Valveguy

Need some help on possible oil leak source.
I have a 2006 530i with 108k miles.

The leak can be seen looking down from the intake—near the front of the engine.

I just changed the oil filter housing gasket last week and leak has reappeared. When I changed it, did I not appear that the oil filter housing gasket had failed. But I changed what is the part. I clean the engine thoroughly with brake cleaner. Valve cover gasket is good, I replaced it last year. Well doing the oil filter housing I removed the “beauty” engine cover and checked all around the valve cover. No leaks there.

it appears that it’s not the vacuum pump – – but I’m not really sure.

What could it be?

thank you in advance for your assistance


This the best pics I could get

As indicated, leak is below intake and seems to start at a level just below filter housing?

militarydave

Hello - I had the same issue. In my case I only replaced one of the oil filter housing gaskets and not the other (the bigger one with the round circle gasket in the corner of it) and my leak continued. I ended up replacing both gaskets and new aluminum bolts. Leak was gone. I would have to ask, did you replace both oil filter housing gaskets? The one that connects to the heat exchanger and the other that goes to the block?

Valveguy

Thank you very much for the reply. Yes I only changed the gasket for the oil filter housing to the block/head. I did not change the one for the coolant exchange. When I had the unit off the car, it didn’t look like it was leaking. After looking at it again just now, it could be the problem. I bought both, so I’ll change the other one tomorrow and report back.

thanks for your help

militarydave

That one should be fairly easy to replace. I also highly recommend buying new bolts to ensure they tighten everything up as intended.

Valveguy

Well, I changed it yesterday. Yes it was “fairly” easy. I did not change the bolts—they are steel, and a bit “funky” as the also act as a mount for the plastic “beauty” cover. I did torque them properly. I’ll report on the fix next week.

Valveguy

well, after one week checking the same spot daily, I believe the leak has stopped!! Why I didn’t change both gaskets while I was in there, I don’t know. I guess it was a senior moment. Thanks for your help

silviufuicu

i had the same problem on my car when i got it, but my valve cover and oil cooler gaskets was bad and oil was everywhere also there where you have the problem. I replaced valve cover and the 2 oil cooler gaskets and cleaned all the oil that was on the engine block and after that no more oil on the engine. i suspect, its the oil that had leaked or is leaking from oil cooler gaskets.
when you change the oil cooler gaskets take the cooler down and clean it good so the gaskets will sit proper also when you take the oil cooler down make sure you change Coolant Flange with this https://www.bimmerworld.com/Cooling/...4-CHC0609.html . the original one its a plastic one and it brakes , mine had brake when i took down the oil cooler and i replaced with the aluminum one.