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

Replacing Valve Cover Gasket

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

For this job, you need an 8mm and a 10mm socket wrench, a flathead screwdriver, and a replacement gasket. Remove the protective caps from the bolts on the cylinder head and unscrew the nuts. Open the oil cap and remove the plastic protections. Lift the locks of the spark plug connectors and remove the wiring harness. Also, remove all spark plug connectors and their mounting bracket. Unscrew all the bolts of the valve cover and gently remove it. Carefully take off the old gasket from the cover and install the new one, ensuring it adheres perfectly. Reattach the cover, making sure it fits snugly against the cylinder head. Reinstall all the bolts and reconnect the spark plug connectors.

Updated on 3 February 2026 by ScegliAuto

Video tutorial

Related tutorials

Replacing Valve Stem Seals
Replacing Valve Stem Seals
BMW Serie 3 (1990-2001 / E36) When you need to rebuild an engine or resurface a cylinder head for gasket replacement, it is good practice to also replace the valve stem seals: the…
Replacing Valve Guide Seals
Replacing Valve Guide Seals
BMW Serie 3 (1998-2006 / E46) Before proceeding with the replacement of the valve guide seals, ensure the surfaces are perfectly flat using a straight edge and a valve feeler gaug…
Complete Cylinder Head Revision Instructions
Complete Cylinder Head Revision Instructions
BMW Serie 3 (1990-2001 / E36) Before installing the cylinder head, check the flatness of the surface using a straightedge and a feeler gauge; proceed to replace the valve guide se…

Other guides you may be interested in

Where is the Spare Wheel in the Peugeot 5008?

This video shows where the spare wheel is located in the Peugeot 5008 and how to access it, useful in case of a puncture. As shown, the wheel is not in the usual boot compartment but underneath it, outside the vehicle. To free the wheel, first gather the tools provided, then open the boot, locate the small indicated hatch, and open it. Next, loosen the bolt just released using the large socket wrench enough to lower the wheel to the ground.

Watch the video!


by ScegliAuto

More videos