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E46 · Reliability
E46 Valve cover gasket
Your E46
Pick your year to see what fits.
In the US, 1999 E46s were sedans only, and 2006 E46s were coupes and convertibles only. The M3 came as a coupe or convertible.
Stops oil leaks
Medium$38–$422–3 hrs
Why do it
Old gaskets go hard and leak oil onto the hot exhaust. A fresh set stops the leak and the burning smell.
Tools you'll need
- Socket set with extensions
- Torx bits
- Trim tool
- Torque wrench
Starting out? See our budget tool list.
Parts to buy
- Elring valve cover gasket set 11129070990 (2001–2002) Complete set for earlier cars.Fits 2001–2002 · 325, 325xi, 330, 330xi
- Elring valve cover gasket set 11120030496 (2003–2006) Complete set for later cars, including grommet seals.Fits 2003–2006 · 325, 325xi, 330, 330xi
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Before you start
- Work on a cold engine.
Steps
Remove the covers
- Take off the engine bay covers.
Disconnect the coils
- Unplug the coils and move the wiring harness aside.
Remove the valve cover
- Undo the nuts and lift the cover off.
Fit the new gasket
- Clean the surfaces, seat the new gasket and grommets, and torque the cover down evenly.
Reassemble
- Refit the coils, harness and covers.
How to know it worked
- No oil leak or burning smell after a drive.
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Safety first
- Park on flat ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
- Never get under a car held up only by a jack. Use jack stands.
- Let the engine and exhaust cool first.
- Disconnect the battery before unplugging electrical parts.
- Wear safety glasses.
- If something doesn't match your car, stop and ask a shop.
Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.