E46 '02 325i Oil leak

[rickflairNE]

I have done a good bit of research on the issue and wanted a few opinions.

I have an '02 325i with 83k on it. Car has been well maintained and absolutely mint only previous problems were about 4 window regulators. I came home after having it parked for 3 days at the airport and when I backed out of the garage the next morning there was an oil puddle on the floor (about 4" in diameter). I took it to an independent mechanic to have it checked out and repaired. He put dye in the oil and let the car idle for about 45 mins in the shop, still no way of detecting the leak. He called BMW and they confirmed what he was thinking about the Oil Housing Gasket. He replaced and did a full oil change. Now 5 days later the leak has returned. Any ideas??? I would like to get it resolved asap.

Thank you

[nathancarter]

There have been rare reports of the oil filter housing cracking, which will look like a gasket leak, but replacing the gasket won't stop the leak if the housing is cracked.

The valve cover gasket also can leak, but almost never enough to cause a puddle on the floor. Usually the valve cover gasket leaks down onto the exhaust manifold where it smokes and burns and stinks .. it doesn't get far enough to make a puddle on the floor.

The oil pan gasket can leak, but the mechanic should have been able to diagnose this... and I don't think it would leak fast enough to cause a 4" puddle overnight. Hopefully it's not this anyway; oil pan removal is a big job. (side note: If you DO ever take off the oil pan for any reason, make sure to check the tightness of the oil pump nut.)

The power steering lines can also leak, but the mechanic should have been able to tell the difference between leaking power steering fluid and leaking motor oil.

I would suggest that you thoroughly clean/degrease the oily areas of the engine, so you can more easily trace the source of the leak. Use a degreaser such as an engine cleaner or even Dawn, and some brushes and warm water. I would advise against a pressure washer, and it's a good idea to cover the alternator.

[adamradmand]

You also have to remember for a few days after, the old oil that made a mess on everything will look like a leak, but it is the old oil run off. I would suggest cleaning all the old oil off and seeing if there is new oil leak. Plus this time the oil should look a little cleaner considering it was just replaced. It should not look as dark.

[maperlies]

Originally Posted by nathancarter

There have been rare reports of the oil filter housing cracking, which will look like a gasket leak, but replacing the gasket won't stop the leak if the housing is cracked.

The valve cover gasket also can leak, but almost never enough to cause a puddle on the floor. Usually the valve cover gasket leaks down onto the exhaust manifold where it smokes and burns and stinks .. it doesn't get far enough to make a puddle on the floor.

The oil pan gasket can leak, but the mechanic should have been able to diagnose this... and I don't think it would leak fast enough to cause a 4" puddle overnight. Hopefully it's not this anyway; oil pan removal is a big job. (side note: If you DO ever take off the oil pan for any reason, make sure to check the tightness of the oil pump nut.)

The power steering lines can also leak, but the mechanic should have been able to tell the difference between leaking power steering fluid and leaking motor oil.

I would suggest that you thoroughly clean/degrease the oily areas of the engine, so you can more easily trace the source of the leak. Use a degreaser such as an engine cleaner or even Dawn, and some brushes and warm water. I would advise against a pressure washer, and it's a good idea to cover the alternator.

I agree on the part of the power steering lines as well.., cause i mistakenly confused them leaking for oil at first. And the do make a great deal of mess. you might wanna clean it up like they recommended already to see the area its leaking at.

[rickflairNE]

Originally Posted by nathancarter

There have been rare reports of the oil filter housing cracking, which will look like a gasket leak, but replacing the gasket won't stop the leak if the housing is cracked.

The valve cover gasket also can leak, but almost never enough to cause a puddle on the floor. Usually the valve cover gasket leaks down onto the exhaust manifold where it smokes and burns and stinks .. it doesn't get far enough to make a puddle on the floor.

The oil pan gasket can leak, but the mechanic should have been able to diagnose this... and I don't think it would leak fast enough to cause a 4" puddle overnight. Hopefully it's not this anyway; oil pan removal is a big job. (side note: If you DO ever take off the oil pan for any reason, make sure to check the tightness of the oil pump nut.)

The power steering lines can also leak, but the mechanic should have been able to tell the difference between leaking power steering fluid and leaking motor oil.

I would suggest that you thoroughly clean/degrease the oily areas of the engine, so you can more easily trace the source of the leak. Use a degreaser such as an engine cleaner or even Dawn, and some brushes and warm water. I would advise against a pressure washer, and it's a good idea to cover the alternator.

It's definitely not power steering fluid. My mechanic is on here which I didn't know.

He degreased it the first time before he put the dye in the oil and still couldn't find the leak. What's weird is it was fine for 4-5 days after the initial fix and then it started leaking again. It obviously leaks while the car is running and hot but it does most of the leaking while cooling and sitting overnight so it's probably not the oil pan gasket.

Hopefully he will be able to trace it tomorrow and end this once and for all.

Thanks

[Puri]

Any updates?

I've got several leaks going as well, mechanic says it's the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing, and the power steering lines, and window washer reservoir is leaking as well. Lots of problems for a car I just got. :/ I haven't been getting any big puddles or anything though, maybe a bigger spot around one inch by two inches, and then a few other dots here and there.

[danewilson77]

Originally Posted by Puri

Any updates?

I've got several leaks going as well, mechanic says it's the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing, and the power steering lines, and window washer reservoir is leaking as well. Lots of problems for a car I just got. :/ I haven't been getting any big puddles or anything though, maybe a bigger spot around one inch by two inches, and then a few other dots here and there.

Headsmack!!!

Maybe he just wants to make an ass ton (tonne for a Euro car) of money? Man.....you gotta looks for these leaks yourself. Roll up the sleeves, get out the tools and get diiiiiiiirty. It's ok...it washes off. And if it really bugs you...wear gloves. The mechanic has correctly told you what it might be.....but I seriously doubt all of those need to be fixed.

Also, your thread jacking...knock it off. First post and you're already messing up. OBTW...welcome to Bf.c!!!! Absolutely...do not be a taker, and not a giver.....someday.

Also, to the OP (Rick Flair....oooooooooo, I'm de Amewican dweam baby!!!!) if it ends up being the actual housing (as Nathan suggested the possibility of.....ummmm...sorry...Mr. Carter)...I'm saying that = $$$, so consider getting a used one with a warranty from www.bmrparts.com

[Shnyaga]

I also uncovered a leak during an oil change today. Im at 132k and Im not liking where this is going. Things aren't cheap on these cars.

[danewilson77]

Originally Posted by Shnyaga

I also uncovered a leak during an oil change today. Im at 132k and Im not liking where this is going. Things aren't cheap on these cars.

You're kidding me right? Shnyaga....you want help? Start your own thread which accurately describes your situation....we will help.....but please don't cut in on this guys thread. I keep checking back to see if someone has any other idea's for the OP, and it's just another guy with another friggen leak. You guys are killin me....

[Brian328i]

I'm really just taking a shot in the dark, and correct me if I'm wrong guys, but isn't there a line that goes to the VANOS unit that can leak. Seems like that can leak a good amount of oil?

Either way if its leaking man I would take off the splash gaurd off the car and let it leak out and then just follow it, I can't see why you can't find the leak its obviously leaking a good amount and should be pretty easy to see where its coming from.

Again another shot in the dark, but on my Range Rover that thing has a little low oil pressure switch and that thing leaked about 1 quart per week, there was very very small hole at the top of it that wasnt visible but the pressure was high enough to push the oil out and a lot of it at a time.

[danewilson77]

Yes...there is a line that goes into the VANOS intake.......

You're talking about pc. 15.....that is secured with the banjo bolt....crush washer on both sides....



01AT-adjustment unitDOPPELVANOS111361440142$703.15
See MH 979071802Solenoid valve (SOLV)211361432532$118.05
03O-ring21X2,5211361703713$11.29
04Piston207/200511361432533ENDED04Piston211367560298$26.73
05Pulse generator, camshaft104/200412141438082$107.14
See MH 979071805Pulse generator, camshaft112147518628$116.05
See MH 979071806O-ring17X3212141748398$1.20
07Fillister-head screwM6X16ZNNIV SI213627545338$0.47
08Hex nut with plateAM6-ZNS607129900681ENDED
08Hex nut with plateAM6-8-ZNNIV SI607129904553$0.64
09Fit bolt211361748745$1.08
10Blind plug211361433513$1.67
11Screw Plug With Gasket Ring211361438338$4.33
12Bracket111361436071$2.17
13Stud bolt111361436272$1.28
14Flange nutM7111361436313$0.35
15Oil pipe111361705532$53.05
16HOLLOW BOLTM14X1,5X26232411094908ENDED
16HOLLOW BOLTM14X1,5X26232416783886$2.11
17Gasket ringA14X20-CUSN432411093596$0.31
18Pulse generator, camshaft104/200412141438081ENDED,
See MH 979071818Pulse generator, camshaft112147539165$116.05
See MH 979071819Gasket Steel111361433817$6.02
20Socket housing2 POL.212521427615$1.73only in conjunction with--Socket terminal SLK 2.8 ELA0,22-0,5MM² SN212521427608$0.47
21Plug housing3-POL212521732596$3.47only in conjunction with--Blade terminal contact MDK4 2.8 w. wire1,0 MM²/SN212520007252$2.03--Blade terminal contact MDK4 2.8 w. wire2,5 MM²/SN212520007253$2.37--
PROTECTION CAP3-POL212521732635$1.97

[Brian328i]

Ya number 15, I was looking at it before on the site. Can that thing leak? Cause it can just leak out of the VANOS unit and onto the floor.

[danewilson77]

Yeah...It can leak..though I have not seen this to be common. The common places are mentioned above (VCG, Oil filter housing/gasket, power steering, etc...)

Originally Posted by rickflairNE

I have done a good bit of research on the issue and wanted a few opinions.

I have an '02 325i with 83k on it. Car has been well maintained and absolutely mint only previous problems were about 4 window regulators. I came home after having it parked for 3 days at the airport and when I backed out of the garage the next morning there was an oil puddle on the floor (about 4" in diameter). I took it to an independent mechanic to have it checked out and repaired. He put dye in the oil and let the car idle for about 45 mins in the shop, still no way of detecting the leak. He called BMW and they confirmed what he was thinking about the Oil Housing Gasket. He replaced and did a full oil change. Now 5 days later the leak has returned. Any ideas??? I would like to get it resolved asap.

Thank you

So you're telling me...that a few days after...you see an oil puddle on the floor, you pop your hood, and with a flashlight inspect the engine bay for leaks, and you see nothing?

[Brian328i]

Ya those are all ones I know about too but I dont think this is the run of the mill oil leak, seems to be one of those one in a "blue moon" leaks.

OP if you have a flashlight and ramps or a side walk you can drive half your car on, anything to get a little bit of room to get under her and have a look. It's obviously leaking a lot and that it shouldnt be hard to find the leak.

[danewilson77]

Originally Posted by Brian328i

Ya those are all ones I know about too but I dont think this is the run of the mill oil leak, seems to be one of those one in a "blue moon" leaks.

OP if you have a flashlight and ramps or a side walk you can drive half your car on, anything to get a little bit of room to get under her and have a look. It's obviously leaking a lot and that it shouldnt be hard to find the leak.

+1.....I am leaning this way also....

[beenyweenies]

Originally Posted by Brian328i

Ya number 15, I was looking at it before on the site. Can that thing leak? Cause it can just leak out of the VANOS unit and onto the floor.

Oh they can leak, I just fixed mine. It was enough to lightly coat my belts, fan and front portion of the engine, but I wasn't getting puddles under the car. Easy enough to check, just pop the hood and look at the banjo connection (actually look at its underside). I would always see a droplet of oil hanging from it. Not enough to cause the OP's issue.

[adrianpl]

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/c/f/239.png
Might be part # 6. Cheap part but hard to find the leak from it.

[Shnyaga]

Did I ask anywhere for help in my post? Im just chiming in saying that I have a similar problem, and ranting about the fact that I don't like how at this high mileage, it's always something. You can't even call it post whoring.. Im staying on topic. Don't appreciate being treated like a post whore, thanks. I have respect for this place.

Originally Posted by danewilson77

You're kidding me right? Shnyaga....you want help? Start your own thread which accurately describes your situation....we will help.....but please don't cut in on this guys thread. I keep checking back to see if someone has any other idea's for the OP, and it's just another guy with another friggen leak. You guys are killin me....