Tracing oil leak on my new Z3

[Duncraig]

The front of the engine was caked in oil and muck when I got it and there was an Oil Leak advisory on the last two MOTs. These are before and after cleaning photos and it looks to me that from what I've read so far that the oil filter gasket is the culprit as the right side looks wetter than the left. the car has only done about 40 miles since being cleaned and so far there is no tell tale oil on the front. Am I on the right track?

 

[Mazza]

Good job cleaning it up. Needs a bit of anti rust treatment and black paint at some point.

The oil filter gasket is a likely culprit as is the rocker box cover.
Now its all clean, the only thing to do is to keep an eye on it and check the dip stick
You never know, the original leak may have been sorted but they couldn’t be bothered to clean the engine???


In the pre clean picture, the drip on the right hand bolt looks reddish in colour......worth checking the power steering reservoir and pipes

 

[Ianmc]

Oil keeps the rust at bay! My father used to say that the original mini front subframe rarely rotted, due to oil leaks, whilst the rear subframes were notorious for rusting out.

 

[Duncraig]

Good job cleaning it up. Needs a bit of anti rust treatment and black paint at some point.

The oil filter gasket is a likely culprit as is the rocker box cover.
Now its all clean, the only thing to do is to keep an eye on it and check the dip stick
You never know, the original leak may have been sorted but they couldn’t be bothered to clean the engine???


In the pre clean picture, the drip on the right hand bolt looks reddish in colour......worth checking the power steering reservoir and pipes

It might look red but it was definitely filthy oil, though I will check the reservoir level. The leak wasn't cured by them as there was a puddle of oil when I got the car first after a 70 mile drive back home. There was also a water leak from the expansion tank 'O' ring, since cured. The car had been virtually unused for two years and cost her £1076.44 to pass the MOT and she asked £1500 for the car when it went up on Autotrader which I was happy to pay!

 

[Lenny b]

It will (may) only leak when warm, may need to run her for a few more trips. Leave cardboard underneath to help trace. Good luck. Very clean by the way good job sir

 

[Duncraig]

It will (may) only leak when warm, may need to run her for a few more trips. Leave cardboard underneath to help trace. Good luck. Very clean by the way good job sir

Yes, after a 200 mile round trip it's obviously the classic oil filter housing leak as oil is running down the right side of the engine, as viewed from the front. Gasket kit on order.

 

[jonco]

Yes, after a 200 mile round trip it's obviously the classic oil filter housing leak as oil is running down the right side of the engine, as viewed from the front. Gasket kit on order.

It may be worth doing valve as well while you have it apart - not expensive. New one on left.

Not sure which model you have but this may be of help
https://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/te...INE-Oil_Filter_Housing_Gasket_Replacement.htm

 

[t-tony]

It looks as though you have the classic 1.9 oil filter housing leak. @Bringit96 made a video about this which he and I replaced last year on his car at ZedShed ( Midlands).

Tony.

 

[Duncraig]

It looks as though you have the classic 1.9 oil filter housing leak. @Bringit96 made a video about this which he and I replaced last year on his car at ZedShed ( Midlands).

Tony.

Tony I’ve watched a couple of YouTube videos already. Do you have a link to your one? Newbie still coming to grips with searching the forum !

 

[Mazza]

My MOT advised a small oil leak.....wonder if its the filter. Shouldn't be anything to do with the sump as that was all done.
More work !!!

 

[Bringit96]

Tony I’ve watched a couple of YouTube videos already. Do you have a link to your one? Newbie still coming to grips with searching the forum !

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7dUMt3Go6c


Here it is. Not a full how to but hopefully it helps. Turns out it is an easy job with some patience. When you buy the bush it comes with the O-rings so no need to buy separate ones from my memory

 

[Duncraig]

I was advised to buy an oil relief valve and change it at the same time as a worthwhile exercise.
Looked to eBay and cheapest was £40 + P&P and 7 day delivery from Lithuania.

Bit the bullet and went to a BMW dealer, next day delivery by 9am when they opened for £36.11 including VAT

It will be a week or so before I have time to do the fitting.

 

[Mazza]

My MOT was advised with a slight oil leak, and looking from the top of the engine there does appear to be a trace of oil around the dreaded oil filter housing.
So ordered these in readiness.
Parts came as a kit for £21.65 and I got a free pen

But have noticed that the pressure valve has come with the two o rings already on it !!!!!
So I have 2 spares now which I will probably never use

 

[jonco]

Good buy - It's as well to change as soon as you can. There was a horror story on the site awhile ago where a mechanic advised a member (can't remember who) to just keep topping the oil up - joint subsequently blew out leaving a very sick engine. Having done the job on my M44 I know the joint just disintegrated when I took filter housing off.

 

[t-tony]

When we removed this on Alejandro's car the "O" rings were baked hard (they broke into many pieces when we temoved them) and also covered in silicon. So someone had re used old ones at a previous attempt at stopping the oil leak.

Tony.

 

[Duncraig]

Did you ones fit the gasket dry or coat it with anything, Gasket Sealer such as Hylomar etc? I hope to do mine next week, just waiting on the drive belt arriving as I might as well replace that at the same time.

 

[jonco]

Did you ones fit the gasket dry or coat it with anything, Gasket Sealer such as Hylomar etc? I hope to do mine next week, just waiting on the drive belt arriving as I might as well replace that at the same time.

IIRC fitted mine dry

 

[gookah]

the gasket is the seal. no need for any additions... just fit it dry

 

[Duncraig]

Thought so. Back in my Stiletto days Rootes said to use Blue Hylomar on Alloy joints. Things have progressed since then.

 

[t-tony]

Use a smear of general purpose grease just to lubricate the rubber which allows it to slip into position without ruttling up the rubber.
I never fit any rubber components dry.

Tony.