from Autohausaz which includes the spark plug and VC gaskets. If you want the valve cover stud seals, that's another $5 at Autohaus.
 
#75 ·
WOW just did this DYI. The old gasket was DONE and not rubber anymore. Hardest part was trying the get the cover back on... the gasket kept falling out.
Unfortunately during the removal, I broke one of the attachments to the cover... I think its the vanos attachemend? The plastic just cracked at the base.. Attached is a pic. Can anybody tell me what part this is and where I can buy another quick. Thanks.
 

Attachments

#80 · (Edited)
#83 · (Edited)
Thanks for the thread.

Had been suffering burnt oil smell when stationary. Could see oil stains on the rear Ex manifold cover. Did my VCG today. Found the culprit, 2nd bolt back from rear was really loose. Decided to replace VCG anyway. All went well ... could not believe how hard the gaskets become. Had a hell of a job digging them out of the cover. Pieces kept breaking but finally got it all out. Used 3 Bond Super Sealer No.2 Red High Temp RTV Silicone on the joins as described. :thumbup:

BTW, my 325 is 2001 model and had the bolt-down coils with an earth strap on both #1 and #6 coils to the corresponding valve cover bolt (one of the 15).

TIP:- Stuff a small piece of rag in the spark plug holes and drape rags around when undoing coil nuts and earth strap nuts to avoid dropping them into hard to get at spots. Also three of the spark plug gaskets remained stuck to head and needed rags around as I broke these free. They split into many brittle pieces and I didn't want any to remain in the engine or down the spark plug holes. :facepalm:
 
#89 ·
My Indy BMW mechanic here in Melbourne Australia has quoted $A254 supplied and fitted. They charge 1½ hrs for that job so $A165 labour and $A89 for the gaskets.

$A1.00 buys $US1.05 at the moment so $US267 for the job. Authorised BMW stealership would be higher again.
 
#95 ·
Thanks, It was really not bad. I accidentally dropped 1 washer but after knocking down the underbody shield I felt it bouncing and I was very happy. After pounding it a few times the washer fell on the floor. LOL. I also power washed the cover then clean and dry it well before putting the gasket in and putting it back because it was very messy from the leak with plastic debris sticking in it. The old gasket really turned into plastic and it no longer seal the oil inside.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top