Valve Stem Seals - Replacement Cost

[PeterHattam]

I have 2010 118TSI that blows white smoke on startup. At a recent service they suspect Valve stem seals. Does this seem a plausable explanation without removing the cylinder head?

Any estimates on how much to fix, they tolds me $3.5K. Given that it 10 years old and done 190K I'm not sure it is worth spending that much on it.

[vorleys1982]

I've just posted some info on my 118TSI issues and one of the issues was an exhaust valve that needs relapping. The bulk of the cost will come from the removal an refitting of the cylinder head so $3.5k sounds in the ball park, but that is assuming it is that. White smoke on start up can be a number of different issues and until you get the head off, you won't know for sure....

I wouldn't have gone ahead with the repair were it not for the fact that I'm doing it myself and saving a lot of money.