Oil Leak

[LVP]

Sounds like the alternator bracket gasket. There is a small rubber gasket between the alternator bracket and the block. They run oil cooler lines through the bracket - brilliant, right?

Take it to an independent BMW shop that has done it before. They usually know the tricks. I can't recall what my shop did, but they may have disconnected a motor mount and lifted/twisted the engine a bit. It's a pain job for such a small gasket.

It's #2 in the picture below
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=12_1242

[tomsawyer]

Originally Posted by LVP

Sounds like the alternator bracket gasket. There is a small rubber gasket between the alternator bracket and the block. They run oil cooler lines through the bracket - brilliant, right?

Take it to an independent BMW shop that has done it before. They usually know the tricks. I can't recall what my shop did, but they may have disconnected a motor mount and lifted/twisted the engine a bit. It's a pain job for such a small gasket.

It's #2 in the picture below
RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog

Forgive me but I am in no way mechanically inclined or technical. With that said, I know you reference the alternator bracket gasket. I recently had the alternator changed and as you know, its on the front of the engine, right behind the radiator. The part my mechanic showed me looks like a block attached to the driver's side of the engine with those 2 hoses attached to it. It that what you're referencing as the alternator bracket gasket?

thanks

[LVP]

Originally Posted by tomsawyer

Forgive me but I am in no way mechanically inclined or technical. With that said, I know you reference the alternator bracket gasket. I recently had the alternator changed and as you know, its on the front of the engine, right behind the radiator. The part my mechanic showed me looks like a block attached to the driver's side of the engine with those 2 hoses attached to it. It that what you're referencing as the alternator bracket gasket?

thanks

The alternator is mounted to a bracket. Changing the alternator does not fix the gasket. The bracket that holds the alternator has two oil lines running THROUGH it from the engine. Where that bracket meets the engine is that $2 gasket.

[tomsawyer]

Originally Posted by LVP

The alternator is mounted to a bracket. Changing the alternator does not fix the gasket. The bracket that holds the alternator has two oil lines running THROUGH it from the engine. Where that bracket meets the engine is that $2 gasket.

The bracket you reference is on the side of the engine, not the front, correct? Thanks

[tomsawyer]

Originally Posted by LVP

The alternator is mounted to a bracket. Changing the alternator does not fix the gasket. The bracket that holds the alternator has two oil lines running THROUGH it from the engine. Where that bracket meets the engine is that $2 gasket.

Assuming that indeed my leak is from the alternator bracket gasket (which I'm assuming it is based on what was seen and what you guys have indicated), is it wise to change the hoses at the same time? Are there any other parts that should be changed while this repair is being done?

Thanks