Do it yourself
Frequently asked questions about cars and motorcycles
Car tutorial (Do it yourself) Motorcycle tutorial (Do it yourself) Frequently Asked Questions

Valve Cover Gasket Failure

Model: BMW Serie 5 E39 - Years 1995-2003
Part: Checks and maintenance

After removing the valve cover, you will notice that the damage to the gasket has caused lubricant to leak onto the cylinder head. This type of damage, while not excessively severe since the repair is quite straightforward, can lead to significant problems: if the fluid leaks excessively, it may cause lubrication issues on the camshafts and valve lifters, which are critical for engine operation and could damage their surfaces in fortunate cases. Additionally, the lubricant can end up in the spark plug wells, causing, if the functional elements of the plugs get wet, issues with misfiring or detonation. Before installing the new gasket, it is essential to thoroughly clean all areas where leaked lubricant may be present.

Updated on 9 February 2026 by ScegliAuto

Video tutorial

Related tutorials

Valve Seal Modification
Valve Seal Modification
BMW Serie 5 (1995-2003 / E39) This guide shows how to replace the valve seal. To do this, remove all the wires and intake hoses from the upper valve cover. Then, take off the old …
Valve Cover Gasket Replacement
Valve Cover Gasket Replacement
BMW Serie 5 (1995-2003 / E39) This video shows how to replace the valve cover gaskets. First, with the engine cold, remove the engine cover plastics by unscrewing the support nuts…
Valve Cover Gasket Replacement
Valve Cover Gasket Replacement
BMW Serie 5 (1988-1995 / E34) Before installing the new valve cover gasket, thoroughly clean the mating surfaces on both the cylinder head and the cover to remove any dirt and bui…

Other guides you may be interested in

How to Remove the Spark Plugs from a Toyota Aygo

How to remove the spark plugs from a Toyota Aygo? In this video, we detail the procedure: Pull the engine bay release lever located at the bottom left of the dashboard and lift the front bonnet, securing it. Remove the engine soundproofing panel, then use a socket spanner to unscrew the securing pins of the coils. Grasp the coil and twist it to extract it from the cylinder head. Use a socket spanner and extension to unscrew the spark plugs (remove them from the cylinder head) and take the new spark plug, inserting it into the cylinder head with the socket spanner. Finally, reattach the plastic cover panel.

Watch the video!


by ScegliAuto

More videos