E88 2013 128i convertible valve cover does not clear rear right corner

[kburger]

Hey there addicts,

Any suggestions? This is third or fourth valve cover I have removed on this POS. Because of the long channels in the valve cover and the Valvetronic shaft, there is no way to get the valve cover out without breaking those channels. Why would they design it like this? I have removed the beauty cover mount, two screws for that, what a pita. Move the ac hard line way down. All ecu wiring is out of the way. Even cut the corner of ecu box that sticks out. This is totally rediculous. Fcp euro says it takes “finesse”? Lol

P.s.: just watched a video. Guy took off half of what I did and it came out easy.
I think sometimes the way the engine sits causes this. The clearance is so tight that some cars are a nightmare.
Kburger

[kburger]

Removed all windshield cowling and wiper arms. Broke original VC getting it out. New aftermarket mitzone metal valve cover can’t get back in. Starting to gouge gasket mating surfaces. No tips, no advice? Not even a comment?
Kburger

[mkeiser]

i don't think there's any secret trick. it's literally just finesse. sounds like you removed everything you can. watch more youtube videos if you're still struggling. maybe the metal valve cover is the issue?

it's also saturday night so don't expect any replies lol.

[kburger]

Saturday night. Got it! Been workin on bmws 20 years never seen a valve cover this hard. Thanks for the moral support!
Kburger

[kburger]

Right next to my ecu box is a brake line and a black steel frame piece. I’m going to have to cut that frame piece because the ccv valve/cap is wedged against it no possible way to get it by the rest of the valve cover is wedged against the valvetronic underneath. I have tried ever possible angle for several hours. If I Nick that. Brake line while cutting I’m screwed!
Kburger

[brake-fade]

I'm guessing it's because of the valve covers you're using. They are a pain in the ass, but patience and "finesse" has been my experience. I spoke with a bwm tech a while back and he drops the motor at the subframe just a bit to get that extra clearance from the fire wall. A lot easier if you have a lift and support to do that, which most of us don't.
Why is this the 3rd or 4th cover? Are all the other covers aftermarket as well? I have 250k + miles on my car and have done it only twice.

[Hellshalfacre]

I struggled a bit with my VC as well. I ended up just removing the wire loom bracket at the rear passenger side of the cover (2 T25 screws hold it on) and it came out with no drama. You'll need a longer t25 driver or a small swivel would probably work too.
I also disconnected nearly all wiring and cables that traversed the VC area. Made it way easier and doesn't take too long to accomplish. Good luck.

[kburger]

Originally Posted by Hellshalfacre

I struggled a bit with my VC as well. I ended up just removing the wire loom bracket at the rear passenger side of the cover (2 T25 screws hold it on) and it came out with no drama. You'll need a longer t25 driver or a small swivel would probably work too.
I also disconnected nearly all wiring and cables that traversed the VC area. Made it way easier and doesn't take too long to accomplish. Good luck.

Well maybe it was the metal valve cover. Dunno. I have done 3 or 4 of these. I had all ecu wiring out of the box. All cowling removed from windshield. There’s a brake line there had to raise it way up hopefully no damage. Ac line pushed way down. And still had to mini sledge that corner and cut metal away with a dremel to make it fit. I’ve done a lot of bmw valve covers over the last 20 years. Never seen nothing like it. It’s a game of thousandths. A few slight misalignments and you end up with this crap. Anyway. New metal valve cover is on. What is that brand? Mitzone. Thanks for the moral support! I hate doing this work. But at 150 an hour saves me a sh** ton of money.
Kburger

[Hellshalfacre]

Amen! Glad you got it on.

[kburger]

Saw videos where people raise the engine with motor mounts. I think mine is easier. Take a dremel and very carefully cut the metal ledge off next to the ecu box. Use the good cutoff wheels. The ones with the push and twist lock mechanism.
Kburger

[kburger]

Still struggling. Valvetronic motor did not line up right. Mitzone no good IMHO. Spend the 500 bucks for oem. Should cost like 250 such a rip.
Kburger

[kburger]

Ended up stripping the right valvetronic motor mount screw in the head. Had to remove the bottom VC plates that hold the motor straight with the tab on the motor. Tap the hole in head. Carefully line the motor up straight because that hardware is now gone. Fun fun fun. Buy the oem cover
Kburger

[kburger]

Guess I’m pulling the IM this Sunday. Pcv valve is in the cover. Ordered the valve cover breather hose splits to two spots under intake. Fun fun fun!
Kburger

[Hellshalfacre]

Fun indeed. Are you replacing the IM gasket or rolling the dice? Highly recommend replacing it.

[kburger]

Didn’t do it. Breather passed the sheet of paper test
Kburger