Leaking valve cover on a 2010 to 2012 BMW six-cylinder? Check the VANOS recall first

Short version: check your VIN before you pay for a valve cover job.

What the recall is

BMW safety recall 23V-707 covers certain 2010 to 2012 US-market BMW 128i, 328i, 528i, X3 xDrive28i and 30i, X5 xDrive30i and Z4 sDrive30i cars built from September 2009. The aluminum VANOS bolts can loosen and break, which can cause an engine stall. Whether one car is included depends on its VIN. Check it at bmwusa.com/recall or with NHTSA.

What the dealer does

If your VIN shows the recall open, the repair is free at a BMW dealer, and BMW says the job takes about four hours. On a standard job the dealer replaces the VANOS bolts (eight in total, four per VANOS unit) and fits a profile seal and two VVT gaskets. If a unit's bolts are loose or broken, BMW replaces that whole VANOS unit instead.

Where the valve cover comes in

The valve cover comes off to reach the VANOS units and goes back on. BMW's recall parts lists do not include a new valve cover or a new timing chain. If the cover cannot be reused, for example it is cracked or its sealing surface is damaged by heat, it has to be replaced with a new one. Ask the dealer what the recall covers before you agree to that part of the work.

If your VIN shows the recall open and you bring the car in for an oil leak at the cylinder head cover, BMW's dealer bulletin tells the dealer to do the recall parts at the same visit and reduce what you pay. BMW does not say what is left for you to pay, so ask the dealer.

What is not covered

A leaking valve cover gasket on its own is not a recall item, and NHTSA lists no recall for the valve cover or its gasket on these models. If a bolt head breaks off and damages the timing chain, BMW's bulletin lets the dealer claim repairs that result directly from the VANOS problem, decided case by case. Other engine repairs are not covered.

Worth knowing

• Cars built before September 2009 are not in this recall, and neither are cars built after mid-2012 (BMW's stated build window is September 2, 2009 to July 12, 2012).
• Paid for a qualifying VANOS repair before the recall? BMW's bulletin has a reimbursement process for labor and parts. Non-genuine and used BMW parts are excluded.
• BMW also ran a separate 10-year VANOS warranty extension. It was not a recall, and it has run out for these cars.
• A different recall, NHTSA 22V-119, covers a crankcase ventilation heater that can short and start a fire on certain 2006 to 2013 six-cylinder BMWs. Dealers fit a fused wiring harness kit free. It is a separate VIN check and not a valve cover repair.

A repair is free under a recall only if your VIN shows that recall open. Check before you book.