BMW V8 Rocker Cover Gaskets

[BaldGuy]

A question for you propeller heads... 10k miles ago I had the rocker gaskets replaced on my 4.4 X5 V8... they are now leaking again at the back both sides... I have called BMW and they say parts are covered for 2 years... i called the garage that did them and they are saying they'll look at them but it may be down to "crankcase pressure" and it can blow out of anywhere!!

Ive had V8 Range Rovers and Jeeps and neither did this....

I know my cars, but are they taking the pxss??

 

[carat 3.6]

How long ago were they fitted? How bad are the leaks?

It is possible for crankcase pressure to do that, usally caused by blocked breather pipes.

 

[BaldGuy]

Last July 10k miles ago...

 

[tacfoley]

Our ML420 has just over 180,000km on the clock and the engine has not been needed to get hauled apart for anything yet. Had a crankshaft sensor at around 90,000, I recall.

Ah, wait, you are talking about a BMW?

Sorry, I guess I'm on on the wrong forum. ;=/

tac
EPT470X

 

[John]

Our ML420 has just over 180,000km on the clock and the engine has not been needed to get hauled apart for anything yet. Had a crankshaft sensor at around 90,000, I recall.

Ah, wait, you are talking about a BMW?

Sorry, I guess I'm on on the wrong forum. ;=/

tac
EPT470X

Rest assured, you'll get rust instead if you've not already.

 

[redbaron]

I seem to recall BMW V8s have an issue with oil leaks from the rocker covers... might be worth a search on Pistonheads....

 

[Adam230K]

they might not be taking the piss... i had this done on my 540i (managed to do it myself, but it was HARD), and shortly after I had a serious problem with the idling of the engine.... which led to the diagnosis - 'crankcase ventilation valve' (CCV on forums) needing replacement.

 

[jaymanek]

those engines have breather assembly filters which clog up and cause crank case pressure. A known issue.
You replace the unit with the new modified version. If yours is clogged they could be correct.

From memory they are £20-30.

 

[Adam230K]

those engines have breather assembly filters which clog up and cause crank case pressure. A known issue.
You replace the unit with the new modified version. If yours is clogged they could be correct.

From memory they are £20-30.

but with labour your looking at around £250-300, its a hell of a job

 

[jaymanek]

Maybe on the V8's im not sure. We have had experiences with E46 3.0 petrol engines with the issue.. Im pretty sure it was an easy job on those.

 

[Vlad]

2nd the opinion on the crank case breather....common BMW problem

 

[Adam230K]

Maybe on the V8's im not sure. We have had experiences with E46 3.0 petrol engines with the issue.. Im pretty sure it was an easy job on those.

Access to the breather/valve is via the very back of the engine.. not easy access on the E39, not a great deal of space back there...