Valve Cover Gasket Replacement Cost For BMW: Everything You Need To Know

Do you own a BMW with six cylinders or more? Have you noticed some oil drips in your garage or smelled burning oil from under the hood? An oil leak is no small issue – it can lead to complete engine failure if left unchecked. But the good news is that one of the most common culprits behind BMW oil leaks – the valve cover gasket – can be replaced fairly easily by a DIYer or at your local shop.

So how much does it cost to replace a valve cover gasket on a BMW? For most models, the total valve cover gasket replacement cost ranges from $400 to $900 at a shop, and between $100 to $300 if you DIY it. The parts themselves are not too expensive, usually between $50 to $150 for a quality gasket set. But the labor is intensive, requiring 3-6 hours to complete.

In this detailed guide, we’ll overview everything related to replacing the valve cover gasket on BMW models – from the purpose of this gasket in the first place, to the step-by-step DIY instructions, to the cost breakdown of doing it yourself versus having a shop do it. Let’s dive in.

What Exactly is a Valve Cover Gasket?

Before jumping into the nitty gritty details on replacement, let’s briefly overview what the valve cover gasket does in the first place.

The valve cover is the metal lid that sits on top of the cylinder head and protects the valves and camshafts underneath it. The gasket forms an airtight seal between the valve cover and cylinder head, preventing engine oil from leaking out.

Without a proper seal, oil can drip down and leak from the valve cover, which is not only messy but can also lead to lowered oil levels, oil burning smells from the exhaust, engine overheating, and even complete seizure if driven for too long.

Some of the most common symptoms of a worn out valve cover gasket on your BMW include:

Oil drips or puddles under the engine
Burning oil smell from the exhaust
Low oil level between changes
Gunk buildup around the valve cover

If you notice any of those symptoms, it likely means the valve cover gasket is no longer sealing properly and will need to be replaced. Ignoring oil leaks long term can lead to very expensive engine repairs down the road.

Which BMW Models Use a Valve Cover Gasket?

The valve cover gasket is present on most modern BMW engines with six cylinders or greater. Some of the most common BMW models and engine configurations that have a valve cover gasket susceptible to wear include:

3 Series – N20, N52, N55, S55 engines
5 Series – N55, N63, S55 engines
7 Series – N55, N63, S65 engines
X3 SUV – N20, N52, N55 engines
X5 SUV – N55, N63 engines
Z4 – N20, N52, N54 engines

In general, the inline 6-cylinder turbocharged engines like the N55 along with most BMW V8 and V10 engines have a valve cover gasket that will need replacement every 60k miles or so. The gasket is made of rubber or cork material that slowly hardens and loses its seal over time.

For BMW models not listed above, consult your owner’s manual to see if a valve cover gasket replacement is recommended as scheduled maintenance.

What’s the Valve Cover Gasket Replacement Cost for BMW?

Now let’s get into the nitty gritty – how much does it actually cost to have the valve cover gasket replaced on a BMW?

There are two options here – paying a professional BMW mechanic to replace it at their shop, or tackling it yourself as a DIY repair project.

Shop Replacement Cost

If you take your BMW into a shop, the total valve cover gasket replacement cost will be in the range of $400 to $900. This factors in:

Labor – Most shops will charge $300 to $600 in labor for this job. It is fairly time consuming, taking 3-6 hours to complete depending on the BMW model. Shop labor rates also factor in.
Parts – The valve cover gasket kit itself along with new gaskets, seals and hardware will run you $100 to $300. Opt for a genuine BMW OEM gasket kit for best results.

So with the combination of labor and parts, you’re looking at a several hundred dollar shop bill. It pays to get a few quotes, as rates can vary between BMW specialists.

DIY Replacement Cost

If you’re handy and want to save some money, replacing the valve cover gasket yourself as a DIY project is certainly feasible. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Parts – Just like at a shop, budget $100 to $300 for a complete valve cover gasket kit with all new gaskets and hardware.
Tools – You’ll need some basic tools like ratchets, extensions, a torque wrench, screwdrivers, and socket set. If you’re starting from scratch, plan on a $50 to $150 investment here.
Labor – While you won’t pay for shop labor, account for 2-5 hours of your own time to complete this repair. It can be tedious.
Total – All in you’re looking at a DIY cost of $100 to $300 if you have some tools already. It pays off compared to shop rates. But make sure you have the skill and patience!

As you can see, you can save more than 50% by doing it yourself. But that’s only if you’re up for a time consuming DIY project and follow all steps carefully.

What Factors Impact the Valve Cover Gasket Replacement Cost?

When coming up with an accurate quote, there are several key factors that impact the total valve cover gasket replacement cost:

BMW Model and Engine – The exact labor time and parts cost will depend on the specific BMW model and engine you have. Bigger engines equal more expensive gasket kits and longer labor.
DIY or Shop Repair – As outlined above, choosing a shop versus DIY makes a huge difference in the cost. Shop rates are always higher.
Location – Where you live also impacts shop labor rates, which vary by region. Major cities have higher rates.
Parts Used – Opting for genuine OEM BMW parts versus cheap aftermarket gaskets makes a difference in parts cost.
Supplies Needed – If tackling as a DIY job, costs go up if you need to purchase all tools and supplies. Hardest for beginners.

To get an accurate quote tailored to your situation, get estimates from both a shop and auto parts store. The valve cover itself may also need replacement if heavily warped.

How Long Does the Repair Take?

Another consideration is the time investment. For shops, plan on a 3-6 hour job depending on the BMW model. For DIY repairs, you’ll spend 2-5 hours on it if equipped with all tools and supplies – longer if making any additional repairs. Make sure to allot a whole morning or afternoon. Rushing leads to mistakes.

All in all, while not the simplest job, a valve cover gasket replacement is certainly doable for a DIYer with decent mechanical skills. Just be prepared for an intensive process.

Step-by-Step DIY Instructions

Ready to DIY it? Here’s an overview of the key steps involved:

Gather Tools and Supplies

Socket set with extensions
Torque wrench
Screwdrivers
Gasket scraper
Shop rags
Gasket sealant
Drain pan
Replacement gasket kit
Motor oil

Drain Oil

Locate oil drain plug underneath engine
Set drain pan underneath
Remove plug and drain old oil

Remove Engine Covers

Take off engine beauty cover if equipped
Remove air box and intake tubing if necessary for access

Disconnect Components

Unplug any sensors, PCV valves or hoses that obstruct gasket
Label components and take photos if needed

Remove Fasteners and Old Gasket

Loosen bolts using proper socket
Carefully lift off valve cover
Scrape old gasket material thoroughly

Clean Surfaces

Use gasket scraper and rags to remove residue
Wipe sealing surfaces completely clean

Apply New Gasket

Lightly coat gasket sides with sealant
Lay new gasket in place lining up bolt holes

Reinstall Valve Cover

Insert bolts and hand tighten
Torque bolts down to proper specs

Reconnect Everything

Reattach all hoses, sensors that were removed
Reinstall covers and intake components

Refill Oil

Pour in new motor oil to replace drained amount
Check for leaks before starting engine

And that’s the basic rundown! As you can see, it’s not enormously complicated, but does require diligently following each step. Having a repair manual specific to your BMW model is a great asset for torque specs and reassembly. Patience and care is key.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my valve cover gasket needs replacement?

The most common symptoms that your valve cover gasket has failed and is leaking oil are:

Oil drips or puddles under engine
Smoke or burning oil smell from exhaust
Oil residue around gasket area
Low oil level between changes

Inspect under the hood thoroughly if you notice any drips or smells. The valve cover and surrounding areas will be wet with oil if the gasket seal has failed.

Is replacing a valve cover gasket an easy DIY job?

For someone with intermediate mechanical skills, it is certainly DIY-able. But plan on a good 2-5 hours to complete it properly. Make sure you follow all steps carefully and have the proper tools. Getting the valve cover bolts torqued down to the right specs is critical.

Is it ok to drive with a bad valve cover gasket?

It’s not recommended to continue driving once you’ve identified a leaking valve cover gasket. The longer oil leaks, the higher your risk of overheating or severe engine damage over time. Schedule a replacement as soon as possible. Top off oil level in meantime if needed.

Does valve cover gasket replacement require removing timing chain?

On most BMW engines, the valve cover can be removed without disturbing the timing chain. Exceptions are older V8 and V12 motors, which might require timing chain or cover removal for full access. Consult a manual for your specific model.

How much does it cost to replace valve cover gasket at BMW dealer?

You can expect higher costs if going to the BMW dealer rather than local independent shop. BMW hourly rates are higher, so total labor will be $700+ in most cases. And they will only use genuine OEM parts, further increasing the parts cost.

Conclusion

In summary, a leaking valve cover gasket is a fairly common issue on higher mileage BMW engines. While an annoying oil leak, it’s fortunately one of the more straightforward repairs to make. With proper parts and patience, many BMW owners can tackle it themselves as a DIY project and save on shop costs. Just be ready for an intensive process!

To recap, the typical valve cover gasket replacement cost is:

Shop repair: $400 to $900
DIY repair: $100 to $300

As with any repair, getting quotes from both your local BMW specialist shop along with the parts department will give you the total price estimate for your specific model. And be diligent with the DIY steps if going that route – don’t cut corners or rush!

We hope this complete guide gives you confidence for either tackling the valve cover gasket job yourself or knowing what to expect for shop pricing. No more dripping oil and embarrassing exhaust smells!