My mom's 2015 BMW X1 Automatic (Twin Turbo N20 Engine) w/ 60,000 miles leaks oil like a faucet on to the exhaust manifold. I'm thinking about trying to replace the stupid plastic valve cover that is leaking. Do you think it's too big a job for a novice mechanic like myself? It's the difference between ~$350 for the parts + my time or ~$2,500 for a "holier than thou" BMW mechanic to do it.
Thank you Scotty!!
There are plenty of online resources and online forums to help you through the step by step process if you are feeling comfortable. Just be sure that before you start the job be sure to do your research and have all the proper tools. It is definitely doable for a novice mechanic if you wanna give it a shot! The only advice I would say is to document all your work and be sure to have a screw tray to put everything in or separate baggies for all the parts since it will be your first time and it will help you keep track of your work. Also if the parts are stuck for whatever reason, double check that everything is apart. When putting the gasket on, it tends to slip off so be sure to check before screwing it in. Have fun!
This makes me feel a little more comfortable, thank you for the quality advice friend!
I needed to replace my N52 valve cover and gasket. I actually took it in to an independent mechanic, but after watching some videos, it seems like I could have done the job myself. and I am no means an experienced mechanic.
The only problem with changing the valve cover is that there are so many layers and layers of other things that need to be removed, some unrelated to the actual job. Which makes it so time consuming.
I’ve done valve covers and gaskets on a Honda Accord, which isn’t so bad. (Well technically, I just changed the gasket, but the valve cover has to come off).
But boy oh boy is the BMW engine so much more complicated.
You've got that right! Yeah the layers are what made me nervous, but i will take all the time I need. No more BMWs in this family. Thank you for the quality reply my friend!