@@RyanzPVTS Most of a Saturday. About 6 working hours. A lot of time was spent figuring out how to remove enough of the parcel shelf on an F25 X3 to clear the firewall end to access the 3 rear most valve cover bolts and to have clearance to lift off the valve cover. The job has a lot of steps but it isn't technically difficult. Also BMW electrical connectors can be like little puzzles that take some time and care to figure out how to remove each type. This adds some time if unfamiliar with them as I was. Again the video was very helpful for that also.
The best tutorial! Couple things to note is I believe post July 2013, the n55 switched to using electronic wastegates so there's no vacuum lines you need to disconnect which makes the process way easier! However, they also decided to weld the right side of the fuel lines to the rail so you can't just disconnect the little pipes, but you have to take off the whole rail. You can do this by disconnecting the cable at the top towards the windshield, loosening the nut down towards the grille and then loosening the bolts near the manifold.
Great video. Small suggestion for people following along. 10:33 you don't need to remove those cable from the holders. It's easier to leave it on and just remove the bracket itself with the single T30 screw. You end up removing the bracket anyways in 11:34.
Just did this job last week and went ahead and did the OFHG as well as the intake gaskets. I appreciate how you maneuver in the space. I found that creating more room by removing the wipers and some of the cowl plastic so that I could get the valve cover in with no obstruction and be sure that the gasket stayed in place. Pick tool set is a must.
Possibly the reason you kept getting fuel leaking was the fuel tank being pressurized, I have had that happen on Mercedes all the time? I remove the gas cap to release the pressure, then put the cap back on which would help holding the fuel from leaking down. Great video!!
Lol burning oil and leaking oil are very different. Either way you end up with less oil over time haha. Both are bad for the environment, so I'm told. This job is actually very easy from start to valve cover removal, I got 30-35min invested. Rinse and repeat for the other half of the repair. And that job is closer to 1k in labor at the shop or dealer. Crazy🤣
I thought it was going to be hard and put it off for a couple months. I finally set aside a whole day, but was done in under a couple hours. The hardest part is not breaking the tabs on the vent hose. I was betting I was going to fail and bought a new vent hose ($45) along with the gasket ($23). I did break two tabs.
Did this job last year i can't tell you how much appreciation you should for getting that valve cover in first try lol. I had to tie fishing line at four points all the way around the cover and the new gasket to seat it without rolling the gasket in my n54. Cut the line and pulled it out fine, but man it was a pain in the ass!
These are amazing videos and i am new to the BMW world. Just bought a 2016 535i x-drive. But for the love of God can someone get him a dry shirt and a towel. Poor man is leaking badly. And i am now subscribed. Best BMW information i have found so far
This video is awesome. It guided me through replacing the valve cover on a 2015 X5 3.5. In my case the PCV was squealing and it is permanently a part of the valve cover. BTW I bought the replacement from FCP Euro. Great company.
Excellent diy. I have bought an Elring brand valve cover kit with screws and essentric shaft gasket watched this video and others who have similar videos. I intend to change mine on my N55 x5 ,2011 The independent garage quoted $ xxxx,… thank thank you FCP keep up good DIY .
Just did it this weekend. Took me 4 hours total. I've only done one other on an E36, which was MUCH easier. Old gasket was brittle and stiff. Getting the valvecover loose from the head once all the bolts were backed out required some encouragement from some small pry bars and a dead blow hammer and blocks of wood. Factor that struggle into your job too.
I just ordered the Valve cover gasket and the other oval gasket he replaced. The back screw that is in the back by the firewall is........not fun. I got it all together and was happy......and then......it started leaking, so today I am doing it again. I think I probably knocked off part of the gasket putting in the valve cover or it just wasn't seated properly. I will say now it was quicker this time removing it!!!! When I put the gasket on the valve cover the first time it seemed that it was just a bit off and wanted to come off a bit easier than I would have liked. I decided to take the cover in my basement and cleaned it up a bit and then put a few dabs of gasket sealer in the valve cover groove where the gasket fits in to hold it in place better. I am hoping that it wont come off so easily this time so that I can get it back on with the gasket still in place. You can try and look at the gasket once you have it in place, but it really is hard to tell. I think by the feel of it and how the bolts feel when you are tightening them is probably the only real way to tell. Great video, so for me back to work finishing it up and will report on if the second time is a charm!!!! Don't want to do it a 3rd time!!
Fuck yeah!!!! FINALLY a video on changing the valve cover on the exact car of mine! BMW 535i F10 with the N55 engine!!!! I just did the spark plugs yesterday and what a bitch that was but at least no more misfires and full power back to my F10 M Sport!
what is the torque value....awsome video...i am doing one right now and your video helped alot....got everything removed and now time to remove and replace gasket. would be nice to know the torque...i think you forgot to add to the video :)
Thanks for the video which helped me perform this repair successfully! I would not recommend the suggestion to cover the injectors and fuel rail feeds with glove finger tips. In my case, removing the old valve cover knocked half of them off, some even going down into the now open engine. It took me a while to find them all and boy was I stressed! One fell quite far down and I had to use a long thin hose and a shop vac to retrieve it! Dealership phone quoted me $2,800 to $4,200 to do the repair. No risk, no reward!
Thank you for the video. Just attempted this today. Should have ordered new coils ahead of time. 3 of my coils left the rubber boot in the plug toobs, n in the process I lost the tiny rod that sits in the spring of the coil somewhere in my engine bay. Gonna be a whole lotta fun fishing those rubber boots out. New coils are on order now… N car is sitting there… FML
i used this video and fallowed step by step i spent about 6 hours went super slow but when i turned my car on it said drive train malfunction and the engine light started flashing any idea what could lead to this i put everything back the exact same way i took it. off idk what i could of did wrong all screws went back n the exact same spot all plugs was pluged in i put in all new spark plugs and coils while i was do this i was very happy when i put it back together then that message popped up and i got extremely sad i need help
What a awesome video, thank you. I replaced the pcv valve, a hack, cause of the wining noise but still wining with less noise. So I believe the tappet cover is leaking cause of smoke and noise. Hopefully not the main bearing. I will attempt this.
Fans are cheap, help a brotha out, lol... Thanks so much for the video. Very informative and this is definitely a must on the N55. The bad design of the weak PCV Valve being part of the valve cover is the main reason for changing the cover. It just needs and new design that the PCV valve can be replaced if it goes bad on the new cover later down the road. I haven't found that part with a replaceable PCV valve... I am in the process of replacing mine. Just want to make sure I upgrade rather than putting the same failing OEM part back on.
I also took off the middle center part back panel just behind the rear valve cover that holds the middle of the windshield cowl. Makes much easier to see and torque the rear bolts of the valve cover!
Excellent video! The gasket on my N55 (55k miles) is starting to weap and I've REALLY wanted to tackle this job myself when I change out the spark plugs. DIY TIP: Disconnect battery the night before and the fuel system will be relatively depressurized. Q: I've watched a couple of videos on this job and have wondered why nobody pops off that 4-prong breather hose at the other end rather than trying to shimmy it off the valve cover?
Hi John, glad you liked the DIY! The reason we shimmy it off the valve cover is because its less likely to break removing it from the valve cover vs removing it from the charge pipe.
And it obviously has to come off anyway and fit to the replacement valve cover. No point risking breaking it twice when once is risky enough. Mine cracked on one tab but didn't break off.
Hi everyone i have a bmw x5 e70 2012 n55 engine im getting rough idle with no codes shown , what could be the problem i change the valve cover gasket , spark plugs and ignition coils not to long and i also clean map sensor and air maf sensor ? I also install a vrst charge pipe to my car could that be the problem?
Brother garage is either have a large cooling fan or a large cooling fan supplied with water misters inside of it which is pretty close to an air conditioning unit, we used to refer to those back in the 60s as a a swamp cooler
Really helpful video, but I have to recommend against using glove fingertips to cover the fuel line holes. They can be knocked off or blown away really easily, and fishing them out of the head can be really challenging. It might require bendy straws and tasting motor oil (ask me how I know). I saw another guy lightly reattach the fuel lines after flipping them around towards the driver side of the engine, and this seems to me like a safer approach. Again, though, thank you for posting this video.
Hey thx for the video. There is a piece sticking out from underneath the valve cover that could fall off during removal or reinstallation, can you help me understand what does that piece do? Unfortunately on my valve cover the base for that piece also fell off so I can't simply put it back on without gluing. I didn't install it when I put the cover back on, been about 150 miles and fine so far
Did this job on a 2013 E70 X5 with the N55. There is not a vacuum plug on the side of the valve cover. Two vacuum lines connect to the valve cover on the E70 N55 X5's for reference.
Thanks. In the middle of a valve cover change on my 2011 535, and the 3 bolts by the firewall are a pain in the a$$ to get to!!!I didn’t remove the cowl, that’s my next step Will definitely get a good set of etorx sockets!!!
For anyone doing this job in 2024 and deciding to look through the most recent comments: I did the job on a 2015 F30 335i rwd 6mt - Other than regular sockets and wrenches I needed e10 and e18 sockets. -The vacuum line and vacuum plug he removes from passenger side of the cover are now obsolete with an electronic waste gate car. No plugs to carry over. -My fuel lines only had nuts going into the injectors the entire fuel rail was removed by a 17mm nut and 4 or 5 10mm bracket bolts. -There is a plastic bracket on the very back passenger side of the cover that holds up the positive jump point cable. I was able to just lift up off the cover and push back against the firewall to access the rear bolts. I did not attempt to remove the bracket. -Harbor freight will tell you they don’t sell E-sockets. They are lying.
Great video. Luckily, I got the kit. Had the car in for the in take fuel pump recall (6 years late) and was told that the valve cover gasket was leaking. Knew that the PVC could fail at any time with the age (2011) and mileage, so did the full cover. Turns out the cover was perfect, but the hose to the intake tube was leaking. Changed both rather easily following the video steps. I used the glove finger tips, but had one drop into the valve area and had to fish it out. It makes sense to protect for dirt when removing the old cover, but there should be a better way.
Garetth is awesome and so is fcp! His video gave me courage to do plugs and coils I’m hoping to do this and save some money too on my 2011 335, it’s smelling a lot time to do it has 65k miles
hi i just did this to my n55 and on startup there was a decent amount of white smoke coming from the left back side of the engine bay, anybody know what this could be?
Everything is well covered except the hidden bolt that secures the wiring harness. I liked to never have found it. After I do the valve cover I have to do the oil filter adapter. I am also changing the spark plugs while I am in it. Thanks for making the video.
Very nice video, good to understand what kind of work it is. Self already done on my M54 and will also certainly be a task on my 535iX M55. Thanks for the good explanation, that helps a lot for doing it yourself.
Thank you, replaced my valve cover gasket on my 640i following this video, when removing valve cover the plastic piece that clips inside valve cover disconnected from valve cover, reinstalled valve cover without putting that plastic piece back on inside valve cover ! (Forgot about it) How important is that for functioning of the car ??? Thanks
I kinda messed up, while replacing my vc with a new one and a new gasket also. When i finished the first round of “snugging” the bolts i realized there was a corner of shop towel trapped. I had to loosen all screws just enough to get it out and start the process again. Do i need to replace the gasket again or should i be just fine??
Great video! Was anyone able to figure out the part number for the trailing link bolts at the 25:00 minute mark that are supposed to be replaced? I've got a 2011 BMW X3 and cannot locate the "trailing link" bolts to purchase.
My BMW N55 engine has 60k miles now. This valve cover is something that I keep an eye on regularly. When replacing your N55 valve cover, consider replacing your PCV hose tube and the oil filling cap; they are both inexpensive parts.
Now with 104k miles my valve cover gasket is showing signs of oil sweating so it's time to get it replaced. Ordered the Elring 477.340 valve cover and gasket on rockauto and actuator flange for less than $200
Awesome video. Question, my 2015 x1 is needing this fix, on your site it sells the gasket kit separate than the cover. Can I just use the old cover or do I have to get a new one?
How on earth do you get that back rear bolt out?? I’ve moved everything I possible can and can’t get to it! And, naturally with my luck I did in fact drop one of the ground nuts….where does it go and am I going to have issues and not be able to get it out??
Can you help me find the part that you removed @2:32?? It's a vacuum line hose connection clip that connects to the charge pipe. I can't find it to save my life! Any help would be appreciated.
What could happen if very fine dirt (like beach sand) falls out when you remove the valve cover, as this happened to me, I vacuumed it up but I think some residue falls out. THANKS.
I have a small oil leak on my n55 335i and sometimes smoke would come from the hood or I’ll smell oil coming from the vents insides is it smarter to replace the just the gasket or whole valve cover assembly @FCPEURO
While you can replace just the gasket, it's safer to replace the whole valve cover with the gasket, in case your old valve cover has a crack in it. That way you will have a new valve cover that you don't have to worry about.
Hey I followed all ur steps.. but after I fired up my x5 .. it sounded weird 😢.. and I see some oil leaks coming down 😅 .. and I miss something or maybe should retighten my VALV COVER BOLTS ?
Hey Garett I just want you to know you are amazing ! I have learnt so much from you over the years it’s “unbelievable” my French teacher used to literally Yellll this when the class didn’t care 😂 get that man some water and a goddamned AC !!!!!!!
This is a very well made video! Is the procedure similar for a 2015 BMW F80? I am aware they are different engines but this seems to be a common problem with BMW's. My car particularly started making a squeal whiney noise when at idle, it has around 50k miles. The noise goes away when the oil cap is removed. BMW is quoting me over $2500 for the job and says I must replace entire PCV valve and the rear main seal, however I am not in a place where I can pay that right now. Wanted to give this repair a shot myself
Hi Italo, if you have a BMW F80 with the N55 inline 6 engine, it would be basically the same process as this video! Good luck on the repair and let us know how it goes!
FCPeuro, when are you guys going to start selling the ELDOR coils for this BMW 535i F10 2011-2016? We F10 owner need them updated Eldor coils that BMW is using as their OEM coils now!
Hi LALOMAN, Eldor coils are not recommended for the N55 engine, so we do not list them for the BMW N55 applications. If you still want to buy them the part number is 12138657273.
I changed mine out and broke the small piece that clips in inside the valve cover it self. It’s the small piece in the video at 19:33. Do you have any idea what that peice is called
Thank you Mr. Garrett for Sharing excellent video professionally done, greattttt knowledge and skillsets..You are the Best BMW service professional on RUclips...🏆🏆🏆🏅🏅🥇🥇🎖🎖✌✌👍👍👍👍
Damn bro, you were really out of breath. I hope you're doing better now two yrs later. That job isn't difficult and requires light to medium effort. Also helpful tip in the future. Remove the one fuel rail nut for fuel line in and remove just the nuts going to fuel injectors, leave the other nuts tight on the fuel rail side. It keeps them in the correct orientation, saves time and effort when reinstalling.
Thanks for the video. How do you remove vacuum connection pipe at 9:18? Is there something to push/pry on? I'm stuck there for 2 hours.Thanks for the help!
What are the symptoms of bad valve cover gasket? I have an oil leak and I see the oil filter gasket leaking from front. I also see smoke and smell when I start my car because oil dripping on my exhaust and minor oil leak on floor. Is it possible the oil filter gasket leak is causing dripping to the exhaust pipe? Or it got to be valve cover gasket leak?
I am in the process of doing this job. On my original cover, there was small heavy "thing" covering one of the bolts, which I had to remove to get to the bolt. It was not in the video as far as I can tell. Some research revealed it is BMW part #11127603482 called a "valve cover absorber" (and which FCP lists as a part). What the heck does it DO? Make the engine quieter is my guess but can anyone confirm and/or elaborate? FYI for people out there contemplating this job, the cover in the FCP kit has the gasket(s) already attached. Makes fitting it a piece of cake.
Great video, thanks for taking the time to upload it for us to learn from. I didn't catch it, but do you need to replace the engine oil when doing this job?
Great video. Just finished installing your replacement valve cover and gasket set on my N55 F25 X3. No more burnt oil smell in the cabin.
How long did it take you?
@@RyanzPVTS Most of a Saturday. About 6 working hours. A lot of time was spent figuring out how to remove enough of the parcel shelf on an F25 X3 to clear the firewall end to access the 3 rear most valve cover bolts and to have clearance to lift off the valve cover. The job has a lot of steps but it isn't technically difficult. Also BMW electrical connectors can be like little puzzles that take some time and care to figure out how to remove each type. This adds some time if unfamiliar with them as I was. Again the video was very helpful for that also.
*For anyone wondering:*
*The valve cover fastener torque spec. for the BMW N55 engine is 6.3lb/8.5NM.*
Pour les 26vis ? 8,5nm seulement ?
The best tutorial! Couple things to note is I believe post July 2013, the n55 switched to using electronic wastegates so there's no vacuum lines you need to disconnect which makes the process way easier! However, they also decided to weld the right side of the fuel lines to the rail so you can't just disconnect the little pipes, but you have to take off the whole rail. You can do this by disconnecting the cable at the top towards the windshield, loosening the nut down towards the grille and then loosening the bolts near the manifold.
@@tularaktv7764 I did it myself using the steps. :)
Two plastic clips block the inner screws holing the fuel rail to the block on 2013+. Pull down slightly, and these will pop out to slide over.
Do you know if they need to pull out the fuel injectors? Because mine is broken now
Great video. Small suggestion for people following along. 10:33 you don't need to remove those cable from the holders. It's easier to leave it on and just remove the bracket itself with the single T30 screw. You end up removing the bracket anyways in 11:34.
O
Just did this job last week and went ahead and did the OFHG as well as the intake gaskets. I appreciate how you maneuver in the space. I found that creating more room by removing the wipers and some of the cowl plastic so that I could get the valve cover in with no obstruction and be sure that the gasket stayed in place. Pick tool set is a must.
Who needs a/c when you're cool enough to drop a N55 valve cover with "one take" precision.
Thanx for the tutorial.
😂
Excellent videos! N55 owner here and a loyal customer. Keep up the good work.
Possibly the reason you kept getting fuel leaking was the fuel tank being pressurized, I have had that happen on Mercedes all the time? I remove the gas cap to release the pressure, then put the cap back on which would help holding the fuel from leaking down. Great video!!
Great video! Basically makes me believe that it’s easier to continue to let the car burn oil than to do this job!
Lol burning oil and leaking oil are very different. Either way you end up with less oil over time haha. Both are bad for the environment, so I'm told. This job is actually very easy from start to valve cover removal, I got 30-35min invested. Rinse and repeat for the other half of the repair. And that job is closer to 1k in labor at the shop or dealer. Crazy🤣
I just got quoted $1118 at the dealer. Ouch.
@@robertaccorsini4663 u shoulda tried a specialized shop it’s like half
I thought it was going to be hard and put it off for a couple months. I finally set aside a whole day, but was done in under a couple hours. The hardest part is not breaking the tabs on the vent hose. I was betting I was going to fail and bought a new vent hose ($45) along with the gasket ($23). I did break two tabs.
It’s also easier for car to catch on fire with leaking gasket
GREAT video, but someone get that man some AC!!!!
Glad you like the video, Alan! AC in the shop would be nice!
At least a fan.
I was going to say at least a fan
@Korbin Kylo it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy:D
Thanks so much, you saved my account!
@@fcpeuro
Pretty safe bet you have A/C in the office where people are never in danger of breaking a sweat.
Did this job last year i can't tell you how much appreciation you should for getting that valve cover in first try lol. I had to tie fishing line at four points all the way around the cover and the new gasket to seat it without rolling the gasket in my n54. Cut the line and pulled it out fine, but man it was a pain in the ass!
how tight am i supposed to tighten the bolts, i don’t have a torque wrench
These are amazing videos and i am new to the BMW world. Just bought a 2016 535i x-drive. But for the love of God can someone get him a dry shirt and a towel. Poor man is leaking badly. And i am now subscribed. Best BMW information i have found so far
This video is awesome. It guided me through replacing the valve cover on a 2015 X5 3.5. In my case the PCV was squealing and it is permanently a part of the valve cover. BTW I bought the replacement from FCP Euro. Great company.
Thank you for reassuring this is a job best left for professionals and not beginners. Lol
Aw crap, I just did my VC on my N54 a few weeks ago. Your videos are my bible :)
Y'all should make a "required tool list" for these vids! Would be really helpful to know what you need to get, toolwise
This a great note and something we have adapted moving forward in our recent productions!
Excellent diy. I have bought an Elring brand valve cover kit with screws and essentric shaft gasket watched this video and others who have similar videos. I intend to change mine on my N55 x5 ,2011 The independent garage quoted $ xxxx,… thank thank you FCP keep up good DIY .
Such a useful DIY! I just finished changing my engine valve cover today too!
Nice work, Brian!
Just did it this weekend. Took me 4 hours total. I've only done one other on an E36, which was MUCH easier. Old gasket was brittle and stiff. Getting the valvecover loose from the head once all the bolts were backed out required some encouragement from some small pry bars and a dead blow hammer and blocks of wood. Factor that struggle into your job too.
I just ordered the Valve cover gasket and the other oval gasket he replaced. The back screw that is in the back by the firewall is........not fun. I got it all together and was happy......and then......it started leaking, so today I am doing it again. I think I probably knocked off part of the gasket putting in the valve cover or it just wasn't seated properly. I will say now it was quicker this time removing it!!!! When I put the gasket on the valve cover the first time it seemed that it was just a bit off and wanted to come off a bit easier than I would have liked. I decided to take the cover in my basement and cleaned it up a bit and then put a few dabs of gasket sealer in the valve cover groove where the gasket fits in to hold it in place better. I am hoping that it wont come off so easily this time so that I can get it back on with the gasket still in place. You can try and look at the gasket once you have it in place, but it really is hard to tell. I think by the feel of it and how the bolts feel when you are tightening them is probably the only real way to tell. Great video, so for me back to work finishing it up and will report on if the second time is a charm!!!! Don't want to do it a 3rd time!!
Fuck yeah!!!! FINALLY a video on changing the valve cover on the exact car of mine! BMW 535i F10 with the N55 engine!!!!
I just did the spark plugs yesterday and what a bitch that was but at least no more misfires and full power back to my F10 M Sport!
Awesome video, you guys do such a great job at explaining everything. Keep the videos coming.
Thanks, Ashley! We try our best to explain in a way that everyone can understand. More videos on the way!
what is the torque value....awsome video...i am doing one right now and your video helped alot....got everything removed and now time to remove and replace gasket. would be nice to know the torque...i think you forgot to add to the video :)
I love my F10 535i probably the best looking 5 series ever made
Agreed, great car.
Thanks for the video which helped me perform this repair successfully! I would not recommend the suggestion to cover the injectors and fuel rail feeds with glove finger tips. In my case, removing the old valve cover knocked half of them off, some even going down into the now open engine. It took me a while to find them all and boy was I stressed! One fell quite far down and I had to use a long thin hose and a shop vac to retrieve it! Dealership phone quoted me $2,800 to $4,200 to do the repair. No risk, no reward!
Thank you for the video.
Just attempted this today. Should have ordered new coils ahead of time.
3 of my coils left the rubber boot in the plug toobs, n in the process I lost the tiny rod that sits in the spring of the coil somewhere in my engine bay.
Gonna be a whole lotta fun fishing those rubber boots out. New coils are on order now… N car is sitting there… FML
You got this!
If it wasn't for this instructional video i would've missed buying the veltronic seal gasket and its 2 screws! Its about $13 total kit.
Fcp sells the kit that literally comes with everything
i used this video and fallowed step by step i spent about 6 hours went super slow but when i turned my car on it said drive train malfunction and the engine light started flashing any idea what could lead to this i put everything back the exact same way i took it. off idk what i could of did wrong all screws went back n the exact same spot all plugs was pluged in i put in all new spark plugs and coils while i was do this i was very happy when i put it back together then that message popped up and i got extremely sad i need help
Update I just needed to switch out the last two coils for the old coils new coils was bad now she glides like butter thanks for the video
What a awesome video, thank you. I replaced the pcv valve, a hack, cause of the wining noise but still wining with less noise. So I believe the tappet cover is leaking cause of smoke and noise. Hopefully not the main bearing. I will attempt this.
Fans are cheap, help a brotha out, lol... Thanks so much for the video. Very informative and this is definitely a must on the N55. The bad design of the weak PCV Valve being part of the valve cover is the main reason for changing the cover. It just needs and new design that the PCV valve can be replaced if it goes bad on the new cover later down the road. I haven't found that part with a replaceable PCV valve... I am in the process of replacing mine. Just want to make sure I upgrade rather than putting the same failing OEM part back on.
I also took off the middle center part back panel just behind the rear valve cover that holds the middle of the windshield cowl. Makes much easier to see and torque the rear bolts of the valve cover!
Awesome video! Someone get that man some air conditioning!
I think G would agree with that statement ^.^ It was a hot day in the shop to say the least!
Nicholas Marangos he might faint
Excellent video! The gasket on my N55 (55k miles) is starting to weap and I've REALLY wanted to tackle this job myself when I change out the spark plugs.
DIY TIP: Disconnect battery the night before and the fuel system will be relatively depressurized.
Q: I've watched a couple of videos on this job and have wondered why nobody pops off that 4-prong breather hose at the other end rather than trying to shimmy it off the valve cover?
Hi John, glad you liked the DIY! The reason we shimmy it off the valve cover is because its less likely to break removing it from the valve cover vs removing it from the charge pipe.
And it obviously has to come off anyway and fit to the replacement valve cover. No point risking breaking it twice when once is risky enough. Mine cracked on one tab but didn't break off.
Hi everyone i have a bmw x5 e70 2012 n55 engine im getting rough idle with no codes shown , what could be the problem i change the valve cover gasket , spark plugs and ignition coils not to long and i also clean map sensor and air maf sensor ? I also install a vrst charge pipe to my car could that be the problem?
Did you resolve the rough idle. .?
Brother garage is either have a large cooling fan or a large cooling fan supplied with water misters inside of it which is pretty close to an air conditioning unit, we used to refer to those back in the 60s as a a swamp cooler
Add a link for the cowl cross brace bolts as well, please.
Really helpful video, but I have to recommend against using glove fingertips to cover the fuel line holes. They can be knocked off or blown away really easily, and fishing them out of the head can be really challenging. It might require bendy straws and tasting motor oil (ask me how I know). I saw another guy lightly reattach the fuel lines after flipping them around towards the driver side of the engine, and this seems to me like a safer approach. Again, though, thank you for posting this video.
I did that a few days ago and you're right. To secure them from getting blown away I just ziptied them soft. Did work out great!
Hey thx for the video. There is a piece sticking out from underneath the valve cover that could fall off during removal or reinstallation, can you help me understand what does that piece do? Unfortunately on my valve cover the base for that piece also fell off so I can't simply put it back on without gluing. I didn't install it when I put the cover back on, been about 150 miles and fine so far
is there a specific sequence to tightening the valve cover bolts or simply tighten to torque spec?
Did this job on a 2013 E70 X5 with the N55. There is not a vacuum plug on the side of the valve cover. Two vacuum lines connect to the valve cover on the E70 N55 X5's for reference.
Hey did you figure that out?
Thanks. In the middle of a valve cover change on my 2011 535, and the 3 bolts by the firewall are a pain in the a$$ to get to!!!I didn’t remove the cowl, that’s my next step Will definitely get a good set of etorx sockets!!!
Sometimes its easier to take the few minutes to remove whats in the way than to struggle for longer haha
I like how you talk your way through the challenges
Good ol self pep talk works wonders
For anyone doing this job in 2024 and deciding to look through the most recent comments:
I did the job on a 2015 F30 335i rwd 6mt
- Other than regular sockets and wrenches I needed e10 and e18 sockets.
-The vacuum line and vacuum plug he removes from passenger side of the cover are now obsolete with an electronic waste gate car. No plugs to carry over.
-My fuel lines only had nuts going into the injectors the entire fuel rail was removed by a 17mm nut and 4 or 5 10mm bracket bolts.
-There is a plastic bracket on the very back passenger side of the cover that holds up the positive jump point cable. I was able to just lift up off the cover and push back against the firewall to access the rear bolts. I did not attempt to remove the bracket.
-Harbor freight will tell you they don’t sell E-sockets. They are lying.
Great video. Luckily, I got the kit. Had the car in for the in take fuel pump recall (6 years late) and was told that the valve cover gasket was leaking. Knew that the PVC could fail at any time with the age (2011) and mileage, so did the full cover. Turns out the cover was perfect, but the hose to the intake tube was leaking. Changed both rather easily following the video steps. I used the glove finger tips, but had one drop into the valve area and had to fish it out. It makes sense to protect for dirt when removing the old cover, but there should be a better way.
Garetth is awesome and so is fcp! His video gave me courage to do plugs and coils I’m hoping to do this and save some money too on my 2011 335, it’s smelling a lot time to do it has 65k miles
Brilliant mechanic. Explains exactly in detail how to go about replacing the cover.
Close the garage doors most service Bays for upgraded service centers have an air-conditioned work area
hi i just did this to my n55 and on startup there was a decent amount of white smoke coming from the left back side of the engine bay, anybody know what this could be?
Everything is well covered except the hidden bolt that secures the wiring harness. I liked to never have found it. After I do the valve cover I have to do the oil filter adapter. I am also changing the spark plugs while I am in it. Thanks for making the video.
Thank you for the heads up Edward, best of luck on those repairs!
Do you have to drain the oil first or just disconnecting the negative battery terminal for fuel lines pressure is good?
I found a typo. How to loose all your 3/8 8mm and 10mm sockets in 1 hour* Good video! :D
Excellent Video! At 10:04 can you tell me what type of pliers you are using? Look like snap-ring long nose pliers. Thanks!!
What does the part call that can brake very easily on the intake pipe with the 4 clips?
Very nice video, good to understand what kind of work it is. Self already done on my M54 and will also certainly be a task on my 535iX M55. Thanks for the good explanation, that helps a lot for doing it yourself.
Thank you Gareth! 🙌 About to do this on my M235i and videos always make these jobs easier.
You're welcome, venerated! Hope the job goes smoothly for you!
Best one of these I've seen! Appreciate the effort!
Really happy to hear that, ryn996! Glad you appreciate the effort!
Great video! I especially like the little quips you sprinkle in to keep things light!
Up Schitt's Creek?
No worries, I have a house right on the Creek, lol. Great video.
Its a daunting task, but i did it!!! Its very rewarding!!!
FYI. I just had this completed at a local shop in Cali. A 2015 BMW 535i, the price was $495 out the door. Sept 2024.
Thank you, replaced my valve cover gasket on my 640i following this video, when removing valve cover the plastic piece that clips inside valve cover disconnected from valve cover, reinstalled valve cover without putting that plastic piece back on inside valve cover ! (Forgot about it)
How important is that for functioning of the car ???
Thanks
I kinda messed up, while replacing my vc with a new one and a new gasket also. When i finished the first round of “snugging” the bolts i realized there was a corner of shop towel trapped. I had to loosen all screws just enough to get it out and start the process again. Do i need to replace the gasket again or should i be just fine??
so thats what happened to foleygac 😂 Good to see homie doing well!
FCP Euro...thanks for the helpful video. I always got to RUclips before I start a project
What is the name of the music you used at the fast pace starting at 24:05?
Is there a specific pattern for tightening and torquing the bolts on the valve cover ?
any planed videos for the N55 valvetronic motor replacement?
In our queue!
@ if you want a car to video I’m a customer/DIYer and I live nearby 🙂
As always great informative video, but please start using covers for fenders when working on cars :D
Great video! Was anyone able to figure out the part number for the trailing link bolts at the 25:00 minute mark that are supposed to be replaced? I've got a 2011 BMW X3 and cannot locate the "trailing link" bolts to purchase.
I prefer painters tape to the glove fingers. Sticks fairly well, and less risk of falling into the open engine.
👍
My BMW N55 engine has 60k miles now. This valve cover is something that I keep an eye on regularly.
When replacing your N55 valve cover, consider replacing your PCV hose tube and the oil filling cap; they are both inexpensive parts.
cover and or gasket are covered for 8 yrs or 80,000 miles under BMW emissions warranty. All free at the dealer. I just had mine done.
@@billsawyer5265 is that good for Canada also?
@@billsawyer5265 Hey Bill, anything specific you mentioned at the dealer to have these covered?
Now with 104k miles my valve cover gasket is showing signs of oil sweating so it's time to get it replaced. Ordered the Elring 477.340 valve cover and gasket on rockauto and actuator flange for less than $200
Awesome video. Question, my 2015 x1 is needing this fix, on your site it sells the gasket kit separate than the cover. Can I just use the old cover or do I have to get a new one?
How on earth do you get that back rear bolt out?? I’ve moved everything I possible can and can’t get to it! And, naturally with my luck I did in fact drop one of the ground nuts….where does it go and am I going to have issues and not be able to get it out??
Is there a video on this channel on how to replace the Oil Pan Gasket in a 2015 335i?
Not at this time. We will have a video dropping soon on a 2013 135i (same engine) that will be very similar to what you will need to do on your F30.
Great educational material, where can I get a great deal on a valve cover?
Can you help me find the part that you removed @2:32?? It's a vacuum line hose connection clip that connects to the charge pipe. I can't find it to save my life! Any help would be appreciated.
What could happen if very fine dirt (like beach sand) falls out when you remove the valve cover, as this happened to me, I vacuumed it up but I think some residue falls out. THANKS.
I have a small oil leak on my n55 335i and sometimes smoke would come from the hood or I’ll smell oil coming from the vents insides is it smarter to replace the just the gasket or whole valve cover assembly @FCPEURO
While you can replace just the gasket, it's safer to replace the whole valve cover with the gasket, in case your old valve cover has a crack in it. That way you will have a new valve cover that you don't have to worry about.
Hey I followed all ur steps.. but after I fired up my x5 .. it sounded weird 😢.. and I see some oil leaks coming down 😅 .. and I miss something or maybe should retighten my VALV COVER BOLTS ?
Hey Garett I just want you to know you are amazing ! I have learnt so much from you over the years it’s “unbelievable” my French teacher used to literally Yellll this when the class didn’t care 😂 get that man some water and a goddamned AC !!!!!!!
Good job!
So, for any average DIYer, shouldn’t be-too difficult?
This is a very well made video! Is the procedure similar for a 2015 BMW F80?
I am aware they are different engines but this seems to be a common problem with BMW's. My car particularly started making a squeal whiney noise when at idle, it has around 50k miles. The noise goes away when the oil cap is removed. BMW is quoting me over $2500 for the job and says I must replace entire PCV valve and the rear main seal, however I am not in a place where I can pay that right now. Wanted to give this repair a shot myself
Hi Italo, if you have a BMW F80 with the N55 inline 6 engine, it would be basically the same process as this video! Good luck on the repair and let us know how it goes!
@@fcpeuro Thank you! Your videos are awesome, would not even attempt if it wasn't for these vids!
@@italom94 how’d it turn out?
It would be great if you could make a video in setting the timing in the F10 535i N55 and/or replacing the timing chain.
If i have a valve cover leak from the gasket i dont have to replace the whole valve cover? Or will is it safer to replace the whole cover
FCPeuro, when are you guys going to start selling the ELDOR coils for this BMW 535i F10 2011-2016?
We F10 owner need them updated Eldor coils that BMW is using as their OEM coils now!
Hi LALOMAN, Eldor coils are not recommended for the N55 engine, so we do not list them for the BMW N55 applications. If you still want to buy them the part number is 12138657273.
The first vacuum line you took off of the air intake line. Do you know what that is called?
I changed mine out and broke the small piece that clips in inside the valve cover it self. It’s the small piece in the video at 19:33. Do you have any idea what that peice is called
Great video, could you do a video on the N55 vacuum pump? Would be great to see one on an X5.
Putting that cover back in an E70 is another story completely. The bulkhead bracket for the trailing links is in the way.
Thank you Mr. Garrett for Sharing excellent video professionally done, greattttt knowledge and skillsets..You are the Best BMW service professional on RUclips...🏆🏆🏆🏅🏅🥇🥇🎖🎖✌✌👍👍👍👍
hello, what you think what is the main problem leaking oil on N57 on valve cover, I'm on 68.000 km F16
Damn bro, you were really out of breath. I hope you're doing better now two yrs later. That job isn't difficult and requires light to medium effort. Also helpful tip in the future. Remove the one fuel rail nut for fuel line in and remove just the nuts going to fuel injectors, leave the other nuts tight on the fuel rail side. It keeps them in the correct orientation, saves time and effort when reinstalling.
Great maintance vedio! Greetings from a Watch restoring guy
Thanks for the video. How do you remove vacuum connection pipe at 9:18? Is there something to push/pry on? I'm stuck there for 2 hours.Thanks for the help!
Hi Chen, they can be a bit stubborn. Try using a pair of hose grip plyers, twist and pull on the hose and it should break free.
What are the symptoms of bad valve cover gasket? I have an oil leak and I see the oil filter gasket leaking from front. I also see smoke and smell when I start my car because oil dripping on my exhaust and minor oil leak on floor. Is it possible the oil filter gasket leak is causing dripping to the exhaust pipe? Or it got to be valve cover gasket leak?
It could be both. You can start with the oil filter housing gasket first, if you are still leaking oil after that, you should do the valve cover.
I broke 2 valve cover screws one from the center middle and 1 from the outside top do you think it will leak?
Can anyone help me with the part number for the vacuum accumulator hose? I have a 2015 535i and mine is completely missing!
can you also put the link to all the equipment and tools that I need to carry out this fix? Thank you!
Sure can! We have them all linked in the blog post related to this video!
blog.fcpeuro.com/how-to-replace-valve-cover-bmw-n55-engine-x5-x3-335i
I am in the process of doing this job. On my original cover, there was small heavy "thing" covering one of the bolts, which I had to remove to get to the bolt. It was not in the video as far as I can tell. Some research revealed it is BMW part #11127603482 called a "valve cover absorber" (and which FCP lists as a part). What the heck does it DO? Make the engine quieter is my guess but can anyone confirm and/or elaborate? FYI for people out there contemplating this job, the cover in the FCP kit has the gasket(s) already attached. Makes fitting it a piece of cake.
Great video, thanks for taking the time to upload it for us to learn from. I didn't catch it, but do you need to replace the engine oil when doing this job?
Thank you for watching! And not mandatory to do!
Why no yellow sticker on the replacement part if it's OEM?