N52K oil leak

OG Style · 10-25-2018, 02:10 PM

There is a oil leak on my 07 328i and I think it is the valve cover. The oil is dripping on the exhaust somewhere and burning. I can smell and see some smoke. I noticed that one the the bolts on the left rear of the engine was missing and two were lose. I replace the missing one and tightened the loose ones, but it didn't fix the problem. I was using a mirror and noticed the left rear corner was sticking up some. it is the wrong bolt in it. I switched it out with a different bolt but I still think it is the wrong type of sleeve on it. Is there a diagram that shows exactly what each bold should be? I'm not %100 sure that the valve cover gasket is where the oil is coming from. Is there another spot that is common for leaking oil?

Thank you

tlow98 · 10-25-2018, 02:40 PM

Replace the cover gasket

OG Style · 10-25-2018, 02:54 PM

I think I will have to. I would like to try to get a temp fix for the winter. The gasket was replaced on 2016 but I don't think the shop knew what they were doing. I still need to figure out what bolt goes where.

nsjames · 10-26-2018, 05:13 PM

if your PCV sucks it will push the gasket out.

did they replace the cover or PCV parts when they did the gasket?

OG Style · 10-26-2018, 06:00 PM

I do not know what all was replaced. I just got the car a few months ago and seen it was done on the carfax.

tlow98 · 10-26-2018, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OG Style

I think I will have to. I would like to try to get a temp fix for the winter. The gasket was replaced on 2016 but I don't think the shop knew what they were doing. I still need to figure out what bolt goes where.

No temp fix that I know of.

OG Style · 10-26-2018, 06:36 PM

I think the leak might be coming from the valvetronic seal. I think I will replace that first.

city1991 · 10-27-2018, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OG Style

I think the leak might be coming from the valvetronic seal. I think I will replace that first.

Have an Indy diagnose it for you. Then if it's simple, do it yourself, otherwise have them do it?

tlow98 · 10-27-2018, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OG Style

I think the leak might be coming from the valvetronic seal. I think I will replace that first.

Sounds logical. Good luck with fix

Be sure to thoroughly understand the valvetronic removal and install procedures with the Allen wrench. It’s not rocket science but can be screwed up.

OG Style · 10-28-2018, 09:06 AM

Do I have to have the limits relearned if I replace the seal?

tlow98 · 10-28-2018, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OG Style

Do I have to have the limits relearned if I replace the seal?

Not if you do it right. You’ll hear the motor relearn on it’s on once ignition is switched on. Dont deviate from the Pelican Parts DIY.

Check that out.

Not trying to scare you. It’s very do-able just don’t go in blind and you’ll be fine.

OG Style · 10-28-2018, 01:38 PM

I followed the pelican info. Thanks

banglenot · 10-28-2018, 03:46 PM

Good vid on the process.

Tip: when you get the beauty cover off, pull up the connector on the Eccentric Shaft Sensor and examine the inside of the connection for oil (watch the vid for the location). If there is any in there, meaning oil is being forced past the connector pins from inside the ESS, the ESS is reaching end-of-life and you should replace it while in the valve cover. The unit is stupidly expensive, but if it fails in the next year you'll be pulling the valve cover again to replace it.

You can button it back up and get a best price ESS replacement (might take a couple of days to order it up), then complete the job when you have the new ESS in hand.

10-25-2018, 02:10 PM	#1
OG Style Lieutenant 46 Rep 418 Posts Drives: 2011 328XI Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	N52K oil leak There is a oil leak on my 07 328i and I think it is the valve cover. The oil is dripping on the exhaust somewhere and burning. I can smell and see some smoke. I noticed that one the the bolts on the left rear of the engine was missing and two were lose. I replace the missing one and tightened the loose ones, but it didn't fix the problem. I was using a mirror and noticed the left rear corner was sticking up some. it is the wrong bolt in it. I switched it out with a different bolt but I still think it is the wrong type of sleeve on it. Is there a diagram that shows exactly what each bold should be? I'm not %100 sure that the valve cover gasket is where the oil is coming from. Is there another spot that is common for leaking oil? Thank you
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10-25-2018, 02:40 PM	#2
tlow98 Major General 2194 Rep 5,023 Posts Drives: 2009 E91, 2014 F15 x35i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (2)	Replace the cover gasket
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10-25-2018, 02:54 PM	#3
OG Style Lieutenant 46 Rep 418 Posts Drives: 2011 328XI Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I think I will have to. I would like to try to get a temp fix for the winter. The gasket was replaced on 2016 but I don't think the shop knew what they were doing. I still need to figure out what bolt goes where.
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10-26-2018, 05:13 PM	#4
nsjames Brigadier General 2443 Rep 4,330 Posts Drives: 08 328xi Touring Join Date: May 2017 Location: ohio iTrader: (0)	if your PCV sucks it will push the gasket out. did they replace the cover or PCV parts when they did the gasket?
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10-26-2018, 06:00 PM	#5
OG Style Lieutenant 46 Rep 418 Posts Drives: 2011 328XI Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I do not know what all was replaced. I just got the car a few months ago and seen it was done on the carfax.
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10-26-2018, 06:36 PM	#7
OG Style Lieutenant 46 Rep 418 Posts Drives: 2011 328XI Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I think the leak might be coming from the valvetronic seal. I think I will replace that first.
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10-28-2018, 09:06 AM	#10
OG Style Lieutenant 46 Rep 418 Posts Drives: 2011 328XI Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Do I have to have the limits relearned if I replace the seal?
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10-28-2018, 01:38 PM	#12
OG Style Lieutenant 46 Rep 418 Posts Drives: 2011 328XI Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I followed the pelican info. Thanks
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10-28-2018, 03:46 PM	#13
banglenot Private 38 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 2007 328xiT Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Ft Lauderdale and Connecticut iTrader: (0)	Good vid on the process. Tip: when you get the beauty cover off, pull up the connector on the Eccentric Shaft Sensor and examine the inside of the connection for oil (watch the vid for the location). If there is any in there, meaning oil is being forced past the connector pins from inside the ESS, the ESS is reaching end-of-life and you should replace it while in the valve cover. The unit is stupidly expensive, but if it fails in the next year you'll be pulling the valve cover again to replace it. You can button it back up and get a best price ESS replacement (might take a couple of days to order it up), then complete the job when you have the new ESS in hand. __________________ 2007 530I, 2007 328xiT 2003 325XI (gone) 2004 530I (gone) 2001 530I (gone) BMW CCA Member 15+ Years Last edited by banglenot; 10-28-2018 at 04:07 PM..
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