Cylinder Head Cover Mounting Nuts and OCD

[Oseanosea]

I have an ‘85 318i 5spd, M10. My cylinder head cover has been leaking just the very slightest bit of oil from the #2 mounting nut since I bought the car last year. Car runs fine.

A couple days ago, OCD set in and I decided to check to make sure that the mounting nuts were properly torqued. According to Bentley’s the torque specified is 15 +/- 1.5 Nm or 11 +/-1 ft.lb.

The #2 nut was quite loose. OCD dictated checking the torque of all 6 mounting nuts. I followed the specified tightening pattern, but could not confirm proper torque despite trying with three (yes, 3) different torque wrenches (all are the twist/click type).

I stopped tightening for fear of accidentally making things worse by snapping a stud, warping something etc. I wish I had left the thing alone, but we’re past that now.

I bought a shiny new, sensitive, calibrated expensive torque wrench and now I am pondering what to do. So how deep is the crap I’ve found myself in?

My questions are:
• Should I loosen all the nuts and start over?
• If so, can I attempt to re-torque all 6 nuts or do I need new ones?
• If I cannot confirm they are torqued properly do I pretend everything is fine? Or do I need to disassemble everything and start over, replacing parts? If so, what parts should I replace?

Seriously, what is my next step? I am afraid to make things worse trying to fix them.

Any advice is very welcome, snarky humor also welcome.

[Oseanosea]

I guess I should have provided photos demonstrating the condition of the cylinder head cover and the associated gasket, which appears to be made of cork.
Here they are:

[Cloggy Saint]

You're over-thinking things! I don't think I've ever used a torque wrench on the rocker cover nuts, just tighten them to an obviously sensible degree and keep an eye on the gasket area. If there's any oil seeping out re-check the nuts and give them an extra turn. It will be clear to feel if you're over tightening.

[Oseanosea]

Thank you! I appreciate your help!

[BenHar]

If the gasket has been leaking for a while, change it.

Ben

[Oseanosea]

Thank you, I will do that when I change the belts and water pump. I also want to remove all the old adhesive from the bottom of the bonnet. The center piece of insulation has fallen off and refuses to stay attached.