[RyanS]

I have a 2011 535xi with 53,000 miles. It has a leaking oil pan gasket and valve cover gasket. Total to fix both would be about $3,500 (independent repair shop). Trade-in value is about $11,000. We bought it new so it's been paid off for a while. It's nice not having a car payment, but the worry (gamble) is we pay for these repairs and then another expensive repair comes along in the next year or so. The current oil leaks shouldn't affect the trade-in value since they don't inspect trade-ins that thoroughly and it's not obvious in that you can't smell oil burning. There are no other issues with the car.

$3,500 would equal about 6-7 months of payments if we got a new car. I'm leaning toward Lexus CPO for the better reliability and because it's my wife's car. She likes BMW's, but doesn't drive it hard enough to justify spending more for a better driving car.

So, any advice? Is this the tip of the iceberg with regards to repairs on these? Are the current Covid deals worth getting something new?

[satta535i]

Originally Posted by RyanS

I have a 2011 535xi with 53,000 miles. It has a leaking oil pan gasket and valve cover gasket. Total to fix both would be about $3,500 (independent repair shop). Trade-in value is about $11,000. We bought it new so it's been paid off for a while. It's nice not having a car payment, but the worry (gamble) is we pay for these repairs and then another expensive repair comes along in the next year or so. The current oil leaks shouldn't affect the trade-in value since they don't inspect trade-ins that thoroughly and it's not obvious in that you can't smell oil burning. There are no other issues with the car.

$3,500 would equal about 6-7 months of payments if we got a new car. I'm leaning toward Lexus CPO for the better reliability and because it's my wife's car. She likes BMW's, but doesn't drive it hard enough to justify spending more for a better driving car.

So, any advice? Is this the tip of the iceberg with regards to repairs on these? Are the current Covid deals worth getting something new?

well if u want to fix it get the ofhg and a water pump with it, you should be good for another 9ish years at the rate your wifes driving the car. the n55 is a really reliable engine other then it's gaskets.

[3-Bag]

Can you fix it and then buy an aftermarket or BMW extended warranty to protect you from future repairs and give you peace of mind?

[RyanS]

Originally Posted by 3-Bag

Can you fix it and then buy an aftermarket or BMW extended warranty to protect you from future repairs and give you peace of mind?

Good idea. I'll check that out.

[mness]

Originally Posted by 3-Bag

Can you fix it and then buy an aftermarket or BMW extended warranty to protect you from future repairs and give you peace of mind?

Ha, if the leaks are slow and can wait 1,000 miles get the warranty first then get it repaired after that waiting period 😇

[beegeezy]

I wonder if there are any BMW forum people in San Antonio that could help you out? I replaced my valve cover myself for a total cost of ~$675 in a few hours. It's an easy DIY. The oil pan gasket is another matter...but if the leak is slow it may not be a big deal.

[Trainwreck914]

Yeah. I'd second that. Do the valve cover if the oil pan is slow. The oil pan gasket is a huge job on the xdrive.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by mness

Ha, if the leaks are slow and can wait 1,000 miles get the warranty first then get it repaired after that waiting period 😇

Most "extended" warranties don't cover things like gaskets, belts, hoses, etc.

Besides, that's a little unethical, don't you think?

[RyanS]

Originally Posted by beegeezy

I wonder if there are any BMW forum people in San Antonio that could help you out? I replaced my valve cover myself for a total cost of ~$675 in a few hours. It's an easy DIY. The oil pan gasket is another matter...but if the leak is slow it may not be a big deal.

Valve cover was quoted at about $1,500 and the shop owner suggested to get that one done if I had to choose between the two. I watched a YouTube video on a valve cover gasket change and it didn’t look horrible, just a lot of different things to disconnect.

[TZ]

Unless you can DIY like many other owners above. Spending $3500 on a 9 year old car, I would trade it in with $11k. I got dealer letter for estimated $8k trade in value on my 2011 535iX with 85k miles.
N55 for sure is a robust engine. But once the car at age, there many small things may add up, My 2011 has been through leaking on headlight assembly, leaking on door seal, small oil/coolant leak somewhere, cracking flex disc. I fixed the leaking on headlight and door seal. I will keep an eye on the other two things even though they are not bothering at the moment.

[Trainwreck914]

Just FYI. I wouldn't own/drive Bmw unless
1. Had money to burn OR
2. Could fix them myself

Guess which one am I...

All kidding aside. If you think you can tackle the valve cover job yourself. I'd say go for it. I Forget how much the cover is. But I know it's a bit expensive. I wouldn't go with a cheap one unless you plan on getting rid of it sooner than later. There's plenty of diy tutorials on YouTube. I don't think you need any special tools. So as long as you follow step by step you should be ok.


https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...er-11127570292

You may want to do the eccentric shaft seal also while you're in there. And keep in mind that the ccv system is integrated into the vcg. Hence the price.

[mediocrechris]

Originally Posted by Trainwreck914

I Forget how much the cover is. But I know it's a bit expensive.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...er-11127570292

Do you have to replace the valve cover when you replace the gasket? Can't you just replace the gasket by itself? I don't know, i haven't had to do it yet.

[Trainwreck914]

It's recommended to replace he cover at that time. You can get away with just the gasket. But to do all the work and have the possibility of the ccv failing after would suck. I'm assuming the $1500 in op quote includes a cover. If not $1470 in labor is highway robbery.

[EL Jeffe 5]

I would Fix it considering car is paid for
Repair sounds like on high side you get different estimate

[spielnicht]

53K miles is barely broken in. If you were talking about $$$$ mechanical repairs, I'd say then yeah might not be worth the risk, but considering how reliable the N55 engine is and you're only having to deal with wear and tear repairs, I'd fix and keep the car for a bit longer. The valve gasket seems relatively easy as a DYI.

[BurrNinja]

To be honest, you can get all the tools you need from basic stores. walmart, harbor freight.. I did the same thing ive done a n52 valve cover and gasket. Had to check out a youtube video on the n55 valve cover replacement. If you have a spare car and know how to decently wrench skip the 3500, order the parts and DIY that job! You will learn a lot about your car and be pleased in the end. Im no mechanic, I just repair my cars issues as a hobby when needed.

[mediocrechris]

Originally Posted by Trainwreck914

It's recommended to replace he cover at that time. You can get away with just the gasket. But to do all the work and have the possibility of the ccv failing after would suck. I'm assuming the $1500 in op quote includes a cover. If not $1470 in labor is highway robbery.

Thank you for that answer. I know that it's the nature of gaskets and seals to wear out over time, but do the covers go bad that often on 535s?

[Trainwreck914]

Op mileage is low. But given the year. It maybe due. I have a 2011. But I've only had it 1 year. I'm now up to 128k miles. I average 100 miles/day. I'm not sure it has previously been done. But if it starts to leak. I will replace the cover as well. They don't go often. But given it's been 10 years. I would "while I'm in there" as a ccv replacement. When they do start to go they can show sign/symptoms. But again given the age I just would. I'm coming from an e39. Which had its weak points of vacuum leaks and cooling system. So I treat bmws the same. I just replaced my water pump and thermostat and fuel pump last week. Just given the age and mileage. And would not want to get stranded on my long trips.

[RyanS]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm considering doing the valve cover gasket myself. I've worked on cars before and have all the necessary tools. It doesn't look difficult, just tedious with the clips and connectors. I'm not considering the oil pan gasket though. Much more than I'd be willing to do!

[ezaircon4jc]

One thing you have to ask yourself...

What's less expensive; a 4-digit repair every couple of years or a 5-digit loan for 4-6 years. The only other factor is your satisfaction with the car; are you tired of it and want it gone, or do you still enjoy it.

[RyanS]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

One thing you have to ask yourself...

What's less expensive; a 4-digit repair every couple of years or a 5-digit loan for 4-6 years. The only other factor is your satisfaction with the car; are you tired of it and want it gone, or do you still enjoy it.

We still like the car and plan to keep it for a little while longer. With the low miles it is still in good condition otherwise.

[OnlyGerman]

Why sell a car a few common leaks? Find a indy shop and keep the car till the engine blows. 52k is nearly new. And Lexus sucks.