Is there such a thing as an "improved" gasket? Oil leak question

[matmanx1]

When I had my 128i at the shop this weekend for the battery replacement they said that the valve cover gasket and the oil filter gasket were both starting to leak small amounts and needed to be replaced. They said both were common leak areas on these cars and they gave me an estimate to replace both. My car has 63k miles on it although I've heard of leaking on these cars happening as early as 30k miles.

Is there a better gasket out there that can prevent this from happening again within the next 30 - 60k miles? Is the gasket the problem or is it something with the design of the motor itself? I've owned many cars over the years but never one that would develop an oil leak that quickly.

Does anyone have any wisdom to share on the subject?

[andrey_gta]

2011 had a n52kt available on the x3 and 5 series

Maybe that gasket works for us as well

[mechavore884]

subscribed!!!! I replaced my valve cover gasket last year now im noticing a small leak again (and once it starts raining i'll pull the covers off to see where its originating)....hopefully not the valve cover.....again... -___-

[Dackelone]

The valve cover is made from plastic. Its common for the valve cover to develop a crack, not just leak from the gasket. Thats probably your problem(the cover itself).

[Kizzu]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

The valve cover is made from plastic. Its common for the valve cover to develop a crack, not just leak from the gasket. Thats probably your problem(the cover itself).

Attachment 1205271

Attachment 1205272

The valve cover is NOT made out of plastic. The valve cover is made out of magnesium for the n52 engine.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by Kizzu

The valve cover is NOT made out of plastic. The valve cover is made out of magnesium for the n52 engine.

Ohh yes. I forgot we were talking about a N52 and not a N54(my pics)of cracked valve covers. Still you should check for even-ness with a straight edge when replacing any gasket.

You guys could also try using a sealer that will "fill in" any gaps. Loctite #518 is a good sealer that can fill up to 4mm gaps. It also gets harder when exposed to oil.

Dackel

[mechavore884]

Dackelone repped good sir im going to give it a try

[Iron Man]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Ohh yes. I forgot we were talking about a N52 and not a N54(my pics)of cracked valve covers. Still you should check for even-ness with a straight edge when replacing any gasket.

You guys could also try using a sealer that will "fill in" any gaps. Loctite #518 is a good sealer that can fill up to 4mm gaps. It also gets harder when exposed to oil.

Dackel

I would think "hardening" of any gasket (or gasket filler) is a bad thing though. Typically if gaskets harden, they start to leak, but using it as filler may not have this affect.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by Iron Man

I would think "hardening" of any gasket (or gasket filler) is a bad thing though. Typically if gaskets harden, they start to leak, but using it as filler may not have this affect.

Loctite #518 doesn't harden per se. It stays flexible and can fill in gaps up to 4mm's(I believe). Its good stuff. But as you know... bmw says to put all their gaskets on dry. But I would try 518 if I had a leaking VCG.


I know MB also has a VCG sealant... that DOES get hard when exposed to oil. It doesn't get totally hard... but it does firm up when exposed to oil. IF MB says its ok to use.. I wouldn't have any issues using it on my car.