Why BMW Valve Covers Leak and How They’re Fixed Almost all foreign luxury cars come with the stigma of high maintenance and repair costs. While makes like BMW offer excellent performance and are a status symbol for those who drive them, it’s best to have a good mechanic on standby if you own one. Luckily for our clients, our team has extensive experience working with BMWs, and we offer fair pricing, a customer-focused approach, and a stellar reputation in our home community of Southern California. One of BMW’s signature lines is its 3 Series. These compact sedans are very popular because of their unique styling, luxury features, and sports car performance. While the 3 Series still remains a popular choice, these cars are not without their fair share of maintenance and repair issues. One common issue we see is leaking oil from the 3 Series’ valve cover. In this article, we will discuss the reasons why the 3 Series is prone to oil leaks, how urgent a repair for this problem is, and a little about our repair process. What Causes Leaking Oil From the Valve Cover?  A vehicle’s valve cover sits on top of the crucial, interior parts of the engine. This cover’s purpose is to keep contaminants out of the engine while keeping oil in. Valve covers take on various shapes, sizes, and materials depending on the vehicle. In the 3 Series, these covers are made of plastic and bolted on top of the cylinder head. While there is not necessarily anything wrong with a plastic valve cover, the 3 Series cover has been prone to warping over time. This warping breaks the seal the cover is designed to create, allowing oil to leak out. Should This Issue Be Addressed Immediately?  Depending on the severity of the warping, oil can leak out slowly or at a rapid pace. The most common indicators of a leak are strange smells coming from the engine (the result of oil dripping onto hot engine parts) or the visible presence of oil under the car. If you’re experiencing either of these issues, it’s best to have this problem addressed sooner rather than later. While some people assume they can refill the oil as needed and the engine will continue to run, this is only part of the problem. Oil leaking into the engine area can cause major issues when left unchecked. This excess oil can eventually pool around the spark plugs, causing them to fail and leading to potential engine misfires. What is the Repair Process Like?  Unfortunately for 3 Series owners, repairing a valve cover is not a simple process. When a valve cover warps, it is often necessary to replace it completely. Even though our technicians are well-versed in this repair, it typically takes several hours. We do our best to keep costs at a minimum for our clients, but due to the complexity and time requirements, it can be costly. However, as an independent repair shop, we will always be transparent, fair, and forthcoming with our clients. If you have an oil leak, we would be happy to diagnose the issue and provide insight into your problem today.