Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523i … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle

All the parts you need to replace – Rocker Cover Gasket for 5 Saloon (E39) and other BMW models

Alternative products

Rocker cover gasket

71-31036-00 REINZ Rocker cover gasket

15,15 GBP

Shop

Replacement: rocker cover gasket – BMW 5 (E39). Tools you might need:

                      All-purpose cleaning spray
                    
                      Electronic spray
                    
                      Sealant
                    
                      Torque wrench
                    
                      Drive socket # 8
                    
                      Drive socket # 10
                    
                      Ratchet wrench
                    
                      Seal scraper
                    
                      Flat screwdriver
                    
                      Crow bar
                    
                      Fender cover

Buy tools

Replacement: rocker cover gasket – BMW 5 (E39). AUTODOC experts recommend:

Replace the gasket every time the valve cover is removed.
All work should be done with the engine stopped.

Replacement: rocker cover gasket – BMW 5 (E39). Use the following procedure:

Step 1

Open the hood.

Step 2

Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.

Step 3

Unscrew the engine cover fastener. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 4

Remove the engine cover.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: rocker cover gasket – BMW 5 (E39). Do not use excessive force when removing the part as this may damage it.
Step 5

Unscrew the engine cover fastener. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench. Use a flat screwdriver.
Step 6

Unscrew the oil filler plug.
Step 7

Remove the oil filler cap.
Step 8

Remove the engine cover.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: rocker cover gasket – BMW 5 (E39). To avoid damaging the part when removing it, do not use excessive force.
Step 9

Install the oil filler cap.
Step 10

Tighten the oil filler cap.
Step 11

Unplug the connectors from the ignition coils. Use a crowbar.
Step 12

Unscrew the fasteners of the ignition coils. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 13

Take out the ignition coils from the spark plug wells.

Replacement: rocker cover gasket – BMW 5 (E39). Tip from AUTODOC:
Remember the sequence of steps for ignition coil demounting.
Step 14

Unscrew the fastener of the chassis (ground) terminal of the ignition coils. Use a drive socket #8. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 15

Raise a little the wiring of the ignition coils and move it aside. Use a flat screwdriver.
Step 16

Clean dirt, dust and debris from inside the spark plug wells.
Step 17

Remove the crankcase ventilation hose.
Step 18

Unscrew the fastener of the chassis (ground) terminal of the ignition coils. Use a drive socket #8. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 19

Unscrew the engine valve cover fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 20

Remove the engine valve cover.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: rocker cover gasket – BMW 5 (E39). Do not use excessive force when removing the part as this may damage it.Be careful to prevent dust and dirt getting into the engine.
Step 21

Remove the valve cover gasket. Use a seal scraper.
Step 22

Clean the engine valve cover mounting seat. Use a seal scraper. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.

Replacement: rocker cover gasket – BMW 5 (E39). Tip:
Be careful to prevent dust and dirt getting into the engine.
Step 23

Install the engine valve cover gasket.
Step 24

Treat the engine valve cover mounting seat. Use a sealant.
Step 25

Install the engine valve cover.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: rocker cover gasket – BMW 5 (E39). To avoid damaging the part during installation, do not use excessive force.
Step 26

Clean the valve cover fasteners. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
Step 27

Tighten the engine valve cover fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 15 Nm torque.

Replacement: rocker cover gasket – BMW 5 (E39). AUTODOC experts recommend:
Tighten the fasteners in the order shown in the diagram in the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 28

Tighten the chassis (ground) terminal of the ignition coils. Use a drive socket #8. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 29

Install the PCV pipe.
Step 30

Secure the wiring of the ignition coils in its mounting seats.
Step 31

Tighten the chassis (ground) terminal of the ignition coils. Use a drive socket #8. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 32

Clean dirt, dust and debris from inside the spark plug wells.
Step 33

Install the ignition coils to the spark plug wells.

Replacement: rocker cover gasket – BMW 5 (E39). Professionals recommend:
Follow the installation sequence.
Step 34

Tighten the ignition coil fasteners. Use a drive socket #13. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 7 nm torque.
Step 35

Treat the ignition coil connector with electronic spray. Use dielectric grease.
Step 36

Plug in the connectors of the ignition coils.
Step 37

Unscrew the oil filler plug.
Step 38

Remove the oil filler cap.
Step 39

Install the engine cover and secure it.

AUTODOC recommends:
Make sure the engine cover is properly seated. It should not be displaced with respect to the guiding fasteners.Replacement: rocker cover gasket – BMW 5 (E39). Do not use excessive force during installation. This may damage the part.
Step 40

Install the oil filler cap.
Step 41

Tighten the oil filler cap.
Step 42

Screw in the engine cover fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 43

Install the engine cover and secure it.

Replacement: rocker cover gasket – BMW 5 (E39). Professionals recommend:
Make sure the engine cover is properly seated. It should not be displaced with respect to the guiding fasteners.Replacement: rocker cover gasket – BMW 5 (E39). To avoid damaging the part during installation, do not use excessive force.
Step 44

Screw in the engine cover fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 45

Run the engine for a few minutes. This is necessary in order to make sure that the component operates properly.

Step 46

Shut off the engine.

Step 47

Remove the fender protection cover.

Step 48

Close the hood.

Was this manual helpful?

Please rate this manual on a scale from 1 to 5. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us.

Need New Tyres?

Find out which tyre and wheel sizes are compatible with the BMW 5 Saloon (E39) model

BMW E39 tyre size

How to change spark plugs on BMW E39 – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.68 MB
How to change serpentine belt on BMW E39 – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.52 MB
How to change right engine mounts on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.53 MB
How to change ignition coil on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.73 MB
How to change engine radiator on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.06 MB
How to change water pump on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.38 MB

How to change rocker cover gasket on BMW 5 Saloon (E34) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.73 MB
How to change rocker cover gasket on BMW 5 Touring (E34) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.73 MB
How to change rocker cover gasket on BMW E36 – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.84 MB
How to change rocker cover gasket on BMW 7 (E38) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.73 MB
How to change rocker cover gasket on BMW 3 Coupe (E36) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.74 MB
How to change rocker cover gasket on BMW 3 Convertible (E36) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.73 MB

Unlock your car maintenance assistant!

Track expenses, manage logs, schedule replacements, and more.

How to Get the Best Deals on Car Parts | Save Money with AUTODOC

2K views

Published on: 03/02/2022
How to get your motorcycle ready for spring

2K views

Published on: 22/05/2025
5 most common causes of oil leaks | AUTODOC tips

58K views

Published on: 30/03/2023
The Ultimate Guide to Engine Bay Cleaning | AUTODOC

6K views

Published on: 11/09/2020