Oil Leak

[tomsawyer]

Hey Everyone - I have an 05 w/ N62 engine. I have an oil leak and after doing some heavy duty diagnostics, it looks like its coming from the 2 lines that are attached driver side of the engine block. It looks like the 2 hoses attach to a unit and the unit is attached to the driver's side of the engine. That's where the leak appears to be coming from. I believe the other end of the hoses run to the oil cooler.

My question is I took the truck to the my mechanic who's not a BMW mechanic and he's telling me there's no way to get to the 2 hoses and he might need to drop the subframe and/or lift the engine. I haven't done anything yet but wanted to hear from you guys if you are familiar with the 2 hoses and does this repair sound correct?

Thanks to all who answer.

[itscoo2pyopants]

Subbed

How many miles on your x5?

[David.X5]

I've replaced that mounting part on the M62, and it was possible to get to everything with long extensions and some patience. No idea about the N62 unfortunately...have you looked in TIS?

[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

[ehummelman]

If it's the alternator bracket gasket, take it to a good bmw shop now. Mine was leaking slowly and then let go one day. Huge pool of oil on the ground. Had to have it towed. Oh, and bend over and grab your ankles - it's only a $6 gasket, but the labor involved takes it up to about $1500 give or take.

[Turbo_Bimmer]

If it's only the hoses and not the alternator bracket gasket, the hoses(tubes) can be removed by removing the alternator first. No need to drop the subframe or lift engine. I did it a couple of months ago on my N62 engine to replace a leaking and rusted oil tube.

[garrett.fell]

A shop in the Chicago area did mine for around $750


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[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