E89 Z4 - N52 valve cover replacement - DIY?
Discussion
Hi
I've got a 30i E89 with about 85K on the clock. I've had it about 4 years and tbh it's been a cracking car, no major issues touch wood so far! It's not my daily and sees less than 2000 miles a year in my ownership.
Lately however I've noticed a slight burning smell, and today had some smoke coming through the vents when parked up. I had a look under the bonnet and I'm 99% sure I've got a slight leak in my valve cover gasket. I can see a misting of oil on there and that's where the smoke is coming from. After doing a bit of research it seems like a DIY-able job. I've done brakes and suspension parts before but not necessarily something this critical. I'm usually up for doing things myself where I can, so I'm just weighing up whether it's worth doing this myself. Two questions then I guess, assuming the gasket is the issue.
1. What's the typical cost for getting this done at an independent - taking into account that I should probably have the valve cover replaced as well as the gasket
2. How difficult is the job for a competent DIY-er?
I've had some £££ expenses lately with various woes (vet bills, boiler, probably something else I've blocked out
) and wouldn't mind not forking out another grand or so on what is essentially my weekend toy. Any opinions or suggestions welcome. Last thing I want is to bail halfway through the job and have to get it flatbedded to my local mechanic!
Thanks all
I've got a 30i E89 with about 85K on the clock. I've had it about 4 years and tbh it's been a cracking car, no major issues touch wood so far! It's not my daily and sees less than 2000 miles a year in my ownership.
Lately however I've noticed a slight burning smell, and today had some smoke coming through the vents when parked up. I had a look under the bonnet and I'm 99% sure I've got a slight leak in my valve cover gasket. I can see a misting of oil on there and that's where the smoke is coming from. After doing a bit of research it seems like a DIY-able job. I've done brakes and suspension parts before but not necessarily something this critical. I'm usually up for doing things myself where I can, so I'm just weighing up whether it's worth doing this myself. Two questions then I guess, assuming the gasket is the issue.
1. What's the typical cost for getting this done at an independent - taking into account that I should probably have the valve cover replaced as well as the gasket
2. How difficult is the job for a competent DIY-er?
I've had some £££ expenses lately with various woes (vet bills, boiler, probably something else I've blocked out
) and wouldn't mind not forking out another grand or so on what is essentially my weekend toy. Any opinions or suggestions welcome. Last thing I want is to bail halfway through the job and have to get it flatbedded to my local mechanic!Thanks all
It’s not a bad job to do yourself and in a Z4 you have better access than I did in my 130i. I’ve never tackled anything like that before.
I followed an FCP Euro video on YT.
If you have a decent workspace and set of tools I’d get stuck in. OE gaskets are £46. I replaced the spark plug tubes too.
My local indy quoted three hours I think.
I followed an FCP Euro video on YT.
If you have a decent workspace and set of tools I’d get stuck in. OE gaskets are £46. I replaced the spark plug tubes too.
My local indy quoted three hours I think.
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