So need to replace my valve cover on my X5 N55 engine. It's apparently cracked internally causing an evap system code to keep coming back. I found an Elring one for $250, that's about half the price as an OEM one and about $80 cheaper than Febi. I've read they supply a lot of OEM parts, but I'm not too familiar with them. Has anyone used one or have any info on them?
Has anyone used an Elring valve cover?
- Thread starter CumminsMech
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I recall using them on a Mercedes a while ago. Elring generally makes good stuff, but they are the German Fel-Pro. It’ll work fine. Elring’s Curil is seen in high regard in the Porsche circle.
The Germans tend to use Victor Reinz, Mahle or Corteco(Freudenberg) gaskets as OEM. Febi is a repacker, IIRC. With how intertwined valve covers and PCV are on German cars, I wouldn’t doubt the Elring part is a repackaged M&H, Mahle or Erlenspacher part.
The Germans tend to use Victor Reinz, Mahle or Corteco(Freudenberg) gaskets as OEM. Febi is a repacker, IIRC. With how intertwined valve covers and PCV are on German cars, I wouldn’t doubt the Elring part is a repackaged M&H, Mahle or Erlenspacher part.
JHZR2
Staff member
They do make OE gaskets. This was the intake manifold gasket for an OM603 diesel.
I’ve used them on MB valve covers without issue.
That said, no idea about a physical valve cover. I’d think the cover is less the issue, and you know you’re getting a quality seal.
Like anything, brand names are only a name. Anything can be offshored and questionable quality. That said, a VC gasket isn’t the most complex item, and the vc itself should be built to a spec or drawing.
Febi is just a repackager. Eating and Reinz actually make gaskets and seals.
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I cant speak to the quality of the valve cover but I never had any issues with an Elring product.
CleanSump
Site Donor 2026
I've used Elring gaskets and o-rings, but not a valve cover. They are a BMW and MB supplier, so their parts are probably better than cheapo Chinese ones.
Sounds like a quality product so I'll go with the Elring one, rather than paying double for probably the same thing. Thanks for all the input!!
edyvw
$50 site donor 2026
I would go OE valve cover.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2026
Also, if you are disconnecting oil cooler lines or if it has heat exchanger, removing it, don’t forget to prime oil pump.
What do we think of Elring or Victor Reinz gaskets which are "Made in China"?
Probably the same gaskets that BMW uses on its Chinese produced cars.
Its not like the track record of the Euro made gaskets is stellar. They always fit well though, just don’t last.
Why do you need a valve cover?
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The oil cap is leaking and the cover / gasket is leaking somewhere around the corner causing smoke from the hood and burning smell inside cabin
I just replaced the valve cover gasket last March, so I really don't want to have to do the job again if it's not the gasket causing the leak
I just replaced the valve cover gasket last March, so I really don't want to have to do the job again if it's not the gasket causing the leak
Did you use a BMW or Elring gasket? If your cover wasn’t cracked or warped when you did the valve cover gasket, I would think its ok. How long after the vcg job did it show signs of leaking?
The oil cap gaskets are available also.
I know anything is possible with the plastic covers, but I have not had to replace one yet among three high mileage N52 engines.
Plus the fact that BMW is sourcing numerous OEM parts from China.
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I used a Mahle gasket, as it was all I could find locally after messing up installing the Elring (my fault).
About 1 year after it is showing signs of leaking.
Somebody already replaced the valve cover with a URO Parts branded one.
I was thinking maybe the PCV in the valve cover failed causing the gasket to leak and from the oil cap, but I do not hear any screeching or weird idle issues.
I was reading a post on a subreddit from a BMW Indy shop where they were suddenly having to warranty Elring VC's they installed within the previous 2 years. Someone also suggested that Mahle is the OE manufacturer of VCs for BMW.
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Yeah, I saw a thread where someone posted a picture of their genuine valve cover and it shows that is made by mahle
Which makes sense, because I ordered a valvetronic motor gasket from FCP under the Genuine BMW and it said Mahle on it once I received it
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