akgolfpro

my 550i is leaking a quart of oil every 30 miles, had the drain plug checked to make sure its not leaking, vacuum pump area is a little dirty looks like it has a weep but definitely not the main leak, I can't believe how much this thing is leaking, car doesn't smell like its burning on the exhaust any ideas, ordered some race ramps so I can get under it, any ideas?

johnbennett103

Do you see a puddle of oil? My first guess is the alternator gasket. Mine blew out on my 545i.

dingolfing

Definitely check alternator gasket. Also check upper timing cover gaskets. Those two gaskets leak alot of oil when they go bad.

seanjordan20

Check the upper pan gasket also.

E60Japanese

okay when I got my 525i there was oil everywhere under the car and I really mean everywhere

it was leaking in three places

the oil filter seal
the rocker cover seal
and the rear main seal

I replaced all three and now have a beautiful oil less dripping car
but the rear main seal was a prick of a job by myself in the driveway on car stands

mag5qc

Had the same problem recently on my 04 545. Gasket on the bracket behind the alternator failed. Because this is a pressure point in the oil passage system the oil leaked fast. My indy replaced the gasket but it was labor intensive because of the removal of alternator/power steering components to get to the bracket ($3 gasket, $350 labor) Good luck!

akgolfpro

was going to drive it about 30 miles to a bmw specialty shop and the pulled out and got a low oil pressure warning light so i turned arround and looks like I'm going to need to get it towed, also a trail of drips where i drove! can't belive this car, can't check oil level because i don't want to drive it 10 min with low oil pressure! I did pull the covers under the car and it looks like its coming from the alt. bracket!

johnbennett103

I had the same issue. My alternator seal went from a drip to a full failure. On the way to work one day, my oil warning went on, I pulled into a Mobile station, and backed into a parking space. The path of my car was marked with heavy drips of oil. I bought a few quarts of oil, filled up the car, and headed about 5 miles to my indy. They ended up changing all my engine gaskets for $1600, and I was happy with that. Now no more oil leaks. Later I fixed my coolant pipe leak with the Bimmerfix stent, and no more issues of any kind. I now have 106k, and I'm guessing my next big fix will probably be valve stems, but no signs yet. I have since installed powerflex bushings and coilovers, and couldn't be happier with my 05 545i. Good luck.