Original BMW Cylinder Head Oil Non-Return Valve, BMW 540i, 740i, 740iL, X5, and Z8 Alpina (1998–2003)

Inside the cylinder head of the M62 V8, this Original BMW oil non-return valve holds oil in the head at startup so that the top end is not left dry while pressure builds. It fits the 540i, 740i, 740iL, X5 4.4i and 4.6is, and the Z8-based Alpina V8 roadster. The valve sits behind the VANOS solenoid. BMW began producing this number in September 1998. Over time the valve can fail and let oil drain out of the head. When that happens, pieces of the valve sometimes turn up in the oil filter housing. The valve is made in Slovakia.

Original BMW Parts carry a 24-month parts warranty.

A non-return valve, also called a check valve, lets oil flow in one direction only, so oil that reaches the head stays there after the engine shuts down. BMW's data shows this one valve for every M62 application in the E39 5 Series, the E38 7 Series, the E53 X5, and the E52 Alpina V8. Because the valve sits behind the VANOS solenoid, plan on reaching that area of the head when you replace it.

Technical Details

• Manufacturer: BMW (Original BMW Parts)
• Part number: 11-12-1-706-921
• BMW name: Non-return valve
• Location: cylinder head, behind the VANOS solenoid
• Production start: September 1998
• Engine: M62 V8
• Country of manufacture: Slovakia
• Sold individually, one valve per order
• Warranty: 24 months

Common Questions

What happens when this valve fails?
Oil can escape from the cylinder head instead of being held there at startup. Pieces of a failed valve are sometimes found in the oil filter housing.

Where is it located?
It is in the cylinder head, behind the VANOS solenoid.

Does the X5 use the same valve as the 540i?
Yes. BMW specifies this same number for the X5 4.4i and 4.6is and for the E39 and E38 M62 cars.

Fitment & Compatibility

Confirm your model year and submodel against the table below before ordering. PMB Performance can confirm this against your VIN, backed by more than 20 years of parts and fitment work.