Re: Question on Leaking Valve Cover - The BMW 5 Series (E39) Message Forum

You are probably asking the wrong crowd about sooty/dirty residue. I suspect most of the guys on this forum spend more time keeping the engine bay clean than they to the interior :-)

But yes - many cars will have some dirt and residue around the engine - mostly just from road grime that comes in with travelling.

There can also be some oil and stuff thrown around depending on what is happening or failing
- coolant (minor leaks or overflow due to over filling)
- fan belt wear and or any dressing that was applied (normally not required)
- spilled oil when making changes.
- grease thrown out of belt wheel bearings
- etc.

BUT - yes valve covers do leak on the E39's (and others). This is mostly on the 8 cyl cars but I suspect the 6's do as well.
Normally it is not enough to cause you to notice the level going down - but it is a problem for the following reasons:

- Oil fills the spark plug holes under the cover and this can cause ignition problems including eventual coil destruction.
- seepage down the sides of the engine and onto the exhaust causing smell and some smoke at times.
- any oil that gets onto plastic or rubber parts can cause them to deteriorate.

It is necessary to remove the cover - clean it thoroughly (especially where the gaskets seat) then replace the gaskets and the rubber gromets for the cover bolts.

Cheers
Jim Cash

Question on Leaking Valve Cover - Mark 2009-07-02 13:50:13 (124 views) (359 thread views)
- Parts will run you about $55 at rmeuropean. I use - BMW540san 2009-07-02 15:45:02 (86 views)
- Re: Question on Leaking Valve Cover - Petah 02 525i 2009-07-02 15:21:57 (90 views)
- Re: Question on Leaking Valve Cover - Jim Cash 2009-07-02 14:07:39 (103 views)
  - Re: Question on Leaking Valve Cover - BMWatson 2009-07-04 17:48:35 (49 views)
    - I alway use a skim coating of sealant on (m) - JimLev 2009-07-04 23:15:15 (47 views)
      Re: I alway use a skim coating of sealant on (m) - BMWatson 2009-07-05 10:32:48 (51 views)
      I use RTV silicon that most parts stores sell (nt) - JimLev 2009-07-05 11:46:39 (32 views)
      Re: I use RTV silicon that most parts stores sell - BMWatson 2009-07-06 18:22:18 (32 views)
      Yes, same on both surfaces (m) - JimLev 2009-07-06 20:08:38 (21 views)
  - +1.........especially the oil on plastic or rubber (nt) - parts not being good. Eurodavid 2009-07-02 19:56:57 (36 views)