RESOLVED-REPLACE ALTERNATOR MOUNTING BRACKET GASKET 2003 4.6IS M62

squidzilla · #1 04-17-2017, 11:02 AM

Well the lower oil pan gasket that was leaking according to the dealer now might actually be the alternator mounting bracket gasket leaking. This was after they were so sure it was the lower oil pan.

I was going to do the lower oil pan but wanted to be sure that was actually leaking. So I cleaned it up really well and went under the car while it idled for awhile. I got suspicious when I saw oil leaking on the exhaust manifold on the driver side. So after pushing back really hard when I took the 4.6is for the airbag, they are now saying MAYBE the lower oil pan is leaking but FOR SURE the alternator mount bracket is leaking so START there.

Sounds like they are somewhat throwing parts at it, but at my expense.

Anyhow, how many of you M62 owners have had to deal with the type of leak? I have been googling and not found any DIY yet, but I just got started.

Quicksilver · #2 04-17-2017, 12:09 PM

Sorry but in my opinion the alternator mounting bracket gasket is not a DIY.
A lot of stuff had to come out and I didn't go there. I had it done. $810.00
My indy showed me what was involved. I saw what the work was and said no thanks.

squidzilla · #3 04-17-2017, 02:09 PM

Thanks. I can not find a single thing about the m62 for this. Plenty on the n62. Did you have it done on your E38?

Quicksilver · #4 04-17-2017, 02:32 PM

I don't have an E38 just an E53. I believe the 8 cylinder E53 models are all the same regarding the work that needs to be done because the alternator brackets are in the same place. Maybe 6 hours work and no shortcuts which is why most forks don't have time to tackle the job and there's no video. I did see a video somewhere but I can't find it now. Sorry. Alternator bracket oil leak - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums Look at post #4

Quote:

Originally Posted by squidzilla

Thanks. I can not find a single thing about the m62 for this. Plenty on the n62. Did you have it done on your E38?

squidzilla · #5 04-17-2017, 05:43 PM

I see that you have a 2005 N62 powered model. I have the M62tu in 4.6is form in my 2003. Unless all BMW V8s have issues with this bracket, I think we are talking about two different engines. The reason I bring this up, is it seems odd I can not find anything in the e38 forums about this type of oil leak. If it was so common as the dealer is saying, why is it not as prevalent online as a VCG, TC, or OHG leak?
Odd.

X53Jay4.8is · #6 04-17-2017, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squidzilla

Well the lower oil pan gasket that was leaking according to the dealer now might actually be the alternator mounting bracket gasket leaking. This was after they were so sure it was the lower oil pan.

I was going to do the lower oil pan but wanted to be sure that was actually leaking. So I cleaned it up really well and went under the car while it idled for awhile. I got suspicious when I saw oil leaking on the exhaust manifold on the driver side. So after pushing back really hard when I took the 4.6is for the airbag, they are now saying MAYBE the lower oil pan is leaking but FOR SURE the alternator mount bracket is leaking so START there.

Sounds like they are somewhat throwing parts at it, but at my expense.

Anyhow, how many of you M62 owners have had to deal with the type of leak? I have been googling and not found any DIY yet, but I just got started.

Yes the seal in the alternator bracket will need to be changed. Not an easy change but it can be done.

squidzilla · #7 04-17-2017, 08:57 PM

Well guess what everyone... The reason why I could not even find a part number for the gasket is because there is not one for the m62. Plenty for the n62 variants, but not this one. So I pressed the dealer for part numbers and it turns out that it is for the upper time case gaskets, which is covered by the dealer warranty since it was done in 1-2016. That tech needs to learn her engines since she has no idea.

Cant wait to see the service advisors response to my email.

X53Jay4.8is · #8 04-18-2017, 03:53 PM

Okay perhaps we are talking about different things. What I am referring to is the lines that run from the oil filter housing to the engine block mount. There is an o ring behind the mount that often leaks and leaves its mess. Its tough to get to without moving the alternator tiiming cover plate. I always replace this o ring seal when I do the timing covers and guides on an M62 engine.

squidzilla · #9 04-18-2017, 05:54 PM

What you just described is exactly what the dealer is claiming the leak is now. They are back tracking from saying it was the alternator bracket gasket leak (because there is not one), and now back tracking that it is the upper time case gaskets. David X5 has an old thread about that I did a post.

donmayor · #10 04-19-2017, 09:08 AM

just wanna chime and say, i have a 03 4.4i and i believe my alternator mounting bracket is leaking as well. but i've decided to live with it. i can't afford to throw $800 at it right now. i felt a little good when i did my oil change last week and over 7 quarts of oil came out of the car. and before that oil change, i didn't do my oil change for close to 6 months.

but if you do tackle the alternator bracket, please post a DIY.