Removing the cylinder head cover

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2025 BMW X4, 2024 BMW X4, 2023 BMW X4, 2022 BMW X4, and 2021 BMW X4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Hot surfaces.
Risk of burning!

Perform all work only on components that have cooled down.

WARNING: Working on fuel system.
Risk of fire! Danger of explosion!

When working on the fuel system, make sure the workstation has sufficient ventilation, e.g., by means of extraction.
Tightly seal off open lines and connections; collect any leakage fuel directly at the point of exit.
No fire, sparks, open flames or smoking.

CAUTION: On releasing high pressure line, fuel may emerge at high speed.
Injury hazard!

Wear suitable personal protective equipment.
Before performing any installation work, allow cooling system to cool down to less than 40°C.
Note warnings on cylinder head cover.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Collect and dispose of emerging fluids. Observe country-specific waste disposal regulations.

Preliminary work

Refer to MOVING THE HOOD TO THE SERVICE POSITION .
Refer to DEACTIVATING THE 48 V ELECTRICAL SYSTEM .
Refer to DEACTIVATING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM .
Refer to REMOVING THE ACOUSTIC COVER .
Refer to REMOVING THE COVER OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AT THE REAR LEFT .
Refer to REMOVING THE COVER OF THE REAR RIGHT ENGINE COMPARTMENT .
Refer to REMOVING THE SEAL FOR THE HOOD REAR .
Refer to REMOVING LEFT AND RIGHT WIPER ARM .
Refer to REMOVING THE COWL COVER .
Refer to REMOVING THE TENSION STRUT AT THE SHOCK TOWER ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING THE FIREWALL UPPER PART .
Refer to REMOVING ACOUSTIC COVER AT REAR .
Refer to REMOVING RIGHT SEALING FRAME .
Refer to REMOVING THE SECOND FIREWALL AT THE BOTTOM .
Refer to REMOVING ALL IGNITION COILS .
Refer to REMOVING FUEL DELIVERY LINE .
Refer to REMOVING THE HIGH PRESSURE LINE BETWEEN THE HIGH PRESSURE PUMP AND THE RAIL .
Refer to REMOVING THE HIGH-PRESSURE RAIL WITH INJECTORS OF CYLINDERS 1 TO 3 .
Refer to REMOVING THE HIGH-PRESSURE RAIL WITH INJECTORS OF CYLINDERS 4 TO 6 .
Refer to REMOVING HIGH PRESSURE PUMP .
Refer to REMOVING THE TOP RIGHT AND LEFT COVER IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT .
Refer to REMOVING MOUNT OF HOOD SEAL ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT .
Refer to REMOVING THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT-END STRUT .
Refer to REMOVING FRONT CROSS CONNECTION .
Refer to REMOVING THE REAR TOP CROSS CONNECTION .
Refer to REMOVING THE FRONT UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Refer to REMOVING THE FAN COWL .
Refer to REMOVING BOTH ACTUATORS .

Bolts of the cylinder head cover

Fig 1: Cylinder Head Cover Bolts Loosening Sequence

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: RISK OF DAMAGE
Damage to wires when disconnecting connectors and plug connections.
Sheared wires can cause a short circuit.

Do not pull on wires when disconnecting connectors and plug connections.

Unlock the locks (1) .
Feed the engine ventilation line (2) out and set it aside.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Loosen nut (1) .
Feed out ground cable (2) and set it aside.
Loosen screws (3) .
Thread out holder (4) and set aside.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Unlock and detach the locks (arrows).
Feed out the wiring harness section (1) for the sensor system 2 and put it aside.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Unlock and release the connector (1) at the exhaust camshaft sensor.
Loosen clamp (2) .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
If installed:
Unlock and loosen connector (1) .
Loosen screw (2) .
Remove the differential pressure sensor (3) and put it to one side.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Loosen screws (1) .
Feed out the bracket (2) of the positive battery cable and set it aside.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Loosen clamps (1) .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Loosen clamp (1) .
Feed out the wiring harness section (2) for the injectors and ignition coils and set aside.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Unlock and release the connector (1) on the intake camshaft sensor.
Loosen clamps (2) .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Loosen clamps (1) .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Loosen all the screws (21) to (1) on the cylinder head cover (A) in sequence.

Fig 2: Cylinder Head Cover Bolts Loosening Sequence
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Feed out and remove the cylinder head cover (1) .

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.