sessionmc

2004 545i with 103k miles

So about a week ago, a small leak turned into a larger leak which turned out to be a low timing cover gasket.

After taking the car to bmw, they at first claim its the left upper timing cover gasket and quote me $1,4xx.xx. I say ok as it was much less than my indy quote. A day later, I get a call back and bmw discover it IS the lower timing cover gasket as we had told them.

Now they quote the repairs at $6,xxx.xx. I tell them there is no way I can pay that amount. I get call back from my rep and he says they'll agree to do the repairs for 2500 which also includes the valve covergaskets (which were beginning to sweat) and some other stuff replaced.

My indy mech thinks that this means they'll cut some corners such as not removing the head and engine which is needed to complete the job. Is this true? Should I trust bmw and go ahead with the repairs? Or am I just setting myself up for more trouble?

05545i

You do not need to remove the heads to change the lower timing cover gasket. AFAIK, you dont need to remove the engine, either.

ricky1329

Yes, no need to remove the engine. They need to hold the engine in position and remove the chassis under near. Lot of work and higher in labor charge.

ivan545

well the valve cover was a pain in the ass just to let you know so its well worth it to do the timing cover with the valve cover included with the estimate, I would pay BMW to do it, cause if it still leaks, they will have to take care of the rest.