I'm leaking oil, any suggestions - United Bimmer Community

nick_318is · 12-22-2005, 06:32 PM

Hey Guys,

I just noticed today that my car is leaking oil from the drain plug, its a slow drip but I have lost some oil over the past few days. I tried to see if it was loose and could get the bolt tightened up but no luck, its still got the leak. Any Suggestions for what did it or for a fix.

I think i might have gotten a block of ice or something while driving but i'm not sure, in the meantime I'm just gonna get a quart of oil and watch my oil level so it doesn't get too low.

I do need an oil Change soon So I will plan to fix this then. Could my solution be as easy as a new oil plug?

Nick

**c1apton** · 12-22-2005, 06:45 PM

Alot of times its the copper "crush gasket" around your drain plug. You should replace it evey oil change. If you reuse them then will tend to leak after time.

nick_318is · 12-22-2005, 08:41 PM

Thanks C1apton, I was guessing you would have the first response and hopefully the correct one, I will let you know if that solves the problem or not.

**c1apton** · 12-22-2005, 08:55 PM

Not a problem bro. It's a stupid little copper ring that can ruin your whole day

nick_318is · 12-24-2005, 01:45 AM

So I changed the oil today and replaced all the pieces that came with the new oil filter and its still leaking, i dont think as bad as before but its still leaking, tomorrow i'm hitting it with a good torque wrench to whatever bmw says it should be at but I think it should allready be there.

Perhaps I should have bought a new drain plug and I really dont want to change the oil again. Any other ideas?

**xsperf** · 12-24-2005, 02:49 AM

there are those liquid gasket things, you can put some on around it(its like silicone), you can also use the stop leak engine oil stuff, and, what i think clapton was talking about was a ring that goes around the drain bolt, did you replace that one?

**Dudesky** · 12-24-2005, 06:07 AM

If you used a new crush ring that comes with the filter kit, there should be no problem, unless you have some sort of gouge at the pan opening. Are you sure the leak is coming from the plug? E30's are known to have oil pan gasket leaks, could that be another possibility?

**c1apton** · 12-24-2005, 08:21 AM

Wipe down the pan with some solvent (carb or brake cleaner) and look for possible cracks. (that would suck but check for peace of mind) Try to locate where the actual leak is coming from. Why I mentioned above is - the pans are cast aluminum and can crack. Not real likely unless you hit something - guys in Florida know all about it - the gas stations in Fl have raised fill tank inlets (where tankers fill the stations' tanks) and those things are a BMWs' #1 enemy in Florida. Keeping my fingers crossed for ya that it's a simple fix.
"C"

nick_318is · 12-24-2005, 12:59 PM

I did replace the Crush ring, When I have a little extra time I will have to get under and wipe it down and hope there arent any cracks.

I am about almost positive that its leaking from the plug the other night when i was down there looking at it, i wiped it off with some paper towel and watched it slowly come back out around the plug. As far as hitting anything I dont think I have, but there is an off chance i got a block of ice or soemthing.

I will let you guys know if I resolve the problem. Thanks and Merry Christmas.

**c1apton** · 12-25-2005, 05:20 AM

If you don't find any cracks or leaks (other than the drain plug) just drain your oil into a clean pan. (you don't have that many miles on fresh oil change) put in new drain plug and reuse the oil. Make sure threads in pan aren't damaged before installing new plug. Being cast aluminum, the threads in the pan can wear, so check them out with a light. (I know, a lot of hassle for a stupid oil change)

**e30cabrio** · 12-26-2005, 10:40 AM

I had this problem. It was the threads. It was solved after I broke the oilpan and got a new one

nick_318is · 01-05-2006, 12:55 PM

^How much did the new oilpan cost, and how hard of a job is that to do yourself?

Update: I tried the suggestion of a new plug (also changed the crush gasket) today, and same result, I got under there and checked the oilpan, no cracks and the threads in the pan looked okay but I think it might be that they are wearing or else it also looked like there was a small dent in the area where the crush ring goes so that could also potentially be causing the leak. If anyone has any suggestions feel free to let me know. Thanks again for anyhelp, I really appreciate it.

Storamin · 01-05-2006, 04:46 PM

buy an e36? they don't leak like e30s.

**Dudesky** · 01-05-2006, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nick_318is

^How much did the new oilpan cost, and how hard of a job is that to do yourself?

Dude, it's not pretty on an E30. There's a crossmember in the way, and I believe the engine has to come off the mounts to replace the pan. There was a thread about this some time ago.

nick_318is · 01-05-2006, 06:04 PM

^Fuck, i am gonna make some calls tomorrow or next week and see if I can get an idea, I probably will just let it leak until the spring.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Storamin

buy an e36? they don't leak like e30s.

I dont wan't an e36, i love my car, plus there is a lack of disposible income (well any income at all at the moment).

**c1apton** · 01-05-2006, 06:10 PM

You might try some teflon tape on the threads (of the drain plug) That works well if the pan thread are getting worn.

nick_318is · 01-05-2006, 06:14 PM

^sounds like its worth a try, Here comes another drain of the oil.

nick_318is · 01-06-2006, 01:54 PM

Well I drained it again, tried the teflon tape and still no luck. At this point I'm going to make some phone calls and see what it would cost to have the lower oil pan replaced, might have someone take a look and tell me if there are other/cheaper options.

I priced it out online and I can get a new lower pan for about $127, plus $10 for a new lower gasket, do I also need the upper gasket if I decide to do this myself. Here is a link:
Lower oil Pan
Oil Pan Gaskets
Can you guys tell me if i need both the uper and lower gaskets or just the lower.

I think I would replace all of the nuts as well which is probably another 10 bucks, as well as a new plug.

I took a look and the lower would be pretty easy to do but it would probably take me a half day of swearing and I might put it off until the spring, unless I can get a good deal from someone to do it for me.

**38927** · 01-09-2006, 09:15 PM

alright man I actually have to be an expert on m42 oil pans (since ive broken more then 3 sets of top and lower pans). The lower pan is a snap just take off. Wrench off the 16 bolts or so around it, of course after draining the oil. Then simply lower the pan from the upper pan section. Replace with new gasket and pan. Done!

The upper however is a bitch, especially if its your first time. You have to removed the lower, dipstick, oil pick-up tube. Then you have to Wrench off the 25 or so bolts holding that pan. Then unsnap the mount bolts, and raise the enigine. Once the engine is raised the best trick is to slide a big socket in between the bolt and mount location so you can remove the jack. Then slide the pan off.

Good luck!
-James

nick_318is · 01-09-2006, 09:44 PM

It looks like its just the lower so I may do it, or else if the price is right I will have someone else do it, I only wish the weather here was nice or I would do it right away. Thanks for the response, I did take a good look under the car and it looked very straightforward as you said.