Z4 Problem? Experts needed

[Andy G Bmth]

Hi, i have a 53 Z4 3.0 which needed the oil topping up about 2 months ago, i put in a 3rd of a litre as the engine was warm and didn't want to overfill it. The light came back on yesterday (the warning one when you turn the engine off, not whilst driving) so i topped it up this morning.

When i opened the oil cap, the underside was coated around the edges with what looks like mustard.

This wasn't there when i topped up the first time and i wouldn't say it was mayo like.

Is this an issue or just where from i topped up from last time? not a good time for this to be an issue

thanks

Andy

[plowy]

It sounds just like condensation from short tripping around, my car does the same, if your motoring is not short trips there may be other issues

[gmarks1]

Don't worry - this is not unusual - particularly during winter and if the car does a lot of short runs. I've heard that it is potentially linked to blocked breather pipes, but it's almost certainly nothing to worry about - regularly see the same on my E46 330Ci during winter.

Regards, Gary

[Andy G Bmth]

thanks for that, yes it has been doing lots of shor trips.

merry xmas

Andy

[NickXX]

gmarks1 said:

Don't worry - this is not unusual - particularly during winter and if the car does a lot of short runs. I've heard that it is potentially linked to blocked breather pipes, but it's almost certainly nothing to worry about - regularly see the same on my E46 330Ci during winter.

Would the blocked breather be indicative of head gasket failure?

[ian in lancs]

Yep, short trips. Had this on both my Z4 2.5 and my Z4MR. The oild doesn't get hot enough to clear the condensation. Give it a blast and all will be well. Although I did regularly wipe the 'mustard' off the filler cap as you call it.

[Roop]

Our 54 plate Z4 had a dodgy oil level sensor and kept moaning it was running out of oil / low oil pressure despite it being full on the dipstick. Got it fixed under warranty along with a ton of other faults. Sorted