Valve cover gasket

[MotorSportThree]

Any other brands other than OEM to go with for the valve cover gasket? OEM seems to be 4x the price ($400) compared to other brands. Thoughts?

thanks

[Slideways]

Any other brands other than OEM to go with for the valve cover gasket? OEM seems to be 4x the price ($400) compared to other brands. Thoughts?

thanks

Been using the same 14 year old Victor Reinz gasket. Removed and reinstalled at least 6 times. It was slightly sweating around the parimeter the last time it was removed. After replacing the headgasket with the freshly hot tanked cylinder head and valve cover, the old 14 year old gasket went back on with Drei-bond on the specific places BMW calls for it. Also wiped down the gasket with IPA to clean off the old oil. 2k miles later and the VCG is completely dry.

[Shonky]

No IMO. But it shouldn't be $400 either.

Edit: genuine is $100 at FCP. Where are you getting $400 from?

[MotorSportThree]

No IMO. But it shouldn't be $400 either.

Edit: genuine is $100 at FCP. Where are you getting $400 from?

Yeah I do see the gasket for 100. Not sure if it is necessary to get the whole set, as a while you’re in there. Most aftermarket brands seem to sell it as a kit. I added a link.

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-340658-tms340658/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21128500759&gbraid=0AAAAAD_rX5Y4NUKBkL_wpKn7GrmuZEuGd&gclid=CjwKCAiA_dDIBhB6EiwAvzc1cMoPSy6N5qCZ0VtVWq43sX3z9V4O3texaOPHVuQnpEImY_o9N3FtgBoCig0QAvD_BwE

[Shonky]

Set is obviously different to just the VCG, you didn't mention a full genuine set.

Genuine VCG but the others parts are ok as Elring, Corteco etc IMO.

BTW: this isn't really a "while you're in there" in my opinion since you're pulling the valve cover relatively regularly and it's not a huge job either.

[BMWfanz]

You should buy main gasket OEM only. I've bought 2 Elring sets- all are leaking in 1 week from exhaust manifold side. On my own expirience- OEM main gasket set, but if you want to save $- other stuff (Spark plug o-rings, grommet rubber parts)- you can go Elring or Victor Reinz.

[samthejam]

I went OE with mine. Been great. No sealant. Elring for the spark plug tubes though (I think OE is like $240 for those stupid things 40 * 6) and BMW for everything else.

However used an Elring this past weekend on an endurance racecar. 15 hours of racing, no issues we did use 3 bond on the corners and halfmoons.

[bigjae46]

No IMO. But it shouldn't be $400 either.

Edit: genuine is $100 at FCP. Where are you getting $400 from?

Aren't the BMW spark plug seals ridiculous at $40 each or something? That's what could make it $400.

[Shonky]

Aren't the BMW spark plug seals ridiculous at $40 each or something? That's what could make it $400.

Yes but OP only mentioned the VCG first. He wasn't talking about a set. Since aftermarket VCGs are what usually has the problems I assumed that's what he was talking about.

[ejendow]

Unrelated question (sorry), are you guys not using RTV with the OEM gasket?

[Shonky]

Unrelated question (sorry), are you guys not using RTV with the OEM gasket?

Should use some RTV on half moon corners at the back and at the front where head and VANOS meet as per TIS. I think TIS says Drei Bond 1209.

[Slideways]

Unrelated question (sorry), are you guys not using RTV with the OEM gasket?

TIS calls for a small dab of Drei-bond 1209 on the sharp edges of the half moons in the back and where the VANOS unit meets the cylinder head. Some people only have RTV on hand and they use that. Only a very small amount is required.

[sapote]

Been using the same 14 year old Victor Reinz gasket.

Interesting that the 14 yrs old gasket still pliable.
For non-M gasket, Reinz was hard like rock and leaking after about 6 years. Maybe the 93 to 97C non-M engine deteriorated the gasket quicker.

[maupineda]

I am not. 100% dry. Done this way 3 times already.