while changing oil for the first time (myself i meant) in 4 years of ownership (76K miles) , noticed this leak & wonder why mechanic never mentioned anything even though the splash shield had the stains.

Any idea?






Right next to the drain plug and in between the oil pan and the transmission pan.

 

The valve cover on the passenger side in the engine bay looked dry. Is this the oil pan?

Thanks

 

It could be the dreaded oil pan gasket leaking. Every e60 seems to get that problem.

 

Yup looks like it and YT videos conformed it
so what other stuff can I get done while the mechanic is at it?
The car has 70K miles and wife loves it and doesn't want to get another one so don't mind spending money on it
I am thinking, motor mounts and various belts for sure and more than likely, the WP and the thermostat and coolant?
also thinking of getting the plugs and coils too?
Any other " while you are in there kinda stuff" I should consider?
Thanks

 

I'm the type of person who waits until I see or feel signs of pending failure, or the car throws codes. But that's just me.

 

If you aren't adding oil between oil changes, I would not take any action.

 

That's basically why I haven't repaired mine because it takes 10 months to leak 1 quart., and by then, it's pretty much time for an oil change.

 

Guys, makes perfect sense especially where she drives like 3500 miles a year and I have never added any oil in a yearly intervals.
What about the WP & TS which has never been changed and would there be any signs of trouble before any emergency happens?
Thanks

 

My car has been leaking from the upper gasket for almost 10 years. I've never had to add oil in between changes (8k intervals) so it's not worth the time or money to fix it. I just replaced my undercarriage covers about 2 months ago for the first time. I'll be another 10 years and car will be long gone before anything is actually needed

I can't say about the WP & TS. My pump went out on the wife while I was out of country so can't say if it shows any signs before it goes. I would say this. Your car is almost 20 years old. If you going to change the fluid I would also change the WP and TS for peace of mind if DIYing. They are not hard to do.

 

I had signs (overheating) and my indy said there were codes when my WP was going out.