Original BMW Upper Valve Spring Retainer, BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X5, Z3, and More (1995–2006)

On the BMW six-cylinder and V8 engines of the late 1990s and early 2000s, this Original BMW upper spring plate caps each valve spring in the cylinder head. It fits 3, 5, 7, and 8 Series cars along with the X3, X5, Z3, Z4, and Z8 from 1995–2006. An upper spring plate, often called a valve spring retainer, sits on top of the valve spring. The valve keepers lock it to the valve stem, which holds the spring in compression and lets the spring close the valve. This retainer weighs 8 grams and is made in Germany, and BMW has produced this number since September 1995. An engine valve spring retainer is a critical part of the engine's top end.

Original BMW Parts carry a 24-month parts warranty.

This part replaced the earlier 11-34-1-703-218. BMW marks that change as exchangeable retrospectively, so the current retainer also suits engines that left the factory with the older number. BMW uses one retainer across several engine families: the M44 four-cylinder, the M50, M52, M54, and M56 sixes, the S50 and S52 M engines, and the M62 V8. Many related engines share this upper plate.

Technical Details

• Manufacturer: BMW, sold as an Original BMW part
• Part number: 11-34-1-432-453
• BMW part name: upper spring plate
• Position: upper, top of the valve spring
• Weight: 8 g (0.28 oz)
• Production start: September 1995
• Supersedes: 11-34-1-703-218, exchangeable retrospectively
• Country of manufacture: Germany
• Sold individually
• Warranty: 24 months

Common Questions

Does this replace 11-34-1-703-218?
Yes. BMW superseded that number with this one and marks the change as exchangeable retrospectively.

Is this the upper or lower spring plate?
It is the upper spring plate, which sits on top of the valve spring.

How is it sold?
It is sold individually, one retainer per unit.

Planning a head job on one of these engines? PMB can help assemble the related valvetrain parts.

Fitment & Compatibility

Use the table below to verify the year and submodel for your build. Send your VIN and PMB Performance will confirm the fit, drawing on more than 20 years in the trade.