Minor oil leak N53 engine

[mike9009]

I know what the real answer is, but.....

My 330i with N53 engine has a minor oil leak. I say minor, as I don't need to top up, but on many occasions when braking, I get a smell of scented candles in the car. I believe this is the valve cover gasket and a well known issue. The oil drips onto the exhaust when braking and then filters into the car.

Has anyone tried an oil additive such as STP Engine Stop Leak for such an issue, or is it snake oil?? Reviews seem to indicate it could work......

[d_a_n1979]

Nope; just get the gaskets replaced

They get hard/brittle with age and start to leak; nothing is going to bring them back from that

Gaskets aren't expensive; it is just bit of a faffy job, more so on the N52s/53s IIRC

Deffo DIY'able if you've a good tool kit and patience!

Plenty of How To's on Youtube etc; or find a decent local indy mechanic to do it for you

[dhutch]

Yeah, for the valve cover gasket, and oil filter housing gasket, surely by far the right answer is just to change them?

[bmwmike]

Another vote for changing the gaskets and definitely not using stop leak type additives !

[Court_S]

Just bite the bullet and change the gaskets.

I did the ones on my 130i last year and it’s largely Ok. It’s a bit of a faff (think it might me more so on the N53 if it’s like my N54). The plastic covers can crack and leak from there too….I found out the hard way.

I think I paid £46 for OE gaskets.

Edited by Court_S on Tuesday 20th September 07:24

[g3org3y]

^^What they said tbh.

[teddy1600]

Just be aware that the cover could be cracked instead/as well - turns a tricky job into an expensive job! £400ish for a BMW valve cover, part only.