Hwiens

Bit of an update so far:

This leak is not consistent. Some days I get a quarter sized drop in my garage, other days nothing at all. There is a very small tear in the cv boot between one of the ridges, but it definitely is not grease leaking on the ground.

Wondering if it's possible for an axle seal leak to leak into the CV and get spun out of the boot? I know that's rare, but I've seen it on a few cars before.

dingolfing

Not that it may be a definitive power steering fluid leak, but if you have dynamic drive (active sway bars), the system uses power steering fluid as its hydraulic fluid. The lines connect at the housing in the middle of the stabilizer bar.

Also, touch the puddle with your fingers and smell it. You will be able to tell if it is engine oil or not.

Hwiens

90% sure I don't have dynamic drive, but I'll have to check. Thanks for the advice!

As far as the smell, the oil in the car only has 100 miles on it or so, and only has a very faint smell. This is my 18th vehicle in the last decade, and it's the first one in a while that doesn't smell like that on the inside haha! That's why I'm thinking the dye won't help, because it sure doesn't look or smell like oil to me.

donpb

Due to BMW's habit of burying components like an undertaker, you may have to remove a cover or two to find it.