Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 320i, BMW 3 Saloon (E36) 328i … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change rocker cover gasket on BMW E36 [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

Alternative products

Rocker cover gasket

Replacement: rocker cover gasket – BMW E36. 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 E36. 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 E36. 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 E36. 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 E36. 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 E36. 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 E36. 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 E36. 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 E36. 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 E36. 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 E36. 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 E36. 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 E36. 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 E36. 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.

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