Different valve covers available?

[328dabi]

I’ve seen 3 different valve covers for the M21. One labeled ford which was used by Lincoln. One labeled bmw and another with the roundel on it. Functionally they are all the same (I think). Does anyone know if there are any differences? And why bmw made two different covers? I thought it was an early production vs late production change but after looking at over a dozen cars of various years there seems to be no rhyme or reason for which cover is used. Meaning I’ve seen both covers on 85’s as well as on 86’s. My North American spec 84 has the cover that says bmw.

[Galahad]

My understanding is they're all interchangeable; no clue why they made different covers different years. My engine has a roundel cover, I think it was a later car (had ABS) but I can't remember which year off the top of my head

[gadget73]

I wonder if its an early/late thing but you're seeing cars that have had engine or just valve cover swaps. I've seen a BMW roundel cover on a Lincoln. I know it didn't come with that, but I couldn't guess whether someone changed the cover or the whole engine. My Lincoln has the Ford cover.

[328dabi]

I wonder if its an early/late thing but you're seeing cars that have had engine or just valve cover swaps. I've seen a BMW roundel cover on a Lincoln. I know it didn't come with that, but I couldn't guess whether someone changed the cover or the whole engine. My Lincoln has the Ford cover.

If you look at all the bringatrailer and cars and bids auctions you will see what I mean. I’ve also looked at quite a few cars I found on marketplace before purchasing mine. I like the roundel cover best but I’m trying to keep my car as original as possible given its history, so won’t be swapping covers.

[gadget73]

I understand what you mean, I was just meaning that its not impossible that someone in the past changed the covers.  I wouldn't say that pics of 40 year old cars taken in modern times is a guarantee about what easily removed part it came with from the factory.