128i N52 Plastic to Magnesium Valve Cover Swap/conversion?

chris.powers69 · 04-19-2022, 01:54 AM

Has anyone done this before? I found out recently that I need to replace my valve cover and I don't really wanna go with another plastic one if I'm gonna have to do this again in another 5-8 years. I already have the parts sitting in my cart along with an external CCV/PCV kit and a catch can, I just wanna know if this is possible before I pull the trigger.

NorthernDancer · 04-20-2022, 10:54 AM

Likely not. Especially since you're in HI, strongly recommend you buy new cover only from a BMW dealer. Here in the East, I would buy from FCP Euro because of their life time warranty.

desertman123 · 05-11-2022, 08:23 PM

Bit late to the party but it's a pain to do

https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show...&postcount=191

chilledn52 · 12-08-2022, 08:31 PM

Ive actually have done this job on my 07 328xi. Grabbed the magnesium valve cover at same time as 3IM (Will need oil separator)

with this system, the CCV hoses and oil separator are not powered so no heating. Due to not having a power connector on wiring harness. So far been going in -20 to -30 degree Celsius weather

So far little bit of vacuum when opening the oil cap when running
the ignition coil wiring harness doesn't sit as flat to the base of VC but the silver engine cover fits over
will have the expand the ignition coil grounding cable loops to fit on the magnesium, cut my nail open doing this.
Could just be me as well, one of the CCV hoses from Intake Manifold to top of oil seperator was a pain to put on, could of ordered the wrong one or could be just slight fitment issues but I was able to get that attached

Been running this for 6+ months so far, little to no problem. Just not excited to have to reattach that CCV hose next time I take off the manifold

04-19-2022, 01:54 AM	#1
chris.powers69 Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 128i Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: Honolulu, HI iTrader: (0)	128i N52 Plastic to Magnesium Valve Cover Swap/conversion? Has anyone done this before? I found out recently that I need to replace my valve cover and I don't really wanna go with another plastic one if I'm gonna have to do this again in another 5-8 years. I already have the parts sitting in my cart along with an external CCV/PCV kit and a catch can, I just wanna know if this is possible before I pull the trigger.
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04-20-2022, 10:54 AM	#2
NorthernDancer Colonel 850 Rep 2,276 Posts Drives: 08 Sedona 128 & 06 330xiT 6MT Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Ottawa On Canada iTrader: (3)	Likely not. Especially since you're in HI, strongly recommend you buy new cover only from a BMW dealer. Here in the East, I would buy from FCP Euro because of their life time warranty.
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05-11-2022, 08:23 PM	#3
desertman123 E82 Mudflap Ambassador 2214 Rep 2,219 Posts Drives: '08 128i Join Date: May 2016 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 1992 Honda Beat [9.50] 2008 BMW 128i [10.00] 2014 BMW 528i [10.00]	Bit late to the party but it's a pain to do https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show...&postcount=191 __________________ My 2008 128i - Sparkling Graphite/Beige - Sport pkg - 6MT - Click me! Parents' 2014 528i - Mineral White/Ivory White - fully loaded Instagram @Andreys_128i and @Honda.Bito
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12-08-2022, 08:31 PM	#4
chilledn52 Parts Pro 65 Rep 134 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 328xi 6MT Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: Edmonton, Alberta iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW 328xi [10.00]	Ive actually have done this job on my 07 328xi. Grabbed the magnesium valve cover at same time as 3IM (Will need oil separator) with this system, the CCV hoses and oil separator are not powered so no heating. Due to not having a power connector on wiring harness. So far been going in -20 to -30 degree Celsius weather So far little bit of vacuum when opening the oil cap when running the ignition coil wiring harness doesn't sit as flat to the base of VC but the silver engine cover fits over will have the expand the ignition coil grounding cable loops to fit on the magnesium, cut my nail open doing this. Could just be me as well, one of the CCV hoses from Intake Manifold to top of oil seperator was a pain to put on, could of ordered the wrong one or could be just slight fitment issues but I was able to get that attached Been running this for 6+ months so far, little to no problem. Just not excited to have to reattach that CCV hose next time I take off the manifold
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