New oil leak, yay

[ProfessorX5]

I replaced the OFHG last year, the plug's not leaking, and I don't see any signs of a leak at the VCG. There seems to be oil slowly dripping from the splash guard... took all night to make 3 small spots.

I did have an oil change not long ago, so I do wonder if they spilled some oil and it took this long for it to get down to the guard and stiffener area.

The stiffener is dirty, but doesnt seem to have any fresh oil pooled in it. I wiped the underside down and will check again later. Any clues where else to look?

[Kristophe]

You might check the cap on your Power Steering Fluid reservoir. Mine would "sweat" PS fluid that didn't seem all that noticeable and the fluid would eventually collect and run down one of the PS lines to the plate. Replacing the O-ring did the trick.

Also I too have lingering oil drips after an oil change no matter how careful I am.

[LVP]

Any pics? Your engine isn't nearly as bad to chase leaks on as the V8's

[dkl]

Check your oil filter gasket - the gasket between the oil filter and the engine block. PITA to replace - $600 worth of labor to replace a $15 gasket

I didn't know mine was leaking either until I took off the splash guard to change my diff fluids. Never saw a drop on my garage floor, but it was loosing about 3/4 of a quart between oil change. Just thought the X was beginning to burn oil (never burned a drop previously). But apparently, it was weeping onto the splash guard.

[ProfessorX5]

DIid the OFHG last year, no signs of oil there. Also, no perceptible oil loss at the dipstick, so if it's engine oil, it's a slow leak... will check the PS reservoir. Thanks, guys!

[dkl]

Gotcha Wasn't following your OFHG lingo

[David.X5]

An oily splash guard was what sent me looking for what turned out to be a leaky high pressure power steering hose. Required some general engine cleaning and degreasing before I could pinpoint it...

[Ricky Bobby]

^I''d check PS reservoir as well, the hoses sweat on the bottom and you'll see signs of fluid. Remove the bolts holding it down and shine a light down by the rack to see if the high pressure hoses are leaking as well.

For VCG you can run your finger around the bottom lip of the valve cover and tell if you are getting an oil leak from it.

[srmmmm]

Originally Posted by David.X5

An oily splash guard was what sent me looking for what turned out to be a leaky high pressure power steering hose. Required some general engine cleaning and degreasing before I could pinpoint it...

Same thing on mine. Replaced the high pressure hose and no more drips.

2002 X5 3.0 283,100 miles
2004 325i 121,300 miles

[cn90]

- The thing about OFH Gasket is: brand matters. Rein etc. tends to leak. BMW OEM gasket is $5 and is leak-free, provided that...

- The bolts #1-#4 (see post #91 in the link below) need to be torqued in stages to squeeze the gasket down properly. Otherwise, it will leak again (get a telescopic mirror and inspect the area below the OFH area):

1998 528I Oil Filter Housing Gasket & “Freeze Plugs” Repair (E39) - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums