[Gunslinger1971]

Replacing coils and plugs in my 328xi and noticed oil leaking from this area on the valve cover. No oil on the plug itself or in the contacts so I'm assuming its just the seal/gasket.

Can this be replaced without removing the valve cover? Just pry out with a screw driver and replace?

[frisbeeguy]

According to the service manual, it can't be done...mainly cause there's a chance to damage the eccentric shaft sensor plug....and the bottom portion of the gasket may not line up well with the valve cover. In reality, if you are very careful not to stress the eccentric shaft sensor plug too much, you can replace the gasket without removing the valve cover.

[tom9192]

I replaced mine while doing a valve cover gasket job, but you could totally do it without removing the valve cover. Just be careful removing it. Check out figure 5 here.