My local main dealer was very concerned that my timing case cover was leaking and needed doing Now! I degreased the whole area and drove about 200 miles. The oil leaks were from the two variable valve timing solenoid seals on the front edges of the valve covers... 2 seals: $32.00. Time to replace Both Seals: 6 minutes. Guess the timing case cover wasn't the problem after all. Sad that the "experts" can't really be trusted sometimes. ;-)). Brandon 2004 X350

 

Ah, I see you did find a solution - sounds like the seals can be done from the top.

You just pull the solenoid out and replace the r-ring-sh seal?

anyone else done it?