Leaky Valve Stem Seals

[ChicagoMary]

I have a 2011 X5 50i E70/N63 and my hubby just rebuilt the turbos and wastegates, replaced the spark plugs and plastic y-connection. It runs well, no codes, but it smokes and smells like burning oil. He is 99.9% positive it is the valve stem seals and he does not want to tackle this project. Anyone have recommendations for a reputable shop in Indianapolis who can fix this?

[mitch808]

This is a very common dealer item... If you're willing to have it done at a BMW dealer.

Otherwise try Ress, Euro motorworks, or some of the other german specialty repair shops in the area.

[IronMike2020]

I have same E70 2011 50i and same problem, prices are ridiculous, I know it's time consuming job and may take 3 days or so even though should be more than 2500 to be fair, 500 parts 2000 for labor for good mechanic, but no matter where I call they start with 8k 6k 5k like WTF....

Anyone know someone solid in New Jersey who can perform the job?

[Sophisticated Redneck]

Having done this job myself, these prices of 5k+ doesnt surprise me as it's definitely a challenge and ultra time consuming, taking right around 40-50 hours. Pulling the drivetrain is the easiest or you can rent special tools to do it in-car (what I did) which saves on labor from pulling the engine but adds time to actual job itself and is arguably more difficult and time consuming in the long run but the only choice if you dont have a lift.

If you have this done and they pull the engine, request them to Walnut blast to decarbonize your intake valves which won't add much cost at all once the engine is out. That alone normally costs 3k but with the engine out will only add 100-200 dollars.

[sidewaysat11]

There is a class action lawsuit that settled on this for N63's engines. If you don't already know about it look it up on Google for details and see if you qualify. I had my seals all redone for 0 cost at the dealer. Car had 69k miles - 2013 year model.

[X5 MAN]

Originally Posted by IronMike2020

I have same E70 2011 50i and same problem, prices are ridiculous, I know it's time consuming job and may take 3 days or so even though should be more than 2500 to be fair, 500 parts 2000 for labor for good mechanic, but no matter where I call they start with 8k 6k 5k like WTF....

Anyone know someone solid in New Jersey who can perform the job?

I have 2011 X5 50i

My BMW dealer did valve stem seals for free under class action recall.

While the engine was down, I got water pump, thermostat, timing chain, front suspension , vacuum lines, turbo return lines ----- all done at a much reduced labor cost.

I did it with BMW Lancaster, PA; which is less then 2 hours from NJ

[Robbing23]

My wife's N63 X6 uses a ton of of oil. When I called in to the dealership to ask about checking it they said it would cost me for the test. What should I say for them to check the valve stem seals and do it for free? thanks in advance!

[X5 MAN]

Originally Posted by Robbing23

My wife's N63 X6 uses a ton of of oil. When I called in to the dealership to ask about checking it they said it would cost me for the test. What should I say for them to check the valve stem seals and do it for free? thanks in advance!

Smoking and excessive oil consumption is enough evidence for the dealers to test the car free. Mine was tested free. Its under the lawsuit rules.

[Robbing23]

Do you have to be part of the lawsuit?

[X5 MAN]

Originally Posted by Robbing23

Do you have to be part of the lawsuit?

No, every N63 engine is eligible.

[Thecastle]

Yeah 5K-8k sounds actually reasonable. If its a 30 hour book time job here at my dealer with $219/hr labor rates it wold be $6570 labor, plus shop fee's and probably $500-1000+ in parts depending on parts department markup (usually 2x retail). You'll need new valve cover seals, and etc. My dealer does this job 3-4x a week. Every time I go into the shop I see at least 2-3 v8's getting the treatment and a few 6s. The dealer always pulls the engine out for this job.

This is a very common issue on the N63/N62/N54 and sadly the seals generally go about every 60-70k miles. Replacing them will fix it until they wear out again. There are folks here who have had the job done 2x. A few lucky soles have gotten to 150K without issue.

[IronMike2020]

Hi

I will be going to my dealership this week,

i will post update here.

Thank you for huge tip, I will let you know what they tell me.

Mike

[IronMike2020]

Update : BMW dealer said that replacing steam seals valves not going to solve the issue due to cylinders being eggshell form? LOL

Offered to replace engine if I pay 45% of the cost in this case it would be around $5600-$6000,

I guess this is the new way of not doing any job at all, who would be so smart to put 6k in N63 after being burned one time? I spoke to few BMW mechanics and ALL OF THEM said that this is simply not true and if there is no problem with the car other that smoke and oil consumption there is no need to replace the engine... But again this is the new way of getting rid of people of having their steam valves fixed. There is a mechanic in NY-SI, he said he can do the valves for 3300, since I do not drive much, maybe 80 miles a week, I will just keep adding oil and at some point just get those valves done for 3k and sell the car. I been driving BMW 15 years and this is it for me. Ford will be my next choice, at least I will sleep good at night and do not need to carry $3,000 with me Everytime I want to drive X5 to buy groceries.... $80,000 mistake.

[Sophisticated Redneck]

Originally Posted by IronMike2020

Update : BMW dealer said that replacing steam seals valves not going to solve the issue due to cylinders being eggshell form? LOL

Offered to replace engine if I pay 45% of the cost in this case it would be around $5600-$6000,

I guess this is the new way of not doing any job at all, who would be so smart to put 6k in N63 after being burned one time? I spoke to few BMW mechanics and ALL OF THEM said that this is simply not true and if there is no problem with the car other that smoke and oil consumption there is no need to replace the engine... But again this is the new way of getting rid of people of having their steam valves fixed. There is a mechanic in NY-SI, he said he can do the valves for 3300, since I do not drive much, maybe 80 miles a week, I will just keep adding oil and at some point just get those valves done for 3k and sell the car. I been driving BMW 15 years and this is it for me. Ford will be my next choice, at least I will sleep good at night and do not need to carry $3,000 with me Everytime I want to drive X5 to buy groceries.... $80,000 mistake.

Do you have another dealer in your area you can take it since this one is coming up with lame excuses and is just trying to work you for every dollar? You should be close to 100 percent covered since you have such low miles. Some unscrupulous dealers do push for a replacement engine instead of doing the valve stem work because it is less labor intensive which they don't make much money off of since it's warranty work (one N63 valve stem job will consume a techs time for an entire week).

The dealer will then try to soak you for the cost of the engine, which they get from BMW for around 3 grand as it's on sale but then list it at full price of 12k and give you a "deal" of 6 grand so they are pocketing an extra 3K on just the cost of the engine alone.