BMW N52 E90 323i Tappet Cover Replacement

[ReddyBMW]

Good day gents

Need to replace my valve cover on my E90 323i.
BMW wants R6700 for new one and Spare shop wants R3700 for new one. Aftermarket brand is calledMoto Euro, is it advisable to go with the aftermarket one?

 

[kryptosza]

My personal opinion is that, for something as simple as a valve cover, aftermarket should be fine, as long as it is a correct and accurate replica. There are no electronics at play, and no moving parts, that I'm aware of at least.

 

[Solo Man]

I once helped a friend with an idling problem on his E90 323i. My Autel diagnostic tool showed the inlet and exhaust solenoids as the problem and i replaced them with new ones. No difference. Eventually my friend had the tappet cover gasket replaced and the problem was over. It seems to me that a leaking gasket could lead to problems so i would be hesitant to buy an aftermarket tappet cover. Except if you are talking about the gasket and not the tappet cover itself.

 

[kryptosza]

As long as the aftermarket cover can marry properly to the correct gasket, and both can marry properly to the top of the head such that there is no pressure loss or leak, and all hose connections etc. on the cover fits snugly, I don't see how this would cause codes to be thrown, or issues in general. Pressure loss is one of the frequent causes of Vanos solenoid error codes, as correct oil pressure is an important part of their correct functioning.

The problem, of course, now that I think about it, is confirming all of the above before laying out the money for the aftermarket part. To be 100% sure, one would likely have to remove the existing one to be replaced and take it along as a sample to compare with.

Alternatively, one could phone around and speak to a few independent BMW workshops in the hopes that they are familiar with the specific aftermarket part and can provide feedback on whether it worked for them or not. One could also try searching the internet, but specifically for SA spares, I've found that finding information can be challenging, as a number of aftermarket parts distributors in SA are just reselling rebranded ones.

 

[husaindindar]

Hi

If I'm not mistaken, the valve cover is held on by aluminum bolts which need to be replaced also. They are once off use and if reused will eventually result in oil leaks vacuum loss etc...

 

[Saida]

I'd get the genuine part from BMW it's a small price to pay for the peace of mind. That plastic cover has to match the surface and go through a lot of heat cycle's without cracking.