'Tis the season to break down. HUGE oil leak, ~1L of oil on driveway.

[TheGodfather]

This thing seems to be perfectly timed to break down every winter during the busiest times at the University. Once again the X5 sits on the driveway in need of a flat bed. Just what I need during the already stressful end of semester crunch. Anyhow...

OH JOY! I just checked the forecast, it seems that Lethbridge is in for a winter storm warning tonight and into tomorrow! Only in Alberta, +15 to winter storm over night.


The Situation:

-- Washed car yesterday evening. The engine was on for a good 20 minutes, between washing, picking up food, and driving home. It only had 1 short ignition time which was when I turned off the car while washing. The remaining ~19 mins the engine was running at optimal temperature.

-- Before returning home, I did not notice any oil (parking lot, car wash), nor did I notice any unusual noises, warning lights, or change in engine response.

-- When I arrived home, after parking, as I walked to my door I noticed some stains in the driveway. I thought nothing of it, and assumed it was from excess water dripping off of the car after the wash.

-- Well, this morning I saw that the stains remained, and upon closer inspection I realized the stains are a result of oil splattered everywhere. I checked the oil level, which is low but not dry.

-- I fire up the X for 15 sec to see what happens. And then the shit storm.
Oil literally began to drain out of the engine with in seconds from somewhere located on the drivers side.

And here I am.

These are links to some videos of what I am describing, exactly when it happened.

First thing I saw, I have not started the vehicle yet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lE0dzugMV9Y

Minutes later the second video shows what happened after starting the vehicle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgxPH25Tjb4 --> Warning! Viewers may find the images disturbing.


Thank you for any help or comments. CCV failure? Major engine seal? Filter Housing?

Ned