Good Afternoon All -

My wife has an E60 2008 BMW 528i with about 78,000 miles on it. A couple of days ago, she said she smelled oil burning. I took a look under the hood to find a bit of oil leaking from the valve cover. The part is $40, but labor is a different story.

I found an excellent post from this forum here with instructions, but have a couple of questions, please...

Questions
1. The valve cover gasket is $37.99 locally. Are the valve cover gasket screw set and the Gasket for Valvetronic Motor separate purchases or are either included in the kit?

2. When replacing the gaskets, do you suggest and gasket sealant / additive on either side? If so, which kind?

3. I'd really like to get this done today (don't have time during the week for such a project) - but - can't find a gasket in stock locally. Would it be a completely horrible idea to use the "create your own gasket" paste , cut one out from a template of whatever material, or any other alternative? By far not my first choice as I believe in doing things right, but maybe someone will reply saying they do it often and it's just as good.

Thanks Guys!

 

It's hard to believe that the gasket is leaking so badly you can't wipe it off for now and do the job when the right parts arrive.

1. Screw set and Valvetronic gasket are separate items from the Valve Cover gasket.

2. Do not use sealant, gasket is rubberized and seal well if installed properly.

3. See my comment above, wipe it off and do it right the first time.

 

Thanks for your quick reply...

I figured that would be the answer. Just wanted to make sure. Thanks again!

 

Actually BMW TIS document says to use Dreibond sealant in the half moons 90 degree spots and timing cover to head gap. I actually use the black high heat gasket stuff from Advanced Auto, same stuff. I also use the sealant in the entire half moon area as that is a weakest point in the gasket. Read the TIS guide for this job. I have a nice PDF if you want me to email it to you. PM me with your email and I'll send it.