BMWs are known for being beautiful luxury vehicles. However, these cars are known for having leaky valve cover gaskets. As a result, there is an increased amount of problems with the engine pertaining to oil consumption.
Replacing a valve cover gasket requires some work and is fairly costly, yet doing it yourself will save a substantial amount of money.
In this article, I am going to go through how much it costs to replace a valve cover gasket on your BMW based on personal experience and research, read on.
BMW Valve Cover Gasket Replacement Cost
When it comes to valve cover gasket replacement cost, where you take your BMW matters a lot, I replaced my 3 series (N20) valve cover gasket for $700.
The average cost of a BMW valve cover replacement is $1300. This price range can vary significantly depending on where you take your vehicle for repairs and what type of vehicle you drive.
If you live in a rural area and want to save money by doing repairs yourself, then expect to pay around $80-$150 for parts alone. The most expensive thing is labor which will set you back anywhere from $600-1800 depending on where you take your vehicle.
What Does a Valve Cover Gasket do on a BMW?
BMW valve cover gaskets are designed to seal the valve cover to the cylinder head. The valve cover gasket is an important part of your BMW engine, as it prevents oil from leaking out of the motor. It also keeps coolant in the engine when it is working properly.
The valve cover gasket is made out of rubber or metal, depending on the model year and make of your vehicle. Rubber valve cover gaskets are usually found on older cars and trucks, while metal ones are used on newer vehicles.
If you have a BMW, then you know how important it is to have working parts in your car’s engine compartment. You don’t want any leaks affecting your vehicle’s performance!
Why do BMW valve cover gaskets leak?
There are many reasons why BMW valve cover gaskets fail but some of the most common include:
- Age: As these parts get older, they tend to wear out more quickly due to constant use and exposure to high temperatures which causes oil leaks as well as other problems such as slippage or failure completely.
- Damaged or worn valve cover: Many people don’t realize that over time, the valve covers will become damaged from wear and tear. If you don’t replace your valve cover when it becomes damaged, it can result in an oil leak that can cause serious damage to other parts of your engine.
- Improper installation of the valve cover gasket: When installing a new valve cover gasket, you need to make sure that everything is aligned properly so that there aren’t any gaps between the cover and block. If there are any gaps between these two parts, they could lead to a leaky seal which would allow oil to seep out into your engine bay.
- Incorrect application of the sealant during installation: When installing a new valve cover gasket, you need to make sure that everything is aligned properly so that there aren’t any gaps between the cover and block. If there are any gaps between these two parts, they could lead to a leaky seal which would allow oil to seep out into your engine bay.
How long does it take to replace a valve cover gasket on a BMW?
Replacing a valve cover gasket on a BMW is not a difficult task, but it can be time consuming. The process varies depending on the model and year of the vehicle, but it typically takes two to eight hours.
It’s important to replace your valve cover gasket as soon as possible because it can lead to more serious problems with your vehicle. For example, if you don’t repair a leaking valve cover gasket, you may end up getting oil in your spark plugs — which could cause them to fail prematurely or even catch on fire!
Signs of leaking valve cover gasket
If you notice any of these symptoms, have a qualified mechanic inspect your vehicle:
- Burning oil smell: Burning oil smells like an old car engine. If you smell burning oil and your vehicle is running fine, it may be a sign that your valve cover gasket is leaking.
- Dirty valve cover: A dirty valve cover can be a sign that the gasket has been leaking for some time, which can damage internal components. The dirt will also attract more dirt, which will make it hard to clean up after replacing the gasket.
- Oil leaks: Oil leaks are one of the most obvious signs of a bad valve cover gasket. Engine oil can leak onto other engine parts and cause bigger problems to your engine.
- Rough-running engine that misfires: A rough-running engine can also be caused by a leaking valve cover gasket. The reason is that when there’s a loss of oil pressure in the cylinder head, pistons will stop moving properly, which causes misfiring.
All this are a common signs you will notice when you have a leaky valve cover gasket. The main thing is to pay attention to the warning signs.
How often should you change a valve cover gasket?
There is no set rule for the number of miles that you should drive before changing your valve cover gasket.
The best way to know if you need new valve cover gaskets is by checking for leaks. If you see fluid dripping from one of the corners of your engine, this is likely an indication that a valve cover gasket needs to be replaced.
If you notice an oil leak from a specific corner of your engine, then it’s likely that the valve cover gasket is damaged and needs to be replaced.
Available places to take a BMW for a Valve Cover Gasket Replacement
There are many places where you can take your BMW for a valve cover gasket replacement. Here are some of the most common places:
- Your local dealership. They will have the best service and parts, but they can also be expensive.
- Independent repair shops. These shops are much cheaper than dealerships, but there are some risks involved. You may not get the same level of quality workmanship or customer service as you would at a dealership.
DIY Approach
Closing Thoughts
Valve cover gasket replacement cost BMW should be done by professionals. Before doing the replacement, you have to find out the root cause of the leak.
