Hey all, thanks for your input. I am narrowing things down. I think I have two separate issues. I did experience an oil leak which I am pretty certain is being caused by a sticky CCV. Secondly I have a very slight cooling system leak evident of some dried coolant on the bottom of the the aluminum skid plate. After lots of research on the forums, I suspect it is either coming from the valley pan or possibly one of the coolant hoses possibly to the heater core.

The oil leak has happened twice on the usual suspect days, ie very cold morning after the car had been sitting in a gargae for a few days and then a very short start up and drive. I only lost about an eight of a mark on the dipstick between oil changes.

On the coolant leak it is still happening but have not had to add any coolant yet. Since I am working every day from now thru the holidays I will be driving my truck and then schedule some work to be done on the X5 after the new year. I think I will have the oil separator replaced along with all of the hoses in connection with the oil system and inspect the valve cover gaskets and all other related items.

Then I think I will have the cooling system inspected and most likely replace all of the cooling hoses, flush the system and probably replace the water pump and thermostat. I attempt some DIYS but all of this combined is way above my pay grade and ability.

Thank you all of your contributors to the forum and have a great holiday. May the new year bring trouble free driving and may your Bimmers keep running great and problem free all year.