Quick answer: Valve Cover Gasket Replacement on a 2007–2013 BMW X5 is rated Advanced and takes about 2-3 hours. You'll need 11 tools for this job, and parts cost about $75. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
| Part Name |
Part Number |
Price |
Buy |
| Valve Cover Gasket Set |
11 12 7 582 245 |
$50.00 |
|
| Valvetronic Motor Seal |
11 12 7 552 280 |
$15.00 |
|
| Eccentric Shaft Sensor Seal |
11 12 7 559 699 |
$10.00 |
|
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully
1
Prepare (N52 NA, 9 Nm!)
Perimeter bolts 9 Nm (80 in-lb). Valvetronic actuator: 10 Nm. You'll need: new valve cover gasket set, eccentric-shaft sensor seal (11 12 7 559 699), E10/E12 sockets, torque wrench. The 9 Nm perimeter (not the N55's 8.5) is the N52's spec.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker
I prep the X5 N52 valve cover — 9 Nm, sequence, stages. I have redone an N52 gasket that leaked from day one because the bolts were tightened out of order. I follow the pattern like it is sacred, because it is.
2
Clear Cover, Disconnect Sensors
Remove the engine cover. Disconnect the Valvetronic actuator (10 Nm on reinstall). Disconnect the eccentric-shaft sensor (the seal 11 12 7 559 699 will be replaced). Label the connectors.
3
Remove Valve Cover (plastic!)
Remove the valve cover bolts (E10/E12). The N52's perimeter torque is 9 Nm (80 in-lb) on reinstall. Remove the plastic valve cover — it's PLASTIC, handle carefully (no new fasteners needed, no sealants). The N52's cover doesn't use the N55's 26-bolt pattern — count yours. Inspect the old gasket — the N52's gasket hardens with age/heat.
4
New Gasket + Sensor Seal
Clean the mating surfaces. Install the new valve cover gasket (seated in the cover's groove). Install the NEW eccentric-shaft sensor seal (11 12 7 559 699) — don't reuse the old one. The plastic cover needs no new bolts.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado
I install the N52 gasket and sensor seal and I check the head surface by feel — I have seen a valve cover weep from a ridge of old sealant. If I feel anything, I clean it again before the cover goes on.
5
Reinstall (9 Nm + 10 Nm!)
Reinstall the plastic valve cover. Torque the perimeter bolts to 9 Nm (80 in-lb) in sequence. Torque the Valvetronic actuator to 10 Nm. The 9 Nm perimeter (not the N55's 8.5) and the 10 Nm actuator are the N52's specs. The plastic cover cracks if over-tightened — the 9 Nm is light, use a torque wrench. Reconnect the eccentric-shaft sensor and Valvetronic actuator.
6
Verify No Leaks, Done
Start the engine — check for oil leaks at the valve cover, Valvetronic actuator, and eccentric-shaft sensor. The 9 Nm perimeter (80 in-lb), the 10 Nm Valvetronic actuator, the eccentric-shaft seal (11 12 7 559 699), and the plastic cover (no sealants) are the X5 N52's defining specs. If it leaks at the sensor, the 11 12 7 559 699 seal wasn't replaced. This guide is the N52 NA — the N55 turbo's 8.5 Nm is different. The N52's NA simplicity makes this the easier of the two X5 valve cover jobs.
All Done!
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Not properly supporting the engine during the repair
- • Failing to clean the mating surfaces thoroughly before installing the new gasket
- • Over-tightening the valve cover bolts, leading to gasket damage
