[Gerin10019]

Has anyone replaced the pcv valve with an aftermarket one? Mine has a crack and vacuum leak. Dealer says it’s only available with a new valve cover, 800$ for just the part. Online I can buy the superseded now metal valve vs the original plastic one. Car has vacuum leak and oil leak from the valve cover gasket again. I just replaced the gasket myself 5 months ago. Either I did a shit job, ( l don't think I did because no leak until last week.) maybe my bad cat caused pressure to blow out the gasket? Or the bad pcv valve caused the leak??

If anyone is interested in the back story.

Started out with a miss and service engine soon light on. injector / coil issue, replaced plugs, injectors, and all coils, valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket leak at the same time. Car was good
For a bit. Then threw cat codes. Bank 1. I cut out the cat and welded in a universal cat. My friend who is a welder helped me out. Very tight space but seemed like a better option than crazy $$ for direct fit.

I replaced all by myself, via YouTube and here mostly. my husband gave me 90 days to fix the car or he was buying me a new one.
It’s been a challenge and in 26 years of marriage probably the most we have ever argued. New leak started last week. Took it apart today. Thanks to the 70° degree weather today here in the north east.

My husband ordered me a new bmw but I plan to keep this car also.

Any insight or thought are helpful

[TunafishE93]

Doesn't look like you will have to remove valve cover. Lucky you don't have the n55! https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...Qz4KN6--TimlpE

[Gerin10019]

This is what I plan to do tomorrow. Wish I knew to do this when I did the gasket the first time. :/

[Gerin10019]

Tuna I have a new leak so need to replace the gasket again. Pcv valve has a crack. Dealer says it’s only available with a new valve cover. 800$ At my closest bmw dealer 650 at one about 30 min away. Bizarre the price difference in the same area. Esc tuning sells a new upgraded all aluminum one in a kit.

For anyone doing a valve cover gasket I suggest also doing the pcv valve. I think the kit was 100$
Well worth it wish I knew.

[TunafishE93]

Yeah I am no expert and dont even own the n54 engine but by the look of the video the pvc is serviceable. Not sure if that would cause the valve cover gasket failure again. I will be doing this to the n55 which pvc is not serviceable, there is hacks, and the cover alone is $400+ for OEM so I can see the two quotes you received if they were replacing valve cover.

[Gerin10019]

Nobody has replaced a pcv valve? I’m about to start and do the valve cover gasket again.
The 70° degree weather is in my side .

[Gerin10019]

I replaced the pcv valve and re did the valve cover gasket. I ordered the aluminum upgraded kit. Took me about 4.5 hours to complete. The code for vacuum leak cleared itself.

I’ve learned a lot in the 7k miles I’ve had the car
Replaced the rear shocks
Angel eyes
Battery
Coils
Injectors
Plugs
Oil filter housing gasket
Valve cover gasket Twice
Bank 1 cat
Pcv valve and hose Probably the easiest repair
Coolant and overflow tank hose and molded hose

I’m excited to get my new bmw but will be keeping this also. I had an Acura legend coupe back in the day I still regret getting rid of.

For my husbands sake I hope no more repairs needed for a while.

[Gerin10019]

Code is p0420

I did find a small vac leak will show pictures tonight.
I think I’m at a total loss, and this car is way over my ability to repair. I thought it would be fun and satisfying to make the repairs myself. It’s more frustrating than satisfying. I bought a new 2020 convertible and know to get rid of it before the warranty is over. For the sake of my marriage I’m going to be donating the car I think.

I will call the local technical school tomorrow to see if they want a donation
And include all my notes and receipts.

If I donate to a charity they said they won’t pass on any paperwork besides the title. I would rather it be donated to someone who can get my notes on what I have done so far.

[Gerin10019]

If anyone lives in the cherry hill nj area or nyc
And wants needs some parts I have some
I’m willing to donate and meet locally

3 Wheel sensors bmw oem new

6 Siemens reconditioned injectors index 9 never installed

6 Bosch coil packs with new boot made in Slovenia not Germany never installed

6 Bosch coil packs new boot made in Germany never installed

6 bmw spark plugs new in box oem.

2 gallons of the bmw coolant new

O2 sensors new

Oil filter housing gasket new

Oil filter new

2 run flat continental tires 2 wheels have about 6k miles on them

4 5 quarts of liquid molly new

The obd scanner used for about 7 months

Rear trunk shocks new oem

2 rear shocks and the housing part new oem

Spare passenger seat. Light tan came from and 08 donor. My passenger seat has a scuff in the leather so I bought a nice seat cheap at a junk yard

Few coolant hoses new

Hppf new

Vanos solenoid new

I have a set of tan oem floor Mats with the Velcro new

I also have the tan weather tech ones I bought myself Used since Christmas

I live in nyc and cherry hill if anyone wants any of these items I’m happy to donate them and meet locally.

I pick up my new m4 on Friday .

Thanks for all the help. I’ve learned so much from here. I got this far, and while l feel like I have failed and I’m a tad disappointed I did repairs nobody thought I could.