Original BMW Rocker Box Cover (Valve Cover), Right Bank Cylinders 1 to 4, for E39 540i, E38 740i/740iL, and E53 X5 M62 V8 (1998–2003)

For cylinders 1 to 4 on the M62 V8 in the E39 540i, E38 740i and 740iL, and E53 X5 4.4i and 4.6is, this Original BMW valve cover, part number 11-12-1-703-172, closes off the right cylinder bank. BMW's own name for it is the right rocker box cover, the factory term for a valve cover. A valve cover sits on top of the cylinder head over the camshafts and valve train, holding oil inside the engine and keeping debris away from the moving parts. BMW rates this cover at 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) and shows production beginning in September 1998. It is sold as one piece.

Original BMW Parts carry a 24-month parts warranty.

This number took over from the earlier cover, 11-12-1-742-128, at the September 1998 change. BMW marks the switch as not exchangeable retrospectively, which means the newer cover is not approved as a direct replacement on engines built before that change point. Across the E39, E38, and E53 M62 cars BMW uses this single part number for the right bank, so the same cover is shared between the sedans and the X5.

Technical Details

• Manufacturer: BMW, Original BMW part
• Part number: 11-12-1-703-172
• BMW part name: right rocker box cover (valve cover)
• Position: right bank, cylinders 1 to 4
• Engine: M62
• Weight: 1.5 kg (3.3 lb)
• Production start: September 1998
• Replaces 11-12-1-742-128, not exchangeable retrospectively
• Country of manufacture: Germany
• Sold as: one piece
• Warranty: 24 months

Common Questions

Which gaskets go with this cover?
You may also need the valve cover gasket set for cylinders 1 to 4, 11-12-0-034-104, and the upper valve cover gasket, 11-12-1-733-969.

What happens when a valve cover like this cracks?
When these covers crack or fail, the usual result is a large vacuum leak.

Does this cover have the revised oil cap design?
Yes. This version carries BMW's oil cap revision.

Call PMB Performance with any M62 valve train sealing question.

Fitment & Compatibility

Compare your production year and trim against the table below. PMB Performance has spent over 20 years matching parts to vehicles and can verify this against your VIN.