08BMW535xi

Hello guys! I'm new here...Just recently got my oil change at the BMW dealership and said the Oil filter Housing and Heat Exchanger Gasket are Leaking. They want to charge me close to $1200.00 I've done some research and doesn't seem that difficult but want to get your opinion, or if anyone lives in Fairfax County VA... obviously I'll pay for your time. Thanks! BMW 08 535xi

ggal625

I did mine a few weeks ago. The two gaskets were about $15 each. I followed this video:


Entire process took me about an hour. I didn't drain the oil or coolant. But I completely empty both the cooler and filter housing. I went slow. It's easy to get coolant in the oil or vice versa. Afterward I topped them off.

I did purchase a 1/4" drive E10 socket and swivel and a ratcheting E10 wrench as suggested in the video.



Total cost with the tools was about $60.

08BMW535xi

Thanks for the reply! how do you empty both the cooler and filter housing??

pcy

When you remove the oil filter cap and lift up the oil filter+stem+cap assembly, most of the oil will drain. Use paper towels or rags and remove the remaining oil in the canister.

You can drain coolant from the oil cooler by disconnecting the coolant line in to the oil cooler. I didn't do this when I replaced the gaskets.

chadillac2000

I just tackled this myself a few weeks back.

I had developed a steady, aggressive oil leak to the tune of having to add a quart of oil every 2,000 miles or so. I decided to skip getting hosed by an indy shop or dealership and just did the job myself. The gaskets are super cheap and if you're mechanically inclined with some basic tools, it's very doable over the course of a day.

You will have to remove the intake manifold in order to access one of the bolts that secures the oil filter housing to the cylinder head. I took this opportunity to also clean the valves using a gun cleaning kit and Brake Clean (plenty of research out there if you're feeling up for an additional task).

myxyzxo

I also did this 2 weeks ago. It's very easy. You don't need to remove the intake manifold to get to the screw that's located there. Just use a 1/4 ratchet, with a 6" extension and the swivel socket. Having a magnetic thing to help pull that screw out (so it doesn't fall) helps. When re-installing, make sure you put that screw in first so it's easier to put back in.

08BMW535xi

Thank you!

08BMW535xi

I"ll be working on my car this weekend. I'll let you guys know how it goes

pcy

When you remove the oil filter housing, oil is likely to drop on the belt and around that area. You don't want the oil to fall on the belt, as much as possible. So, it'll be good to drop the drive belt, OR cover that area with lots of paper towels or rags.

08BMW535xi

Thanks PCY! After completing the process, do i need to change or add oil?