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      09-27-2015, 10:45 PM   #1
minimal_
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Received slightly bent valve cover gasket….return? (pics inside)

Hi all, I'm about to perform an inspection II no the mcoupe and received all parts just fine from ECS, except for the valve cover gasket:




Will the gasket seat properly once bolted down? or should I ask for an exchange? (what a pain)

Thanks
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      09-27-2015, 11:04 PM   #2
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Return that elring gasket and get an OE gasket. I've used that gasket (completely flat - no warping) on my last valve adjustment and it leaked immediately after. I will use OE gaskets from now on
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      09-27-2015, 11:18 PM   #3
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Thank you for the heads up...should have known better.
Will get that taken care of asap.
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      09-28-2015, 02:32 PM   #4
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WAIT!!!
It's supposed to be like that!
That's the part that goes over the Vanos.
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      09-28-2015, 08:24 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StickMon View Post
WAIT!!!
It's supposed to be like that!
That's the part that goes over the Vanos.
Looking at it more closely, this is true. This front part that goes over the Vanos is supposed to be curved - Good catch

Just an FYI..."Kaiv" over on M3forums have done tons of valve adjustments for many members, including me. He's been using this Elring gasket without issues on many cars. However, some have reported to him that their engines developed leaks, including mine, after switching to this Elring gasket.

Last edited by XMetal; 09-28-2015 at 08:36 PM..
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      09-29-2015, 05:09 AM   #6
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You're required to use gasket sealant on the "half moons" (at the vanos) or any gasket will start to leak in no time, OE or Elring. Many people miss this or diregard it.
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      09-29-2015, 09:48 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Westersund View Post
You're required to use gasket sealant on the "half moons" (at the vanos) or any gasket will start to leak in no time, OE or Elring. Many people miss this or diregard it.
Sealant were used on mine. Leaks are not from the "half moons" area. It's on the entire passenger side where the engine is tilted toward. Must be a slightly different compound on the Elring vs. OE
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      09-29-2015, 04:34 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by XMetal View Post
Sealant were used on mine. Leaks are not from the "half moons" area. It's on the entire passenger side where the engine is tilted toward. Must be a slightly different compound on the Elring vs. OE
And the valve cover bolts was toqued to spec? Bolts re-toqued again after a couple of drives? Never "redlined" before fully warm? So many variables to consider before one can decide if Elring is a low quality gasket.
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      09-29-2015, 06:05 PM   #9
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Good info here.
For the cost difference I think I will continue to use OE.

I have never retorqued the OE or driven any differently to break in the gasket.
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      09-29-2015, 08:21 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Westersund View Post
And the valve cover bolts was toqued to spec? Bolts re-toqued again after a couple of drives? Never "redlined" before fully warm? So many variables to consider before one can decide if Elring is a low quality gasket.
Yes, valve cover bolts were torqued to spec as "Kaiv" is the SoCal Valve Adjustments king No re-torquing afterward. Never go past 4K until fully warmed.

As I've mentioned, "Kaiv" have literally done hundreds of valve adjustments for a lot of M3/Z4M members. Some have reported leaks, while others are fine with the Elring gasket. Mine leaked with the Elring gasket and bone dry with the OE...These are just a few data points, so draw your own conclusion.
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      09-30-2015, 03:05 AM   #11
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I'm with you, I always use OE gaskets. But that doesn't mean after market ones can't be just as good.
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      10-20-2015, 12:47 PM   #12
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I appreciate the additional comments and insight. Noted, next time I will just go with OEM.

For the time being, I've opted to simply use the elring gasket set and will monitor for leaks closely.

If it holds up until the next inspection, great; if it fails, I will simply take advantage of having to replace it to do some preventative maintenance on the vanos unit with the beisan kit.

Will report back here if any leaks spring.
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      10-23-2015, 02:56 PM   #13
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what gasket sealer do we need?? I'm about to crack my cam cover for some work.
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      10-23-2015, 03:00 PM   #14
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3M Super Silicone Sealant - Clear.
051135 - 08661
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      10-23-2015, 05:23 PM   #15
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I would go for either: http://hylomar.com/hylomar-product-r...unds/#hylomarm

Or: http://www.permatex.com/products-2/p...sealant-detail

Personally I would stay away from a silicone based sealant. It will be a pain in the ass to remove if you're changing head gasket again.
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      11-20-2015, 08:03 AM   #16
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I've got an elring gasket to use on my car! REALLY hope it doesnt leak otherwise ill be PISSED!!
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      11-24-2015, 05:26 PM   #17
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I've used 2 or 3 Elrings. Not sure where I got them. getbmwparts or bmwminipartsstore.
They seem fine. Never had a problem with fit or leaks.
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      11-25-2015, 08:11 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StickMon View Post
I've used 2 or 3 Elrings. Not sure where I got them. getbmwparts or bmwminipartsstore.
They seem fine. Never had a problem with fit or leaks.

thats good!! i mean... bmw outsource these things so... it feels excellent quality to me and is ALOT cheaper.

I'm hoping this choice doesnt end in tears for me.
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      01-15-2016, 04:41 PM   #19
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Just received one from thebmwminipartstore.
It's the OEM gasket, which comes in a cardboard box rather than shrink wrapped to a card.
That box was placed in another box about 3'x2'x1' with at least 10 sq. yards of packing paper.
That was the only thing in that box. The other parts and oil were in a separate box so as not to damage the gasket.

So if you want an OEM gasket that will arrive unmolested, now you know where to go.
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      01-15-2016, 08:33 PM   #20
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Really enjoyed watching this thread and comments as they were posted.

Have to wonder if most of the posters understand that this is a "flexible" gasket made of materials designed for flexibility. My gasket came in a plastic sealed package looking like a mess of spaghetti. Laid it out to let it relax into its rectangular shape in a warm room then inserted it into the recess on the valve cover gasket it's designed to fit in. Then torqued it down in accordance with direction provided in TIS... Gasket silicone on the VANOS joints and on the corners of the half moons...torquing inner to outer and crossways etc taking my time so that it came down evenly.

It's the install that's critical... Not the silly picture of a gasket with a slight "bow" that evoked "hysteria"...

I just rebuilt my VANOS along with replacing water pump, thermostat housing and all the idlers/pulleys on the front end last weekend. No codes and not a drop of oil or antifreeze to be found later after running up/filling radiator/checking for proper level.

If you have an oil leak after replacing the gasket then it wasn't installed and torqued properly...
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      01-19-2016, 01:28 PM   #21
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FYI...Some more data points on Elring vs. OE => http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=539994
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      01-20-2016, 08:40 AM   #22
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tbh..... the failure rate is such that i won't be using anything other than o.e on the gasket side of things from now on.
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