Valve Cover questions

[Pathosmusic]

My Valvetronic sensor and actuator seals are leaking quite bad, and there is a "seep" type of leak from the valve cover gasket, but its hard to tell with how much the other seals are leaking. I feel like I should just replace the valve cover along with the other 2 seals, but the valve cover I have now seems like its plastic. I see two different valve covers that are aluminum, which seems like a better option than the stock plastic. Which one is the better of the 2? API from PartsGeek, or Bremmen from Tuner Motorsport? The latter is about $100 usd cheaper

 

[Meds]

If N52 engine, do you have the silver or black engine cover?
The early ones were magnesium (silver cover) the facelift were plastic (black cover).

Always use OEM BMW gaskets. Don't skimp on the rubber bits!
The plastic valve covers are fine from 3rd party, no issues. If the new cover comes with gaskets, ignore them and put BMW in.

There are some places offering facelift covers in aluminum, with differing reviews. Some say they've had no issue, others say they've have problems. But this could be down to gaskets they chose to use.?

 

[colb]

Personally I always use Elring brand gaskets and I have lost count of the cars I have used them on which include my own. I have never had one fail, its always best to use Hylomar gasket sealant only around the half moon shapes of the gasket at the front and rear of the cover. Also if your model has round rubber seals under the cover retaining bolts these should also be replaced as they go hard with age and do not compress sufficiently to get a good seal on the main gasket. Elring do a set that includes the round rubber seals. Cant comment on the alloy covers but its not unknown for the plastic covers to have developed a warp.

 

[dferguson08]

@Pathosmusic I replaced my valvetronic gasket last year, but was fortunate to not need to touch the sensor gasket. My valve cover gasket is just beginning to show signs of some weeping. From my perspective, the valvetronic gasket to the valve cover is a big leap - I wouldn't say one justifies a "while you're in there" job for the other.

Make sure you follow the procedure to remove the valvetronic motor properly so you don't damage the components.