darnell moore

I have a 2005 545i with 180,000 + miles. I am asking for advice when I change valve cover gaskets. I need help determining what else I should replace when doing the valve covers. thank you in advance for your help.

H F

Change the front cover timing gaskets too. Be care full not to over tighten the valve cover bolts.

Only Bimmers

To make it way easier on your self do the following.

(1) remove the hvac duct / fan cover on the firewall at the back of the engine. This has a few screws and 2 heater lines attached to it. Make sure to loosen the plastic screw at the bottom behind the engine too. Pull the sides of the duct cover towards you and up hard and it will pop out.

(2) Remove the rear engine mount (2 screws)

(3) Unbolt and shift ac line down (passenger side) to get rear coil pack out, you may need to move back and forth as needed for clearance when removing cover. (Drivers Side) unscrew main power cable and move out of way to get rear coil out.

(4) ensure you are using teflon o-ring grease only when putting the cover back on and pushing down on the spark plug tubes. It is very tricky and tough to get sealed. This is available at any pool supply store.

Margal

Your valve cover must be really bad at 180k miles or this is second set you are replacing?
Thing is when replacing them to make free room as much as possible. Remove both engine lifting brackets. You have to bend a oil dipstick little bit.Be very careful not to brake the centeric shaft sensor. Take your time when removing and putting them back. Yes silicone grease helps . Put generous amount on spark plug tubes. Once you put covers back run your fingers (if you can) to make sure if it sits correctly. Start tightening by middle short fasteners 115inlb and the long ones 90inlb. Good time to replace upper timing covers if leaking. Also sparks plugs if bad. There are good discussion and instruction on this forum and net about the subject just google it. Have fun