aw3964

N52 engine: I got two broken aluminum valve cover screws (front right; corner and the next one over). Of course, it's leaking a decent amount of oil everywhere. Sad part is that the valve cover gasket looks new which means the previous owner might have replaced the gasket and used the same screws.
I know I shouldn't drill the screws loose, but it's so tempting.


Can anyone tell me what is the length of the aluminum valve cover screws? Each broken one fell right off and I measured them at 1.2 inches so I am just wondering how much is still in there..? (I've checked realoem.com and I couldn't find the specs)

luigi524td

Yikes - sounds like someone forgot what a torque wrench! I'd call a BMW parts department and ask if they have those in stock. Part detail is probably available on their system and not on OEM. That said, you mean use a screw extractor to remove the broken part don't you - not exactly the same as drilling them out!

If you're not "expert" at it and if you don't have proper tools I'd leave that to an experienced BMW-trained mechanic. Don't want the solution creating a problem worse than the one you already have.

healthservices

I'm sure whoever replace the gasket did not replace the grommets under the screws. They deform and retain shape after a while get hard too. After the valve cover was replaced, the proper tension from the screws could not be achieved with just a torquing of the bolts. The person who did the repair most likely thought he could just tighten the screws some more... NOT!

Yes you will have to take a left hand drill to take out the broken pieces.

be sure to replace the grommets this time.