Fix BMW Burning Oil Smell For Good 👍🏽

Описание: If your *BMW smells like burning oil**, you’re not imagining things. That familiar mix of smoke, oil, and frustration means one thing — your **valve cover gasket* is leaking. In this detailed guide, I take you step-by-step through replacing the valve cover gasket on a *BMW E60 325i N51* engine — the magnesium valve cover version that so many BMW owners fear touching.
This job is the difference between a clean, healthy inline-six and a driveway that smells like a deep fryer. Whether you drive an *E60 5 Series**, **E90 3 Series**, **325i**, **328i**, or **330i**, if you’ve got an **N51* or *N52* engine, this video will help you diagnose, tear down, and fix the problem properly.
🔧 What’s Happening Under Your Hood
That burning smell every BMW owner jokes about? It comes from oil leaking out of the old, hardened gasket and dripping onto the hot exhaust manifold. The *N51 and N52 engines* are known for this problem, especially as the valve cover ages and the gasket dries out. The magnesium valve cover on the N51 looks sleek and lightweight, but it’s fragile — it cracks easily, warps if overtightened, and makes this job intimidating for even experienced DIY mechanics.
In this video, I show how to safely remove and reinstall the cover without breaking it, how to clean the sealing surface perfectly, and how to torque every bolt to factory spec. The process isn’t hard — it just requires patience, preparation, and the right tools.
🧠 Why This Video Matters for Every BMW Owner
If you drive a *BMW 3 Series (E90/E92)* or *5 Series (E60)* with the *N51 or N52* engine, you will face this issue. BMW’s valve cover gasket design allows heat to cycle constantly through the top of the head. Over time, the rubber gasket loses flexibility, allowing oil to leak down the side of the block or into the spark plug wells.
Ignoring it leads to:
Oil on your exhaust manifold → constant smoke and burning smell
Oil-soaked ignition coils → misfires and rough idle
Check Engine Light → codes for cylinder misfires or crankcase ventilation
Engine bay mess and potential fire hazard
This video is more than a fix — it’s a full *BMW valve cover gasket replacement tutorial* built for DIYers who want to learn, not just watch.
⚙️ Tools and Parts You’ll Need (as shown in video)
8mm, 10mm, and E-Torx socket set
Torque wrench (for precise sealing)
Plastic trim tools (never metal!)
Brake cleaner and shop rags
Replacement *valve cover gasket kit* for N51/N52
Optional: new *valve cover bolts* and grommets
Optional: *spark plugs and coils* if contaminated
All tools used in the video are basic hand tools — no lift required, just patience and a clean workspace.
🧰 Step-By-Step Breakdown
1. *Battery Disconnect:* Always the first step. You’ll be unplugging ignition coils and sensors — safety first.
2. *Remove Engine Cover and Coils:* Label coils to avoid mix-ups later. Blow out debris around each plug well.
3. *Remove Cabin Air Filter Housing:* More room near the firewall makes life easier when removing the cover.
4. *Unbolt the Valve Cover:* Keep bolts organized — different lengths mean exact reinstallation order matters.
5. *Gently Separate the Cover:* Tap evenly with a *plastic pry tool**. Do *not pry one corner; it’ll crack.
6. *Inspect the Old Gasket:* You’ll see hardened rubber, oil seepage, and sometimes hairline cracks in the cover.
7. *Clean All Surfaces:* The sealing surface must be spotless — brake clean + microfiber towel does the job.
8. *Install the New Gasket:* Lightly oil the gasket, set it into the groove, and double-check seating.
9. *Reinstall Valve Cover:* Lower straight down — no forcing or twisting.
10. *Torque to Spec:* 7–8 Nm from center outward.
11. *Reconnect Everything:* Coils, harness, air box, and cowl.
12. *First Start Check:* Look for leaks, listen for vacuum hiss, and confirm smooth idle.
🚗 Compatible BMW Models Covered
This DIY applies to multiple BMWs with the *N51 and N52* inline-six engines:
*E60 / E61 5 Series (2006–2010)*
525i, 528i, 530i
*E90 / E91 / E92 / E93 3 Series (2006–2013)*
323i, 325i, 328i, 330i
*X3 / X5 / Z4 Models*
X3 3.0i, X5 3.0si, Z4 3.0si
If your car uses a **magnesium valve cover**, this tutorial shows you the safest way to remove and reseal it.