Engine Gasket & Oil Leak

[leDikski]

Hello fellow Z4 owners,

Recently I’ve noticed that some oil is dripping out onto the engine and causing the lovely burnt oil smell. Ive attached the photo to the thread for further information. Upon close inspection you can see a leak is coming from what seems to be between the thread and the gasket.

As I’m still rookie in this area, though I’m gathering I would need to change out the whole engine gasket with a new one due to this leak. The car has done a fair bit of mileage already so I wouldn’t be surprised if the gasket sealant is disintegrating (especially as it runs at 120 degrees). So I was wondering, what would be your recommendations, so far from just a quick research I’ve come across this (apologies if links are not allowed on this forum):

ELRING Gasket Set https://m.autodoc.co.uk/elring/9875704

Would there be any further recommendations or additions that I need to change out? It’s a 2014 Z4, 18i 2.0 manual transmission btw.

Appreciate all the help!

 

[B21]

That gasket set is overkill..

You need this gasket set for a simple cam box gasket replacement…

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/elring/7281722


You should check very carefully that the leak is coming from the gasket and not a crack in the cam box itself..on these engines there is a higher failure rate of the cam box rather than the gasket..

 

[Reamesy]

That gasket set is overkill..

You need this gasket set for a simple cam box gasket replacement…

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/elring/7281722


You should check very carefully that the leak is coming from the gasket and not a crack in the cam box itself..on these engines there is a higher failure rate of the cam box rather than the gasket..

I had exactly that on my late N20. Thought it was just a gasket but turned out it was the cover. £375 complete with gaskets from the dealer. About 2.5 hours to change. Just make sure you torque the cam cover bolts in the correct sequence and to the correct spec.

https://blog.fcpeuro.com/how-to-replace-a-bmw-n20-n26-valve-cover-gasket-f30

 

[leDikski]

That gasket set is overkill..

You need this gasket set for a simple cam box gasket replacement…

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/elring/7281722


You should check very carefully that the leak is coming from the gasket and not a crack in the cam box itself..on these engines there is a higher failure rate of the cam box rather than the gasket..

I had exactly that on my late N20. Thought it was just a gasket but turned out it was the cover. £375 complete with gaskets from the dealer. About 2.5 hours to change. Just make sure you torque the cam cover bolts in the correct sequence and to the correct spec.

https://blog.fcpeuro.com/how-to-replace-a-bmw-n20-n26-valve-cover-gasket-f30

Amazing, thank you very much both - I’ll follow through those checks. Much appreciated!

 

[custel]

Don't bother changing the gasket, get a new cover, Elring on Ebay £148 with all gaskets and seals.
These covers are rubbish and often crack. I have just changed mine, about 3 and a half hours. Easy enough job with the right tools. As said before, make sure you torque it in the correct order and 9Nm.
There are videos on youtube to help

 

[sakamoto]

I also have a late model 2014Y 20i, and when I used low viscosity 0-30W Astrol it was leaking from the top of the head cover gasket. It was dripping into the manifold and causing smoke, but when I changed to Mobil 5-40W it stopped leaking so much.
I've determined that it's probably a good idea to replace the head cover.
I have a question for everyone: I've heard of many leaks caused by tiny cracks in the resin, but what about the resin in the AT oil case and fuel tank, not just the head cover?

 

[Reamesy]

The cam cover cracks due to extreme heat cycles. The AT and fuel tank are not exposed to such heat.

 

[sakamoto]

Thank you for the information