sirvri

Hello everyone,
I need some expert advice on my car.

On my recent visit to the dealership for a regular oil change (the same place where I bought the car), I was given the news about oil leaking from valve cover and valvetronic seal into the galleys of the spark plugs.

I have absolutely NO idea what that means. I was quoted around $1300 for the same. I have a 2008 528xi. I know these cars are expensive to maintain, but I feel $1300 is a ridiculous amount.

What is the opinion of the experts on this forum? I live near Worcester, MA if that helps anyone with approximating the $$ quoted to me.

I would rather get this done sooner rather than later, but I don't want to rush into anything and end up with a lighter pocket.

Thank you

EDIT: My car has about 60000 miles on it. I bought it when it had about 35000 miles and has not given me any problems till now.

pcy

Any independent mechanic can replace the valve cover gasket for much less price.
While the mechanic is replacing the valve cover gasket, he will need to remove the valvetronic motor [and it's gasket] anyway, he can replace the valvetronic motor gasket when he is putting back everything.

Part #2 in the picture below is the valve cover gasket.

resunoiz

this wednesday I'm planning to change the valve cover gasket too, oil is clearly visible.

but I never knew what issues (except for oil loss) can cause that gasket failure. smoke? smell? irregular engine rpm?

pcy

Oil that's leaked from valve cover gasket failure can fall on hot exhaust maniflold, and smell while that oil is burning off. There shouldn't be any engine performance issues from the valve cover gasket leak unless the oil level is so low and impacting the engine.

sirvri

Thanks pcy. That's what I figured. What do you think an approximate ballpark $$ would be including parts? About 600 - 700?

ericline1

I was quoted a little over $700.00 to replace my valve cover gasket..08' 550I

ericline1

from an independent that is....

pcy

For any seasoned mechanic, replacement of valve cover gasket on a N52 engine shouldn't take more than 3 to 4 hours max. New valve cover gasket is around $35 and a set of new valve cover bolts cost around $35. Depending on the hourly labor rate, I'd say $500 (including parts) at an independent mechanic.