Front Oil Leak - Need clues.

[vping]

I've got a decent oil leak in the front part of the car and cannot locate it. Any clues? There is a plastic sheild under the front of that car that catches it and it drips from there. There's about a 4" spot on the driveway every morning. Mrs. not happy with the stains.

Any clues?

[xspeedy]

Are you sure it is engine oil? I had a drip that wound up being PS fluid that was from a leaky hose connection with the reservoir.

If you can pull the plastic, then pull it. Then clean everything so you can spot anything new that leaks/drips.

[philbyil]

As the other poster said, could be PS fluid....the plastic shield allows the oil to run anywhere...you need to get under and scope it out ;)


I've got a decent oil leak in the front part of the car and cannot locate it. Any clues? There is a plastic sheild under the front of that car that catches it and it drips from there. There's about a 4" spot on the driveway every morning. Mrs. not happy with the stains.

Any clues?

[Adnan]

As the other poster said, could be PS fluid....the plastic shield allows the oil to run anywhere...you need to get under and scope it out ;)

True. The other likely culprit is the crank position sensor bolt. I think there are well documented fixits on the web (maybe Bruno's E34.net?).

How're you doing, Uncle Phil? I'm missing the 535i although the E90 is no slouch.

Regards,
Adnan

[Rus]

Pop that plastic shield off and clean up the front of the engine. Run it and see where the leak is coming from. That shield is held on by 4 plastic nuts, so its a nobrainer to pull it off. I have a similar leak and came to the conclusion that my oil pan gasket has deteriorated at the front and is now leaking. I sense fun times ahead for me :(

[e34.535i.sport]

True. The other likely culprit is the crank position sensor bolt. I think there are well documented fixits on the web (maybe Bruno's E34.net?).

How're you doing, Uncle Phil? I'm missing the 535i although the E90 is no slouch.

Regards,
Adnan

Hmmm interesting. I was under the other day when i changed the oil and noticed the outside of my engine was niceley lubricated LOL... Coming from somewhere high, ie above the sump. This could be it - nice one.

[whiskychaser]

Pop that plastic shield off and clean up the front of the engine. Run it and see where the leak is coming from. That shield is held on by 4 plastic nuts, so its a nobrainer to pull it off. I have a similar leak and came to the conclusion that my oil pan gasket has deteriorated at the front and is now leaking. I sense fun times ahead for me :(
I'm missing about 6" of gasket at the front where the sump joins the timing chain cover. Used nice blue sealant to fill the gap. Is it pretty? Cant see it and neither can anybody else. And it hasnt lost a drop in over a year. Just have to make sure the surfaces are clean and dry

[vping]

I had it off when I got it and did not notice the leak from down low but from higher up. Need to scope it out again.

[philbyil]

Howdy Adnan !
I'm doing great thank you....Living in TX now and enjoying the 70/80mph speed limits :D

Just got back from a 450 mile round trip in the GQ and running 70mph on the back roads when I could and 80mph on Interstate 10, my trip avge MPH was 65.4 MPH and the MPG was 25.9mpg...with the a/c on all the way!

Hope life is good for you.....Hey! A Bimmer is a Bimmer mate...newer design/smaller body or not ;)

Stay fit, well and out of trouble :D

[sbihue]

I've got a decent oil leak in the front part of the car and cannot locate it. Any clues? There is a plastic sheild under the front of that car that catches it and it drips from there. There's about a 4" spot on the driveway every morning. Mrs. not happy with the stains.

Any clues?

If it is not coming from the oil pan and its higher up then check the oil filter housing. It is another common source of oil-leak