[zombem235]

Mines a leakin. Iam goin to replace the gasket with a new valve cover as well. Does anyone know about the aluminum ones ive seen online? Supposed to be tougher than a new plastic ones. Anyone got any ideas.

Thanx in advance

[zombem235]

Ordered one anyway

[atek]

let us know how it fits and seals

[zombem235]

Ill let u guys know how the process goes. Cover looks flawless to me. New bolts as well

[freakystyly]

Not sure about the N55 but the N52 block was a magnesium alloy. The early valve covers needed special gaskets to prevent galvanic corrosion between the aluminum valve cover and magnesium block. This was the pre-LCI before they switched to plastic. Just a heads up in case it applies here as well.

Google says your block is aluminum so you're likely OK. I doubt they would make something that intricate for it to fail.

[zombem235]

Ive been doin sum google and forum searches on pricing this replacement. Sum shops or guys thinkin a couple hours sum say like six. I got a buddy who’s a decent mechanic. Never really done this on a bmw but he stats he will make great work of it. Iam thinkin 80/hr and maybe 4-5 hrs work. Only extra i want is plugs since most of those areas will be open during the valve cover process and an oil change. I am getting new pcv hose just in case and will be replacing the coils after the fact myself. What u all think about pay rate and anything else i need. Gettin the aluminum cover and aluminum oil filter cap powerdcoated to match. 2 different gaskets just in case. Anything suggestions wiuld be appreciated thanx in advance.

Ps i will probably be helping along the way. Out commission. Tore my shoulder up.

[zombem235]

Well I have decided to swap it out myself. Wish me luck

[zombem235]

She turned out pretty good

[zombem235]

Anyone know a secret to gettin these fuel rails off? Only one side has flare nuts. Every video i have seen have nuts on both sides of the smaller rails and r easy to disconnect?

Any help?
Thanx guys

[tlum235i]

https://youtu.be/PbPgSqXQ5eE?si=VNHbxb73SROY509L

Watch this video. It’ll help you through the process.

[zombem235]

Originally Posted by tlum235i

https://youtu.be/PbPgSqXQ5eE?si=VNHbxb73SROY509L

Watch this video. It’ll help you through the process.

Thanx. This video is perfect. Dont know why I couldn’t find it. Lol

[ArcherActual]

Any updates on how it went/how it's holding up? Need mine done soon and was debating the alu valve cover as well, would also love to see pics of the powder coated cover in place. thanks

[zombem235]

Originally Posted by ArcherActual

Any updates on how it went/how it's holding up? Need mine done soon and was debating the alu valve cover as well, would also love to see pics of the powder coated cover in place. thanks

Havnt fired her up yet but so far so good. It really has been fairly easy. Time but not complicated. Ill keep posting updates when she runnin. New plugs when u in there.

[AshtonPJT]

Yeah the jobs not to hard, it took me 4 hours the first time and the second time 50 minutes. Just make sure you torque in the right pattern

[dc5]

My cover is leaking right now and I’m trying to upgrade to aluminum as well. Where’d you end up getting yours from and how is it doing?

[zombem235]

Originally Posted by dc5

My cover is leaking right now and I’m trying to upgrade to aluminum as well. Where’d you end up getting yours from and how is it doing?

I believe the brand was Mitzone. Comes with gaskets. New bolts new pcv which is removable new oil cap. Use all threaded screws/bolts. Dont use self tappers from ur factory plastic one. Lowes or depot have sum. Stainless and with allen wrench.So far so good. Not a ton of mileage but ive been hittin pretty hard. No leaks that i can find. Just replace
All the other little parts. Pcv hose. The eccentric valve gasket. I did use its own gaskets but i did buy a secondary just in case. I would also do plugs while u in there. I added new coils as well. Its timely but replace anything u can while u in there. My opion. Its got up and down reviews but i figured cant be worse than oem plastic one. Lol. Good luck. Keep us posted