I was cleaning around the engine compartment over the weekend when I noticed some leaks around the steering fluid reservoir. Is it coming from the hole on the cap? Notice there are also some around the left hose clamp area at the bottom of it. Is this something to worry about? At this time I wiped it up and will keep an eye on it.

 

Probably not dangerous - just annoying. Try to tighten the hose clamps and ensure the cap is properly screwed down. Really easy to cross thread or crack plastic parts. Check the o-ring in the cap to see if it's deteriorated. That's an easy fix.

 

Thanks. In retrospect. I had the car serviced last september with the 60K miles inspection. The tech probably topped off the fluids and may have over-filled the steering fluid. I'll check on it tonight to confirm.

 

Guys, I tend to get the same on my 520d 2008 every now and then. Not sure if it's a common issue with all E60.

 

that looks more like someone spilled while topping off the fluid.
whoever spilled, should've wiped it off...

 

You need to make sure the seals in the cap are not busted. I would clean the area throughly and every week check to see if it is wet again. If I recall correctly the cap is 25 dollars "New" or 5 bucks at the junk yard.

 

Yeah, it looks like it probably came from the cap and started pooling around the edge ring and then down the hose. Bonehead me didn't even think to check the cap nor fluid level while I was looking at it.

 

I know how you feel brother,it happens to me all the time!

 

There's a gasket on the cap that may need replacing. Or it may be a hairline crack in the reservoir that only exhibits leaks under pressure.

 

Each of the four BMW's I have owned have done this. I believe it was designed with a pressure relief, so a small amount of fluid at top, near the cap is normal. Tightening the clamps on the hoses at the bottom has been done to limit seeping, but replacement has never been recommended. Chris