2010 128i Eccentric Shaft Sensor - Replacement

[Skroob]

Took my car (2010 128i, 55k miles) in to reputable shop with a 'Service Engine Light' on.

Had previously taken it to have the OBD read elsewhere, and it came back with codes for the Eccentric Shaft Sensor.

The shop i took it to confirms, and to replace it, Valve Cover, and Valve Cover Gasket, they want approximately $1,000 in parts and $700 in Labor.

Does that sound about right to everyone?

TiA

[bionicbelly]

200 for the part (500 for Genuine BMW) , and 70 for the gaskets. No. I have no idea what shop rates are, but it should probably be about 5 hours or so. I did mine in seven, but I did a few other things while I was in there, and killed many, many beers.
Look at FCP euro for lifetime warranty OE replacement parts.

[varoadking]

Is this part generally prone to failure, and why would you need to replace the valve cover?

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by varoadking

Is this part generally prone to failure, and why would you need to replace the valve cover?

The eccentric shaft seal is a very common failure on these engines, which leads to a small oil leak that fouls and ruins the sensor.

The plastic valve covers have been known to crack as well, although it is not nearly as common (as far as I can tell, keeping up with these boards) as the eccentric shaft seal.

I replaced the eccentric shaft sensor on my 2010 (with slightly fewer miles than the OP's) this past summer. You can save a lot of money doing the job yourself, both on parts and (obviously) labor. It's not a small job and requires a good assortment of tools, but it can be done. My original valve cover was fine.

[varoadking]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

The eccentric shaft seal is a very common failure on these engines, which leads to a small oil leak that fouls and ruins the sensor.

The plastic valve covers have been known to crack as well, although it is not nearly as common (as far as I can tell, keeping up with these boards) as the eccentric shaft seal.

I replaced the eccentric shaft sensor on my 2010 (with slightly fewer miles than the OP's) this past summer. You can save a lot of money doing the job yourself, both on parts and (obviously) labor. It's not a small job and requires a good assortment of tools, but it can be done. My original valve cover was fine.

Thanks...

[Suhb]

BMW shop in philly quoted me 450 labor