What have you done to your E89 today

[Matt.rowley.1990]

Decided it was time to do a smidge more maintenance on the N52, having noticed oil seeping into the eccentric shaft sensor connector. When this happens, it generally means the sensor will be failing, as engine oil has migrated inside the sensor.

Unfortunately this sensor lives under the valve cover, which means removing it and all the top end obstructions to get it it. All gaskets were replaced as part of the VANOS recall in 2024, so it’s a little annoying to have to change them all. I decided to go for a new Mahle cover with gaskets and bolts, in the event something breaks. The date stamp on the existing cover is 2012, so I guess a refresh is no bad thing!

View attachment 294811

Well, the valve cover arrived and is all fine and dandy (on inspection) but the eccentric shaft sensor that arrived was a cheap Chinese knock off and not a Continental/VDO unit as the description suggested. Currently dealing with a return dispute but in the meantime have purchased a unit through Autodoc, which arrived today and is thankfully a quality Continental part with etched out BMW part number. I also ordered a set of new intake manifold gaskets, as I intend to inspect the DISA valves and give the block a bit of a clean from previous valve cover leaks.

Fingers crossed I get to tackle the job this weekend!

 

[Matt.rowley.1990]

And that’s a wrap! New eccentric shaft sensor in and new valve cover fitted. Overall a relatively straight forward job, albeit made more difficult with tiredness and not having a deep 10mm socket for the inner bolt and grounding lugs. Thankfully my neighbour came to the rescue!

Overall, not looking too bad inside for 141k miles. Long may she continue to cover even more!

 

[livfreely3]

I like a cleaner look on the side. Removed the side emblems.