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Oil leaking out of lower timing cover. Found all the parts at Bav Auto They were very reasonable, $98 for timing parts(including chain) and $60 for coolant hoses(replacing all) and a mechanic will do the labor (about 8 hours according to the BMW Service Book). I have two questions. Are there any seals inside the timing cover from engine block to the pulley shaft? I only know of the one on the outside of the timing case that the shaft comes out and attaches to the pulley. 2nd question is it worth doing the valves at the same time? Any insight into this would be appreciated.

The only seal is the front crankshaft seal. The one that's held on by the nut that's torqued to 325 ft/pounds. It is prone to leaks after 20 years/200K+ miles. As far as doing the head, little of the work would be duplicated by a head R and R, so no, unless there is a known problem, don't bother. 8 hours is not unreasonable for the work including the timing chain, I've been there lots of times before and I'd be hard pressed to finish in a day. As long as it's tight and leak free when it's done.

Unfortunately the valve guides have not been replaced so oil is being sucked into the cylinders. Not having done anything internally to the engine before I figured if the timing chain was off anyway the labor to remove and replace the head would be minimal. I realize the head would have to go somewhere else to have the valve and seats done. I have seen estimates on this board for around $125 The Valve Repair Kit to replace the seals and I don't know what else on 6 cyl. is only $31-33.