For those reading this thread...Always, always, and always rule out the OFH Gasket first.

- 1998 BMW 528i: what "appeared" to be oil pan gasket leak turned out to be OFH Gasket. I did the OFH Gasket (OEM gasket) in 2011 at 110K. The E39 is now at 170K, the oil pan gasket is still stock and bone-dry. This is the M52 engine.

- 2006 BMW X5 M54, same story, replaced the OFH Gasket and it is bone-dry now. Car has 130K miles.

- So before you spend $1500-$2000 for the oil pan gasket, replace the OFH Gasket yourself for $6.

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1998 E39 528i 5sp MT
2006 E53 X5 3.0 6sp MT