Margal

Oil leaks are really a big problem for BMW and it is shame and anoyng to see a oily engine. Why MBs engines are not leaking that much as BMWs do. I still think that the main problem is their 50k free maintenance plan. If you go with 5k mile oil change from the beginning the gaskets and seals would last much longer. But most first owners lease the car and they do not care if it will start leaking oil or not after.

hemoncdoc

I am in the process of replacing the valve cover and timing cover seals (among other things) on my 07 550i with the N62 engine. I have run into an obstacle with the left timing cover that is listed no where in any manual that I can find, or on any forum either. Specifically, there are 2 metal lines that run in front of the left edge of the timing cover, and curve under the cover, blocking the ability to remove the Torx bolt at the left corner. Furthermore, there is a bracket bolted to the UNDERSIDE of the engine just behind the timing cover that secures the lines in place, so you cannot just pull them to the side. Please refer to photo. I cannot imagine getting to this without pulling the engine, but everything that I have read states that the gasket replacement does not require engine removal. So.. HELP! If I must remove the engine, how much of a PIA is that? I also intend to replace the alternator bracket oil gasket too...if that would influence the decision.
Thanks for any help!

EddieboyS

Unfortunately when buying pre-owned you don't have a sense of how well or poorly the previous owner treated the vehicle. This alone could explain the number of oil leak issues you're now experiencing.

hemoncdoc

Actually, I bought the car new. The car was maintained per the dealership until the coverage ended, since which I have changed the oil every 5K miles. I only have 70,000 miles on the car. I am not sure whether the long oil change intervals that BMW performs is a contributor, but they definitely use cheap and crappy material for the seals. The valve cover gaskets that came off are like brittle plastic. If BMW wants to keep using crap material It would be nice if the aftermarket would produce Viton seals or equivalent so that those of us who want to do this only once can be done with the problem. Just my 2c worth as I am dealing with the problem...

rbriggins

I purchased a 2005 545i in August of 2019, which is the N62 V8 as well, and I will admit that I have experienced an extremely similar pattern of failures. It's disappointing because it is such a fun and nice car to drive.