This is a valve cover (cylinder head) gasket produced for the legendary M40 (M40B18) 4-cylinder and 8-valve engines of the BMW 5 Series E34 (1989-1995) 518i vehicles, made by the world's number one German sealing equipment manufacturer ELRING (703.532). It offers a definitive solution according to OEM standards, replacing your old gasket that has hardened and turned to plastic due to the engine's high temperature over time, causing oil leaks to the engine block and exhaust manifold. It completely eliminates the burnt oil smell coming from under the hood and those ugly oil sweats on the block.
- OEM German Quality ("Das Original"): ELRING is the original gasket manufacturer used on the assembly line of BMW factories. It provides 100% compatibility with the thermal expansions of your engine.
- Special Elastomer Structure: Made from a special rubber profile that shows maximum resistance to high temperatures and the abrasive chemicals (additives) of synthetic motor oils; it does not harden prematurely.
- Prevents Fire Risk: Oil leaking from the valve cover drips onto the hot exhaust manifold just below, creating smoke and fire risks. The new gasket cuts this dangerous leak like a knife.
- Perfect Mold Fit: Fits millimetrically into the grooves of the M40 engine's valve cover; no need for stretching, pulling, or liquid gasket support.
Technical Details
| Brand |
ELRING (Germany - Original Equipment) |
| Product Code |
703.532 |
| Possible OEM References |
11 12 1 727 726 |
| Only Compatible Engine Type |
M40 (4 Cylinder / 8 Valve) Engines |
| Material |
ACM (Polyacrylic Rubber) Elastomer |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
My car is a BMW E34 520i (150 HP), will this gasket fit? **IT WILL NOT FIT.** E34 520i models have "6 Cylinder" M20 or M50 engine codes. This product belongs to the "4 Cylinder" M40 engines used only in the E34 518i versions. The valve cover dimensions are completely different. Please check the number of cylinders in your vehicle (6 or 4) before ordering.
Is it necessary to use liquid gasket during valve cover gasket installation? No, this is a very common and significant mistake by mechanics. ELRING gaskets provide perfect sealing without the need for any extra adhesive thanks to their special rubber alloy. Excessive use of liquid gasket can cause the gasket to slip out of its groove, block oil channels, and increase leaks. The part should be mounted on a completely clean and dry surface.
I replaced the gasket with Elring but the car is still leaking around the cover, what could be the problem? If the gasket is new but the oil leak continues, there are two possibilities: First, your old aluminum/magnesium valve cover may have warped due to excessive heat or previous incorrect torquing (over-tightening). Second, the gasket may have been crushed at the corners because the screws were not torqued evenly from the center out during installation.
