Oil leak three rocker cover gasket changes

[Indyi]

Hello ppl need advice
I have a 2007 320i BMW 3 series

A month ago noticed oil leak and burning oil smell in cabin. Called out click mechanic they said the vacuum pump and rocker cover gasket need changing . Got both parts changed still leaking oil they came out again and changed the rocker cover but still oil leak so got my money back

Took my car to a reputable garage he replaced the rocker cover again with a original BMW gasket

I have now noticed next to the rocker cover On the metal plate there is still a very small amount of fresh oil everytime I drive

Three rocker covers later still a leak .

Any thoughts what it could be also engine is running a bit rough . Could it be ccv problem ??

[R129 300SL]

Exact same problem on a 2005 320i when it was under manufacturer warranty.

They changed rocker cover gasket but I then kept leaking so changed vacuum pump. Solved it.

Maybe the vacuum pump still leaking or maybe poor quality one fitted?

Alternatively gasket not fitted properly. Is easy to pinch the back surface where you can’t see it. Recently had to change VVT motor and it’s easy to not seat the back surface properly.

Did they change the smaller gasket inside that keeps the vvt motor dry?

[Indyi]

I don't think the vacuum pump is leaking . I just got the main gasket from BMW and also the seal for the two solenoids

[Indyi]

Three gasket two mechanics I doubt it's the gasket I'm thinking maybe the actually cover had a hairline crack or a fault with the crank case hose ?????

[R129 300SL]

Cover is plastic so a crack is possible

[naturalaspiration]

Indyi said:

Three gasket two mechanics I doubt it's the gasket I'm thinking maybe the actually cover had a hairline crack or a fault with the crank case hose ?????

You wrote in your first post that you had had the valves cover changed too - twice to pe precise. Or is it not the case?

[z4goon]

If it's definitely leaking from the rocker cover, as mentioned above check the plastic tray which the gasket sits in isn't cracked and also make sure you use a touch of sealant on the "arches" positioned around the sides.

[Elliot2000]

Did they replace the vac pump or just the vac pump gasket?

The pumps themselves leak and when they leak the oil runs along the back of the rocker cover seal and then drips on the exhaust

[iSore]

^^ This, plus a warped cam cover. Some just will not seal. A used one is buttons (E90, E46 etc) but surprisingly labour intensive to fit.

[M4cruiser]

I had this on a different brand, after a cam-belt change.

Took it back for the cam-cover oil leak and they charged me for a new gasket, which had been on the invoice for the cam-belt, so got a refund.

Then the new one leaked as well, took it back and they said it was warped, so needed skimming.
At that point I called a halt with that garage. I could see them charging for a cylinder head skim next.

I guessed they'd caused the warp by not tightening the bolts in sequence (yes, even the cover has a correct sequence, like a cylinder head) or they hadn't applied the correct sealant.

I fudged it myself by undoing the bolts a quarter turn and tightening them up again. Still a small leak but cost me nothing.

[Indyi]

I will take it back to the mechanic on Monday if he can't figure it out I give up with this car

[Indyi]

I will take it back to the mechanic on Monday if he can't figure it out I give up with this car