hey guys i have 64k on my car. getting very close to ending my powertrain warranty. Ive heard a bunch of people having leaking valve covers. i have a 04, so im concerened. Do you guys think i should check for the oil leak first, and get it fixed, and then change the spark plugs, or change the spark plugs and then get it fixed if i have this problem.

 

Do you smell oil burning? If not, your VC are most likely not leaking. I also thought that plug changes were at 100,000 miles. I'll have to check.

 

what years have the oil leak problem?

 

03-04

 

Yep, I have an 03 w/ 107K miles and I changed the plugs today only to discover that the valve covers are leaking(both sides). Pool of oil inside the plug well.

 

damn, i gotta check this before i hit 70k

 

I smell oil sometimes. usually just after getting up to highway speeds and it's very faint. Do you think this problem is starting to show itself in my car? It's an 04

 

Oil smell could be as simple as your car burning a little blow by oil.

 

Yes, most likely you have a very small valve cover leak that runs down to the exhaust header and smokes. It's unlikely that it will be coming from the exhaust directly as the cats burn up most any oil smoke until they are so contaminated, they can't "light off" anymore.

Or, it could be some grease monkey spilled some oil on your motor last time you had your oil changed.

 

do the 05-06s have this problem?

 

nope. you are good to go

 

sorry to threadjack but they actually made a change for this problem for the 05+? A valve cover change?

 

I'll check the sides of the motor tomorrow morning to see if there is any oil on there. If there is something there, would it be just a new gasket or is it more involved?

 

You should be able to smell it when you open the hood right after your car come up to running temp.

 

Yes, all first generation G35 models both coupe and sedan are affected.