N54 Valve Cover (DIY)
 

Hello all!
This is my first post here on the forum, hoping I can get some input!
I have a 2010 535i that has a leaking/cracked valve cover. I've sourced a new OEM part from FCP with a lifetime warranty to use so I'm all set with that.
After doing a good amount of research on the project, I'm still not sure if it's something I can do myself with a helping hand.
All of the repair shops near me have quoted me labor from $550-$900. I would really like to avoid having to pay so much more to have someone install it for me, but I'm not sure if I have the skills necessary to complete such a project. I do most of my own maintenance like oil changes and spark plug jobs, but I'm not very experienced.
Should I bother trying to DIY, or should I just fork out the extra hundreds for a professionally done job?

Thanks for the help,
Aspen

Do it yourself. I believe you'll find it's not that difficult, just takes a little while. Take your time. It's just a bunch of bolts and that's about it. Youtube is your friend.

I feel like some cleaning should be done there.. There's a good amount of oil around where the valve cover is. Any recommendations?

I used to always use brake cleaner for cleaning up oil but I recently started using some Castrol Superclean (purple bottle) and am quite impressed with it as it seems to loosen up the oil just as well but it isn't as volatile so it doesn't dry up as quickly and doesn't make fumes that will knock you out. I've also had success cleaning up the metal with a brass wire brush as it is too soft to scratch the aluminum. That said, I probably wouldn't use it on the mating surfaces of the head to the valve cover. It's nice for loosening up all the caked-on gunk. I brush first and then go over with Superclean and paper towel. I have the intake manifold off on my E46 at the moment and I did the water pump, pulleys, oil filter housing gasket, etc. I've been using these methods to clean and my finger tips are getting worn out. I used to use the blue nitrile gloves but switched to these black ones (I think the ones I have are called "Grease Monkey" gloves) and they are fantastic. The blue ones seem to rip and puncture so quickly but I can reuse the black ones for a few days at a time.

Great, appreciate the info! Best of luck with your build 😁

After watching a few YouTube video's on the valve cover replacement you'll have all the confidence to do it.

There are little nuances to the valvetronic removal and re-installation when done correctly.

Just create a detailed project plan for the job:

- list of all items you need to buy (e.g. new CCV hose in the rear of valve cover when it breaks during removal, while your in there should you replace the eccentric shaft sensor, new oil filler cap, CRC electrical cleaning spray, etc, etc)

- list of all tools you will need

- list the processes for replacement (in the right sequence)

Now you're ready.

I would recommend purchasing this socket to remove the injector ground studs located in the "valley" of the valve cover. My deep socket did not reach. You should double check beforehand to see if your sockets will work, otherwise it might cause a delay in the work.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ch-83300495751

N54, so you won't have to worry about Valvetronic since you don't have it.

No, but you have to work with the high pressure fuel lines. Can be frought with peril.