BMW 328 valve cover oil leak

This customer came in with her 2007 BMW 328i complaining of smoke and a burning smell coming from her engine compartment.  An inspection of her engine found that the plastic valve cover had deteriorated and was causing a large oil leak.  Unlike many earlier cars where the valve cover gasket has failed and can be replaced, this vehicle required a new valve cover.  We have found this to be a fairly common problem on these newer BMWs.