Possible Oil Leak on X5

[Manx1]

Hi,

I run a 4.6is X5 which appears to be dripping engine oil. I have no warning lights on & the level never changes.

Does anyone have an idea before it gets expensive??

[Hammerhead]

Get the engine cover off and have a look at the rocker cover gaskets. They're usually the culprits (sp?). Also have a look under the car, could even be a transmission leak.

Hope it's just the former!

[Manx1]

I've looked underneath & seems to be dripping from the oil pan. We're talking about 3 drips every 24 hours here.

Car has recently had an oil change so do you think something was not tightened up correctly?

[dave_s13]

Does that engine have a similar setup to my E39 540?

The remote oil filter housing on mine was weeping slightly. Simply because whomever had done the oil change hadn't replaced the rubber O ring, fixed for £1.23.

Hope it's something simple for you. A bit suspicious that it's dripping just after a change though??

[Manx1]

Thanks Dave,

Difficult to tell as can't see anything from the top of the engine & as you say suspicious since it's only just been changed.

Looks like I'll have to get it on a ramp!!!! joy of joys.

[V8S]

Hammerhead said:

Get the engine cover off and have a look at the rocker cover gaskets. They're usually the culprits (sp?). Also have a look under the car, could even be a transmission leak.

Hope it's just the former!

Have my emails been getting to you over the past few weeks?

Wanted to know if you'd managed to firm up plans about the Dorset events:

http://www.british-sportscar.com/ph/

[CarbonM5]

Manx1 said:

I've looked underneath & seems to be dripping from the oil pan. We're talking about 3 drips every 24 hours here.

Car has recently had an oil change so do you think something was not tightened up correctly?

Could be the oil level sensor-pretty common fault apparently!

[bimmer_87]

Have another closer inspection on the pan, If theres oil around the drain plug, then you got your culprit.

New washer: 50p
Possible new drain plug £1.50?
The look on your face when you realise you have to replace all the oil again when changing those two items: priceless!

[Manx1]

Well chaps. Looks like things may be worse than expected. The dealer has the car today & says it's not leaking engine oil. They suspect the leak is coming from the Gearbox Sump which they plan to clean & then take off & refit.

They say this is not a big job????and they plan to give me the car back tonight to run over the weekend to see if it still leaks......

Any comments

[Hammerhead]

If it's just the gearbox sump gasket, that'll be a bonus. My gearbox leaked between the bellhousing and the engine resulting in a 'box removal & refit. A touch more expensive than the former... The plus side is no more leaks (obviously) and a much smoother gearbox post fluid change