[Nebraska330xi]

Thanks in advance.


On the US spec 330 (with magnesium valve cover) the VVT gasket is slightly different, and is not as robust. It essentially sits in place and as the N52 proper in this config. wasn't around long, there aren't many resources I can find on it. I'm having trouble making sure it's seated correctly as there are not screws, a lip, and the vertical strip to identify placement like on later N52s. Anyone have a 2006 330 or 325 and done this replacement with any tips? All Bentley manual, pelican parts, or YouTube have been the later (likely better part).

I've installed everything and car running fine, but have seen some oil seeping. Leading me to believe I seated it wrong. Although there are no gaps, etc.

Background- Over the past two weeks I've been doing the following:

Valve cover gasket, VVT motor gasket, and related seals

Oil filter gasket

DISA valve (story for another day)

Oil separator and various LEGO quality plastic tubing related.

All is well except for the above, and of course an ignition coil failed on me right after it all got buttoned up

Any help is welcome. Realize there are a ton of resources for the N52(b series I believe, post 2006) but I'm striking out. I can post a pic of part if helpful.

[El Cheapo Loco]

Here are a few things I remembered about the VVT motor gasket.

1. There is a lip, the high side facing out.
2. I installed it AFTER the VC was in place.
3. It does pop in place with some resistance. It will sit flush on top of the metal piece where you screw in the VVT motor.
4. I couldn't see any difference in terms of top-bottom orientation but I installed the new one the same way as the original.
5. Tighten the two VVT motor bolts onto the gasket side first before tightening the bottom bolt.

[Joebie]

Originally Posted by El Cheapo Loco

4. I couldn't see any difference in terms of top-bottom orientation but I installed the new one the same way as the original.

The gasket is directional, the black stripe goes facing up. (from pelican parts DIY)

[Nebraska330xi]

Originally Posted by Joester

The gasket is directional, the black stripe goes facing up. (from pelican parts DIY)

Thanks - this is where my question comes into play. As I noted above the early N52 does not use that upgraded part. It's the part here:

https://m.eeuroparts.com/Parts/16627...UaAjVHEALw_wcB

They probably realized it was a cheap design and added the lip

[Nebraska330xi]

Originally Posted by El Cheapo Loco

Here are a few things I remembered about the VVT motor gasket.

1. There is a lip, the high side facing out.
2. I installed it AFTER the VC was in place.
3. It does pop in place with some resistance. It will sit flush on top of the metal piece where you screw in the VVT motor.
4. I couldn't see any difference in terms of top-bottom orientation but I installed the new one the same way as the original.
5. Tighten the two VVT motor bolts onto the gasket side first before tightening the bottom bolt.

Thanks. This sounds about like how I approached it. The tightening of the VVT motor bolts essentially sealed it.

[Joebie]

Ah, I didn't realize that the old gaskets were different, sorry.

[Z3SpdDmn]

Hmm, I had the same problem. Took it apart, cleaned it, and put it back together. I need to check it again...

[Nebraska330xi]

Originally Posted by Z3SpdDmn

Hmm, I had the same problem. Took it apart, cleaned it, and put it back together. I need to check it again...

Let me know if you had success. My biggest thing was that the gasket didn't really "click" or seal it just kinda set in there and any more pressure on my end would push it through into the VC. I cleaned it yesterday really well and we will see. Hoping it just needed to seat in there and won't continue to leak.

[El Cheapo Loco]

Originally Posted by Nebraska330xi

any more pressure on my end would push it through into the VC

This statement had me thinking you either have incorrect parts or the installation wasn't right. The gasket should sit flat against the metal piece in the pic below. Pressure on the gasket will just press it against this metal piece. There is no chance for it to fall into the VC.

[PhaseP]

I had done this years back, don't remember details. Here is a picture from Pelican Parts showing gasket in place on magnesium cover:

https://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tec...arge/pic09.jpg

[Nebraska330xi]

Originally Posted by El Cheapo Loco

This statement had me thinking you either have incorrect parts or the installation wasn't right. The gasket should sit flat against the metal piece in the pic below. Pressure on the gasket will just press it against this metal piece. There is no chance for it to fall into the VC.

Appreciate the reply! I should have been more clear, the gasket won't fall in or anything. But pressing it in place too far can get it unseated and a corner will go out of place into the gasket. It just seems like it should seal better I suppose. Probably why they revised it 3-4 times from my VIN.

[Nebraska330xi]

Originally Posted by PhaseP

I had done this years back, don't remember details. Here is a picture from Pelican Parts showing gasket in place on magnesium cover:

https://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tec...arge/pic09.jpg

Yes this basically looks how mine does, bolts seem to have a different rubber situation on the bolts. Unfortunately this looks like a different variant. Here is the only part that works on my VIN:

https://m.eeuroparts.com/Parts/16627...UaAjVHEALw_wcB

Verified by Tincher and my local dealer based on VIN.

[PhaseP]

Originally Posted by Nebraska330xi

Yes this basically looks how mine does, bolts seem to have a different rubber situation on the bolts. Unfortunately this looks like a different variant.

It cannot be different, there is only one version/variant of that gasket for the magnesium valve cover N52s. The rubber tab at the top that is sticking out in that picture, should be like that. There is no up or down of that gasket, it is symmetrical in horizontal and vertical axes , but it has an inside and outside face. The two sticking out tab like rubber pieces should be on the outside. If you put the other way it may be cause of the leak.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/part...302&series=E90