Help...why is oil coming out of this?!

smwmustang · #1 09-21-2012, 10:36 AM

Guys,

I noticed oil dripping from the car this morning and opened the hood and immediately saw this?

What is it and why is it leaking oil?

I hope I attached the photos correctly.

Thanks

Shawn

TiAgX5 · #2 09-21-2012, 10:43 AM

Hope you're not DIYing your oil changes because that is the oil filter housing. The O-ring that seals the cap to the housing comes with the filter. Do you have an Iffy Lube shop doing the oil changes? If so, the O-ring is so old it dried out and is cracking, that why it's leaking.

TwinsPoppa · #3 09-21-2012, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

Hope you're not DIYing your oil changes because that is the oil filter housing. The O-ring that seals the cap to the housing comes with the filter.

I'm thinking if he doesn't know what it is, then he probably didn't change it out himself.

TiAgX5 · #4 09-21-2012, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwinsPoppa

I'm thinking if he doesn't know what it is, then he probably didn't change it out himself.

If OP is drain/refilling and calling it done he would have no idea what it is. Even some shady express lube places do this, they have no idea where the filter is and don't stock BMW filters.

TwinsPoppa · #5 09-21-2012, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

If OP is drain/refilling and calling it done he would have no idea what it is. Even some shady express lube places do this, they have no idea where the filter is and don't stock BMW filters.

You're right. I apologize. No matter what, I should not assume.

motordavid · #6 09-21-2012, 10:56 AM

Agree...cap oil is shot/pinched, cap is not seated correctly or not tightened properly.
See link with excellent DIY oil change pics, and scroll down to see that part(s):

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...w-x5-3-0i.html
GL, mD

It happens...I had an oil 'service' done at a dlr while still under warranty and it came back with almost 2 qts low fill and an improperly screwed on filter cap and w/orig old, pinched O ring.

TwinTurboGTR · #7 09-21-2012, 11:20 AM

Concur

TiAgX5 · #8 09-21-2012, 11:39 AM

Most Express Lubes don't even have TQ wrenches, and the few that do are not taking the time to look up the TQ specs for the vehicles they are working on. The drain pit primates just hang on the wrench to tighten the pan bolt.

smwmustang · #9 09-21-2012, 01:00 PM

Guys, Sorry I did not know what this was. I have only had the car a few months and thought it might be the filter. I have not had time to look into changing the oil myself.

No, I have not done the oil change myself as the light just came on that it was time for service this week.

I am sure you guys think I am a moron but I am used to Mustangs with the oil filter where it looks like an oil filter. I am still learning the BMW. I did change out all the plugs and getting ready to change the rear bags.

Thanks for the help and the comments. Quite commical I am sure for those who knew what it was and I did not.

Everyone needs a good laugh on a Friday!

I assume I can change it out for a quick fix until I can get it to the shop to keep it from leaking all the oil out???

TwinTurboGTR · #10 09-21-2012, 01:03 PM

Glad you can take a joke bud! Everyone has been in your position.

And yeah, its is just a rubber o-ring. If you buy the filter, the filter should contain a new o-ring and new copper crush washer. After that, you should be good to go.

And reading you just did the plugs and about to do the bags, I think you should be able to handle a rubber o-ring. lol