N52 valve cover replacement labour times

[DKIE92]

Hi all,

The valve cover on my N52 has recently started leaking. It’s the plastic cover with the built in PCV so I’m looking to just replace the whole cover rather than just the gasket.

Can anyone who’s had this job done advise what sort of labour time will be required? Since I’ve moved house, I unfortunately don’t have a trusted Indy yet so just want an idea of an appropriate labour time. I imagine around 3 hours for a pro.

Thanks!

[curvature]

I think it may also depend on what car it is fitted to.

If I am correct Z4 E85/86 have loads of room around the engine whereas when this engine is installed in a 1/3 series you have to remove a lot of the bulkhead to get to the bolts at the rear of the engine.

[preacherman]

The independent I used charged 2 hours for my N53 330i a couple of years ago.

[Court_S]

For an experienced garage it shouldn’t be too long; I was quoted three hours to replace the eccentric shaft sensor which involves removing the valve cover and associated gaskets for access.

The access differs car to car; I did it on my 130i and the plastics below the windscreen wipers do hinder access. It looks easier on my wife’s 330i.

[Mr Tidy]

Just before I bought my 2005 330i in March 2019 the previous owner had a new cam-cover gasket fitted and an oil service.

He got charged for 6.5 hours, but they found two of the bolts had been snapped and had to drill them out.

Glad I dodged that bullet, but it's a shame he didn't get the leaking oil filter housing gasket replaced as well!