The BMW N55 engine has a much more robust valve cover than that of earlier generations such as the N54. However, many systems were integrated into the valve cover itself, which means that there is more to go wrong. This valve cover comes out of the box, ready to install, with all of the hardware and gaskets you need pre-installed.
BMW N55 Valve Cover Replacement Symptoms
Since the BMW N55 valve cover has many critical systems built into the design, that means that there are more things to fail on it. Some of the things you need to watch out for are:
- Valve cover gasket leak
- Oil almost always leaks from one side of the valve cover and drips onto the exhaust manifold. You will notice this by a burning oil smell. You might also have a low engine oil light and a
- Failing PCV valve
- Physical damage such as cracks
- Since the valve cover also acts as the vacuum reservoir, any cracks here will create vacuum leaks. This will lead to rough running and wastegate issues.
Over time, the plastic of the valve cover becomes brittle from the heat of the engine. You can expect to need to replace the valve cover at around 100,000 miles.
Due to the involvement of the job, you can expect to pay around $1000 for an independent shop to tackle the job for you.
BMW Models Applicable
This BMW N55 valve cover fits:
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Additional Parts Required with BMW N55 Valve Cover
- The valve cover comes with everything you need, so there aren't any additional parts required with it.
Special Tools Required with BMW N55 Valve Cover
To install the valve cover itself, there aren't any additional tools required. For the entire removal process however, you will need a few, which you can find in our full DIY guide.
Additional Parts Recommended with BMW N55 Valve Cover
We don't recommend any other parts with the valve cover. It comes with everything you'd need pre-installed.
Aftermarket Upgrades or Genuine Option for BMW N55 Valve Cover
There are no aftermarket upgrades to replace your original valve cover with.
Just like everything else we sell, this N55 valve cover comes with our Lifetime Replacement Guarantee. Since it's plastic, it will eventually fail in the same way, again. When it does, purchase yourself a new one and return your old one back to us using our extremely simple return process, and have that part refunded.
In the video below, Gareth Foley, our BMW Catalog Manager, gets up close with this BMW N55 valve cover. If you're unsure if this valve cover fits your car, you can verify the fitment by going to our homepage and use the vehicle selection tool in the upper left corner. As usual, if you like this Really Quick Product Review, subscribe and check back here for regular releases in the future.
