BMW Blog

I'll be changing the cam cover gasket, but until then has anyone re-torqued the bolts in front of #2 and the one after #4 in order to put a little more pressure on the worn gasket in that area, to minimize oil leakage?

I realize this should not be recommended, I'm just wondering if anyone has done it and what the results were.

i had oil in my plugs early this year aswell, i just went out and got the valve cover gasket set and installed that..

It may help some, but not much. Tightening the bolts may do nothing more than crack the gaskets as they are likely dry and brittle (hence the leaks).

When you do get around to replacing them I would get a gasket kit, which comes with plug-well gaskets and the head cover gaskets; I would also recommend replacing the old rubber grommets on the head cover (they don't come with the kit). It seems that people usually skip the grommets to save $15 or because they don't realize that they can or should be replaced. But it doesn't make sense to do so, they are rubber and dry out as well. Replacing them will help to ensure that you get a good seal all the way around.