Did the valve cover gasket today and ...

[Tommy Samuels]

it's a bit of a pain in the rear. I followed the directions in the knowledge base and they were helpful in everything except one item; removing the panel that covers the cabin filters. That could use a bit more explanation as it too me a bit to find the third 7mm screw,

PO had half heartedly painted the valve cover at some point, so I spent about 1/2 an hour with a rag, brush, and lacquer thinner. Was able to get most off before boredom and frustration took over. Looks far better than it did though.

My only gripe is it shouldn't take over an hour and you shouldn't have to take 1/2 the engine bay apart to change a freakin valve cover gasket.

[HotChickenStrips]

Well, not everything in life is easy. Last month I had tp replace a shifter cable on a mazda 6 that a junio tech broke while changing the battery and didn't even told us and we found out when the customer showed up to get the car. Anyway, this messed up design calls to remove the entire dash........btw the junior tech no longer works for us.

[1996 328ti]

There are writeups on replacing the microfilters too.
I'll be replacing the valve cover gasket next week.

Already replaced the micro filters and battery case so I'll be taking all that apart again.
I cleaned the rusty bolts that held the battery compartment case so it shouldn't be that hard this time around.

I also found a thread where someone uses air compressor, plastic tube and baking soda as a sandblaster to clean the valve cover.

[Tommy Samuels]

I understand not everything is easy. Still frustrating that I can completely remove the engine and transmission in my Locost 7 in less time than it take to change a gasket on the BMW.

Too much decorative plastic under there... over complicates nearly every task