Oil pan leak @51K miles on 35i

[simonc1]

I have a 2015 x35i that I bought with 46K miles a little over a year ago. Now at 51K miles and just diagnosed with a lower oil pan leak. Seems like I got unlucky at this lower mileage. This is a relatively well maintained 1 owner car that was dealer serviced and previously CPO’d.

Looks like this is pretty involved and having a local mobile BMW mechanic work on this. Planning on doing new OE oil pan gasket, bolts, rear axle seals, front diff flush, oil sensor gasket, diff o-rings, and axle nuts.

Engine mounts still look good but am I making a making a mistake by not replacing them while I’m in there? What is the OEM engine mount or is OE the only way to go? Anything else I’m missing or should do?

I know this is a relatively big job (subframe needs to be dropped, etc) but about how many hours should this take?

[stocktree]

Is your mechanic sure it's the pan? The valve covers and oil filter housing gaskets, are known leaks, that travel to bottom of motor, and can look like the pan is leaking.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by stocktree

Is your mechanic sure it's the pan? The valve covers and oil filter housing gaskets, are known leaks, that travel to bottom of motor, and can look like the pan is leaking.

Agreed OFHG and cooler are more common leak areas (every 40-50k).

[simonc1]

We both went underneath to take a look and the OFHG was dry along with the valve cover. Nothing coming from the top.

I was sure it was going to be the OFHG. I almost want to double check again

[tlow98]

Age and mileage affect rubber. I’m not surprised given the car is 10 years old.

Unless it’s making a mess on the floor that’s driving you nuts. I’d say just live it. It’s the only oil leak that won’t cause any damage. It’s just unsightly is all. I’ve only repaired them on BMWs that I race. The street ones all leak there and I’m fine with it.

[tlow98]

This will be a $2500+ job. Not worth it… to me.

[simonc1]

I kind of figured it’s more of an age thing vs mileage. I definitely have more than a seep and don’t think I could deal with oil in my floor every day.

It’s a pricey one for sure

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by simonc1

I kind of figured it’s more of an age thing vs mileage. I definitely have more than a seep and don’t think I could deal with oil in my floor every day.

It’s a pricey one for sure

Well, I’d be surprised if it’s actually dripping. I’ve had six inline 6 BMWs and they all leaked at the oil pan gasket. Only one of them actually dripped on the floor overnight.

But I also get it. Buying a new car and having it leave a trail is a bit demoralizing.

[tfunk88]

I’d do the engine mounts along with everything else…why not?

[simonc1]

Originally Posted by tfunk88

I’d do the engine mounts along with everything else…why not?

The looked good when we checked them but yeah I probably should. I wasn’t planning on keeping the car forever either.

That being said, what is OEM for engine mounts? I see corteco, febi, rein as options outside of genuine OE.

[tfunk88]

I’ve had good luck with Febi Bilstein for other things but looks like their engine mounts get mixed reviews. I’d probably go Genuine BMW from FCP Euro for lifetime warranty

[3002 tii]

I’m always wary of additives and etc. but maybe worth throwing in bottle of LM Oil Saver, supposedly helps with leaks from gaskets and seals

https://www.liqui-moly.com/en/us/mot...0002.html#2020

[simonc1]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

I’m always wary of additives and etc. but maybe worth throwing in bottle of LM Oil Saver, supposedly helps with leaks from gaskets and seals

https://www.liqui-moly.com/en/us/mot...0002.html#2020

Personally never thought those really worked. I’m going to just take care of it properly and cry once.

[sukhk527]

Originally Posted by simonc1

Personally never thought those really worked. I’m going to just take care of it properly and cry once.

That’s the right move imo. Low mileage rubber gasket things. Do it now and you won’t have to worry about it for quite a long time. Also +1 for motor mounts while you’re in there.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by sukhk527

That’s the right move imo. Low mileage rubber gasket things. Do it now and you won’t have to worry about it for quite a long time. Also +1 for motor mounts while you’re in there.

Agree on the motor mounts. Mine were toast at 70k. 35k miles on the Febi Units. No issues thus far

But if I did it over I’d just buy OE BMW

[simonc1]

I went ahead and ordered OE engine mounts. This is starting to add up quickly.

[Nick_Beamer]

Same problem with oil pan leak. Mechanic quoted roughly $2500 to do the job- remove subframe etc. He said it’s something you can live with if you want but i always smell the oil which drives me nuts. I guess if I am going to fix I should do the mounts. Curious how much that is. Anyway, good luck with the repairs.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by Nick_Beamer

Same problem with oil pan leak. Mechanic quoted roughly $2500 to do the job- remove subframe etc. He said it’s something you can live with if you want but i always smell the oil which drives me nuts. I guess if I am going to fix I should do the mounts. Curious how much that is. Anyway, good luck with the repairs.

$250 each-ish

[simonc1]

Ok after a deeper looks like it may not be the oil pan. It’s coming from even higher up and thinking it might be the camshaft position sensor. Is this a likely culprit? It’s the driverside top right above the oil pan.

[Tomcat_F15_STL]

fyi, I have contributed a detailed write-up on doing the oil pan gasket. It is a challenge, but not impossible. I did it on jackstands in the garage.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by Tomcat_F15_STL

fyi, I have contributed a detailed write-up on doing the oil pan gasket. It is a challenge, but not impossible. I did it on jackstands in the garage.

X-drive? Think I’ll go find this. Love the contribution! Thanks.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by simonc1

Ok after a deeper looks like it may not be the oil pan. It’s coming from even higher up and thinking it might be the camshaft position sensor. Is this a likely culprit? It’s the driverside top right above the oil pan.

That or the valve cover gasket. It’s the gasket that leaks first in most cases. Not an easy job, per se, but far easier than the pan gasket. Consider plugs while you’re in there - due at 60k.