N53 valve cover gasket replacement

[2gins]

Is this as straightforward a job as it looks? I've done a few on other cars over time, have watched a few vids on youtube but they mainly relate to the N51/2 engines. Is there anything in particular to watch out for on the N53?

It's an E60 530i with an oil leak over the cats in the o/s/r corner of the block, symptoms are oily smell in the cabin when idling or crawling (not from cold really or when on the move). There is visible oil in the area and the undertray looks to have some residue as well. Plan would be to do gaskets, plugs, oil service and clean up the undertrays.

Yes, I'd find a how to on E90post or the 5 forums but at present computer won't open those pages (says no, IDK)

Ta!

[Touring442]

The usual bulkhead plastics and crap to get off first, and then the steel injector pipes. These may or may not drip petrol upon refitting as the injector pressure is about 35,000 psi and BMW say they are 'use once only'.

Make sure the oil filler cap isn't leaking due to a bad rubber seal - oil runs down the side of the cam cover.

[2gins]

Aware of the injector pipes and fuel rail. Presumably they're reassuringly expensive if I wanted to replace them, but I'd only get the female side of the union anyway if I did so not much point...

[Touring442]

£25 each.

[2gins]

Asked the dealer for replacement bolts. They're a tenner each and there are 31 of them apparently.

Can anyone confirm if they're aluminium or steel? Is replacement necessary? Lots of stories online about snapped bolts, but seem to relate to N52 which are aluminium 7Nm +1/4 turn.

If it is new bolts then I think I'll just replace the entire cover, as it comes with new bolts I think and that's the breather/pcv done then too.

[naturalaspiration]

If your valve cover is plastic (not magnesium) than you can reuse the steel bolts.