Leak from the underside, please help!

[richcy]

Hi

I have a 2006 E60 BMW 5 series - I noticed recently that there was a small puddle of (very clean!) oil underneath the car. After further inspection this seems to be coming from a square plate which is in the middle of the front wheels. I am wondering if anyone knows what this square plate is, and what it covers, and how quickly I should take it to BMW??

Many thanks in advance!

Rich

[TheEnd]

Could that possibly be an undertray with collects falling oil from above?

[richcy]

TheEnd said:

Could that possibly be an undertray with collects falling oil from above?

Hey TheEnd, thanks for the quick response. If so, does that suggest it collecting a leak from somewhere else I should be concerned about?

[Neil.D]

The square plate? That could mean the sump, steering box etc.

I suggest googling common leaks on the E60 and looking into every one on your car to identify.

It is impossible to diagnose with your description, only speculate.

Dont take it to the dealer, take it to a BMW specialist.

[BOR]

Are you convinced it's oil, and not condensated water from the air-con system(harmless and normal)?

[Vee]

Has your car been serviced recently ?

[phumy]

Are you talking about the small access flap on the undertray, if so this flap is the access to allow emptying the sump during an oil change? You might find that the washer on the sump plug might be knackered, they do need changing and are cheap. If its not the sump plug washer then its leaking down from the side of the engine and needs further investigation.

The only way of finding out is getting the car up in the air (axle stands or ramps) and taking a look.