[Surly73]

Just looking for opinions from some who have been there, done that.

My 2011 535i X-Drive has ~120,000km. I'm 75% certain I've developed a VCG leak so I'm gearing up to do the job. The VCG was replaced once before along with the vent pipe which always seems to fail - this was done during other work covered by warranty earlier in the life of the car. I believe the VC is original.

At this age/mileage, I'm inclined to just replace the cover too because of the integrated CCV gear. I also have picked up online that a bunch of folks seem to cause cracks in older VCs during removal.

This is my DD and only vehicle. Winter is coming. I DIY which saves $$ but sometimes replace more parts than strictly necessary to reduce rework and unplanned failures, and make the job easier by reducing the "oh crap, now I need to catch a ride to the dealer and hope they have the xyz which I just broke"

[ChiltiCoatl89]

I don't think it's a bad idea at all to replace both the Valve Cover and the gasket! Great idea and it will bring you mental relief that nothing else can possibly go wrong if you just replaced the Gasket, Just install properly and DIY will save you hundreds! I highly encourage you do that or have someone you know depending on your confidence and Knowledge! (Doesn't seem very difficult just a little dedicated time to do it)

[wesamjaber2004@gmail.com]

I would definitely consider replacing the valve cover considering the pcv valve is bound to fail at your mileage. Also not to mention how the valve cover can be cracked soon due to the heat cycling. Do it once and do it right. In my opinion going oem valve cover is best but me personally I went with elring on fcp euro and it worked like a charm. No fitment issues. Fit like a glove. Lmk how it goes.

[wesamjaber2004@gmail.com]

Also I’d like to let you know to be carful of overtorque in the bolts of the valve cover while installing. I broke a bolt and luckily it was in a spot where it wouldn’t be possible to leak oil, it is still broken 😂. I did a little math and slightly torqued a little higher than 6ft lbs for bolts around the broken bolt to basically even out the torque specifications. So it snugged on properly without a leak. Luckily I’ve had no leaks or air leaks within 6k miles so far

[Surly73]

Thanks for confirming my bias. And thanks for the notes on the Elring. I was going to go genuine/original but the Elring costs so much less considering there are a lot of folks online vouching for it.

[SWFLf10]

As mentioned above the PCV system is integrated into the cover and at higher mileage the plastic cover can crack or warp and cause leaks on its own.

Definitely a smart idea to replace the cover at the same time for peace of mind in the long run.

The DIY isn’t for a first time mechanic I’d say, but it’s not terribly complicated if you have a place to work and can take your time on it.

[Conserve]

Is there spec for pressure measurement of PCV system for N55 engine? That is the question for those of you that have BMW Service Repair Manual. Thanks.

[Conserve]

I found this....

[NikMN]

Replace both. It's not a hard job overall but not a fun one ether. I wouldn't want to do it twice. Fcp made a pretty good video showing all the steps involved. If plugs and coils are due now would be a good time to change them.

[Surly73]

I'm far from a first time mechanic, but no pro either, and as I age I'm also finding this stuff less fun than I used to. Especially when it's my only vehicle and I need it almost daily - I need to get in, get out, have everything I might possibly need up front and make no mistakes. Elring VC with VCG on the way, and the job will hopefully get scheduled in before the weather gets any worse.

Originally Posted by NikMN

Replace both. It's not a hard job overall but not a fun one ether. I wouldn't want to do it twice. Fcp made a pretty good video showing all the steps involved. If plugs and coils are due now would be a good time to change them.

I'm finding that a large number of jobs on the F10 fit into the "I wouldn't want to do it twice" category. Single use bolts, high torques, special tools, special precautions, and limited working space compared to the other cars I've worked on over the years. Even driveline fluid changes are a PITA for one reason or other (no drain plug, no access, elaborate level setting procedure, whatever) when they used to be a couple of quick minutes under the car.

C'est la vie...

[NikMN]

It's not just f10. Most cars made in the last 10 to 15 years fall in that category

[wesamjaber2004@gmail.com]

Originally Posted by Surly73

Thanks for confirming my bias. And thanks for the notes on the Elring. I was going to go genuine/original but the Elring costs so much less considering there are a lot of folks online vouching for it.

Yeah man of course, it’s the same stuff, even if it does fail prematurely overtime, you got the lifetime warranty still from fcp so it’s a win win, I got a broken bolt in the cover and even then it’s still holding great 🤣

[Surly73]

Originally Posted by wesamjaber2004@gmail.com

Yeah man of course, it’s the same stuff, even if it does fail prematurely overtime, you got the lifetime warranty still from fcp so it’s a win win, I got a broken bolt in the cover and even then it’s still holding great 🤣

I buy OE and OEM all the time, but not for everything. I've been learning over time that genuine is sometimes best for some things. Sreten the M539 guy has said the same thing on occasion. In particular, it's been years but I believe my research revealed that OFHGs were revised/improved multiple times by BMW, but OE parts being sold were often older designs and materials. My thoughts on "genuine" for this job were mostly for the CCV durability and function, not the VC plastic or even the gasket in this case.

In the case of this job, you'll see that the Elring VC is classified as "OEM", not "OE" by FCP, and that the Elring part is made in China while the genuine is made in Austria. In this case, I don't think they're "all the same", but I'm going with the Elring anyways because it's got a lot of backing online.

In my case, I don't want to do this job again if I don't have to. The FCP lifetime guarantee on the parts price, with international shipping etc...etc... doesn't make up for my time and hassle. Not saying it's a bad thing, but I'm not going to start buying questionable parts just because FCP will replace it (although I understand the program is now a credit you need to spend there after the return, and is no longer used to offset your purchase of the replacement part). There are jobs I don't want to do over.

My KW coilovers have a lifetime rebuild warranty too, but I'd have to do that job over again and have my car on stands with no suspension for 4-6 weeks plus $100s in shipping to have it done. Sure, it's "guaranteed", but I sure ope never to need it. Ask Chinorm about that one...

[EV86]

I'm doing my VCG this weekend. Looks easy to do, just time consuming!

[ChiltiCoatl89]

Take your time, and be tedious and be very careful! no need to rush! get it right the first time, and you will gain the confidence to do much more! Exercise Upmost patience! (your saving a lot of money getting it right, so Slow and smooth, as smooth is certainly fast!)

[ezaircon4jc]

Just over 82K on our 535i and noticed an burning oil smell. Seems I got bit with the leaky valve cover gasket. I'm keeping an eye (or nose) on it for the next couple of months until I'm due for an oil change. Hope it can wait...