Originally Posted by cn90

Commong leaks in M54 engine:

1. #1 is OFH gasket leak. I did mine at 110K miles.
- Use only BMW gasket, no aftermarket!
- Torquing procedure, I posted the tricks in bimmerfest, basically tightening in stages to avoid leak, stripping.
- I also posted a DIY in this forum for the X5.
- Do you best to avoid stripping the aluminum threads!

2. Vanos feed lines usually seep a tiny bit at 120K, no big deal. They don't leak significant until 180K or so.
- I also posted the info on bimmerfest.

3. Oil Pan Gasket...This is your worst nightmare b/c this job is NOT fun as the axle runs through the pan.
- My 1998 528i with M52 and 170K: oil pan gasket still bone dry.
- My 2006 X5 M54 with 127K: oil pan gasket still bone dry.