Unofficialbmw.com

[alexgraf]

Hi, it is my not so trusty '99 528. It works quite well at 197000 miles, but there is a puddle of oil wherever I park. The problem developed quite recently, after a 14 hr drive from Boston.

The oil, and I am positive it is motor oil, comes from the intake side. So far, these are the probable causes eliminated:

Nothing from the oil filter or VANOS piping.
Nothing from the very top of the engine, like valve cover gasket.
Not from the front or rear main seals.

The side of the engine block is oily, and it puddles at the oil pan bolting flange, and from there to the bottom of the oil pan.

It seems to me that is one of the many pieces of crankcase ventilation system underneath the intake manifold.

Before I continue taking pieces apart, would like to hear your opinions/experience.

Thanks,

Stranded Alex
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'95 325is


'99 528iT - a real SUV

[edjack]

Take a good look at the oil filter housing. That gasket is famous for leaking.

Another possibility is the timing case cover gasket.

You will probably have to wash the engine block down to locate the leak. Use an orange cleaner and a gentle hose spray to clean, using a stiff brush, as required.
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Ed BMW CCA member since 1987 (Nr. 62319).
'97 540i 6 speed Aspensilber over Aubergine interior.

[alexgraf]

Just an update, for all those looking at this thread.

Ed Jack was right once more. The oil filter housing gasket was cooked. While there, I change the O-ring for the dip stick pipe, and cleaned the alternator diode plate (full of leaves and other road stuff). Tested the car and does not leak anymore !!! Thanks.

Ed Jack, I am wondering how many of these type of gaskets are in this car? At 200,000 miles, I will be changing many of them. Is the oil pan gasket a problem? I am not going there w/o a lift.

Thanks again, great site and great people.
_________________

'95 325is


'99 528iT - a real SUV

[edjack]

The six seems not to be plagued with oil leaks like the V8 is. The valve cover gasket is an area to look at, however.
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Ed BMW CCA member since 1987 (Nr. 62319).
'97 540i 6 speed Aspensilber over Aubergine interior.

[alexgraf]

Yes, I can see the back of the engine a little oily from the valve cover, but it does not reach the ground yet, so I will wait until the spring. The oil filter leak was serious though. Thanks again.
_________________

'95 325is


'99 528iT - a real SUV