Oil leak under my 2005 X5 4.4i

Matyoka · #1 06-16-2011, 10:20 PM

Hello all,

I've noticed about a 6-7 inch diameter oil leak on the garage floor this morning. I haven't driven the X5 in about a week or so. I have never had experienced any oil leak so far, and today's discovery came as a shock. The oil leak is not under the engine, but somewhat midsection. Being that I live in the middle of Montana's nowhere, I do my regular oil changes and minor services. It seems that the leak comes from this part, more exactly the left side near the nuts:

It's raining terribly today therefore I used existing pictures from the oilchange DIY section.

Could anyone enlighten me on the part I need to refer to when I call BMW? The X5 is still under CPO warranty, any idea if it would be covered at all?

Appreciate all the responses.

Regards, Lev.

Matyoka · #2 06-16-2011, 11:28 PM

Is that the transmission pan? Where would the oil be coming from? This seems to be a bigger problem than I originally thought.

HPIA4v2 · #3 06-17-2011, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matyoka

Is that the transmission pan? Where would the oil be coming from? This seems to be a bigger problem than I originally thought.

That looks like trans oil pan, now if the mechatronic-plug seal is bad you can have that slow leeak, it did on my 535i (very common problem even with only 30kmiles on it). I wouldn't worry too much unless you have a pool of oil on the floor.

Matyoka · #4 06-17-2011, 10:52 AM

HPIA,

Appreciate your input. Will call Spokane BMW and see if they can estimate coverage under CPO or not. I know it's pretty much diagnosing someone with a bleeding nose over the phone... but unfortunately cannot drive 500 miles to be told that it's not covered

HPIA4v2 · #5 06-17-2011, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matyoka

HPIA,

Appreciate your input. Will call Spokane BMW and see if they can estimate coverage under CPO or not. I know it's pretty much diagnosing someone with a bleeding nose over the phone... but unfortunately cannot drive 500 miles to be told that it's not covered

It should, BMW even good-will some of these on E60 cars. Now the illogical thing is BMW wouldn't replace the filter(which is integrated to the bottom of the pan and will re-use the old trans oil, not refilling it with fresh 5-quart or so, they may add some due to leak though). GL.

Matyoka · #6 06-17-2011, 12:05 PM

Patiently waiting on a response. Due to a very busy day at Spokane(that's what I was told) they could not take my phone call, so I left a message...

Matyoka · #7 06-17-2011, 02:15 PM

Got the call and according to the gentleman I spoke to, most oil leaks are covered. This trip will not only put 800 miles on the car but will cost about 180-200 bucks in gas, plus $50 deductible and $100 for a hotel. Is this an easy fix by any chance? Or it's good to let them take a look at the whole vehicle as the CPO expires in September of this year.

petener999 · #8 06-17-2011, 02:22 PM

You should definitely have them look at it and repair the leak, when its still under CPO warranty. It that the only BMW dealer in Montana?

Matyoka · #9 06-17-2011, 02:30 PM

Montana has no BMW dealerships, this is in Spokane, WA. Wonder if I could drive it like this to Phoenix next month? I would save some mileage and have it taken care by the Scottsdale dealership. The X5 will stay in Arizona with the wife.

flmrustic · #10 06-17-2011, 03:22 PM

I am also experiencing an oil leak similar to the one you describe. I took the X5 to the following repair shops/dealer with their diagnosis:
1. Baron BMW - Transmission input shaft seal leaking - Also High pressure power steering pump hose leaking -Parts and labor $1500 - $2000.
2.Autobaun Motors (Indie) - Motor mount oil seals (?) leaking - Valve covers leaking - Transmission input shaft not leaking. - Parts and labor $1,300. Also Rear Wisbone replacement needed and Driveshaft "clicking" when engaged in gear, needs to be replaced - Parts and labor $2,400.
3. Autopia (Indie) -Upper oil pan(oil separator?) leaking. Rear suspension squeek caused by worn wishbones. Driveshaft a little noisy but not serious yet (109,000 miles) parts & Labor oil leak -$800.00 Rear suspension $1100.

So, the oil leak has actually slowed down to a minor drip and I am ignoring it for now, mainly because I have been spending on average over $300 a month on repairs for this piece of crap since i bought it (used in 05'). Needless to say, this is my last BMW of any kind. What a disappointment.