Unofficialbmw.com

t white · Joined: 18 Aug 2000 Posts: 16

I'm sorry but I don't think that theres an easy way out of this as its probably leaking from the front cam oil seal. I had a '90 525 with the same engine and when I had BMW change the cam belt I insisted they change the front seal. They didn't do it and it came out leaking! so I insisted they did it again. The m20 small six's all seem to leak from this area. My brother in laws '91 320 also leaked even after a complete head rebuild at BMW's. The danger is that if the belt gets contaminated with oil and goes you will end up with a bigger bill than you've been quoted.

Trevor White '93 525iSEa surrey U.K.

Ken Juul · Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2001 7:17 am Post subject: oil leaking 325i

There are 3 seals that are the usual leakers. The Cam seal, the crank seal and one in between (can't remember what it drives), I was told when I first bought my car that all 3 should be changed with every timing belt. Being in a hurry and seeing no leaks, I changed the cam and crank, sure enough, less than 10K after the belt change the middle one started leaking. Not enough to go back in to fix, but annoying just the same. I think the severity of the leak determines fix now or later. The oil will cause the belt to wear out more quickly. If you can live with the leak, may want to do the next belt change at 40-50K rather than wait to 60K and fix all the seals then. Or if it was on your work order and the dealer didn't comply, take it back or their nickel. Best of luck.

Ken Juul
'87 325ic