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Replacing Valve Cover Gasket

Model: BMW Serie 3 E46 - Years 1998-2006
Part: Cylinder head

To comfortably access the fastening bolts of the valve cover, it is necessary to remove the cabin air filter housing located centrally, just below the windshield (you will also need to remove the existing gaskets).
At this point, remove the 4 caps on the plastic cover (they are located in the area with aluminum-colored strips), unscrew the screws underneath, and remove the two covers (to extract the one where the engine oil fill cap is located, you must first unscrew the cap).
Then, disconnect the connectors attached to the spark plug tubes and remove the tubes and their wiring; unscrew the fastening bolts of the valve cover located around its perimeter, slide out the oil vapor recovery tube, and extract the cover.
Remove the old gasket from the cover; clean the edges of the engine block that mate with the cover; apply the new gaskets provided with the kit (optionally use grease to keep them in place during assembly) and coat the joints with the appropriate sealant.
Finally, reposition the cover and proceed in reverse order for reassembly.

Updated on 3 February 2026 by ScegliAuto

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