What gasket is this leaking in my photo?

[X-cellent]

In case it seems like too much work for you, I know a good indy here in Ft. Lauderdale that you could check with for a price, they may be more reasonable...pm me for details if you're interested.

[paulieb81]

Originally Posted by Buzz110

The problem could have been caused by one of many thing like normal wear and tear, previous work on engine in that area,etc. I would make sure you order not only the gasket you noted, but any other gasket that has to be removed like the valve cover gasket,etc.

Additionally I would first remove the valve cover, which would give you a better prospective of what you are dealing with.

I hear ya, it just seamed to me like an odd gasket to blow. I figure the head gasket or valve cover gasket is much more likely to leak. I will have to locate a DIY on removing the Valve Cover and timing chain cover. I am really hoping it isn't too much more than that. We really don't have the $4k to dump into this. Good thing we have a second vehicle so I can take it apart in the garage and take the time to check it out.

[SlickGT1]

I'll find you the link tomorrow. Tell that German specialist shop to suck it.

[paulieb81]

Thank you all for your input on this. Any suggestions where to order replacement gaskets online that are a quality brand at a decent price, so once I tear this open, i will have the replacement gaskets on hand. Also what brand gaskets are recommended?

[SlickGT1]

OE, as in direct from BMW. Call or email this guy for the best pricing. Trust me, you won't find a better deal. Tell him you are from Xoutpost. For some reason that gets us a discount over the part counter.

[email protected]
Craig Hacker
Fixed Operations Director
Open Road BMW
732-839-4548

and as promised,
DIY: Timing Chain Guide & Timing Chain Replacement

Read that a few times. Needless to say you are not going through the whole thing, but this will get you to the parts you need.

[paulieb81]

Originally Posted by SlickGT1

OE, as in direct from BMW. Call or email this guy for the best pricing. Trust me, you won't find a better deal. Tell him you are from Xoutpost. For some reason that gets us a discount over the part counter.

[email protected]
Peter Santos
Parts Manager
BMW of Bloomfield
Office 973-780-9482
Cell 973-715-3980

and as promised,
DIY: Timing Chain Guide & Timing Chain Replacement

Read that a few times. Needless to say you are not going through the whole thing, but this will get you to the parts you need.

Thank you for all the info, that is a huge help. There is so much stuff to remove to get to the two items I have in question, now I see why there is so much in labor costs. For a mechanic, it's more of a pain in the ass to work on these cars then it seams like it's worth, glad I don't work on them for a living.

[SlickGT1]

It is actually easier than you initially think. Trust me, once you start going, you will appreciate the thought put into the car for you to be able to fix it. It seems rough, but you probably have never worked on a modern Audi. Its the picture fear. Not saying you will fly though the repair, but take your time, follow the diy, and label stuff.

P.S. don't put off this repair for too long. That leaking oil is doing a number on your alternator.

[paulieb81]

Originally Posted by SlickGT1

It is actually easier than you initially think. Trust me, once you start going, you will appreciate the thought put into the car for you to be able to fix it. It seems rough, but you probably have never worked on a modern Audi. Its the picture fear. Not saying you will fly though the repair, but take your time, follow the diy, and label stuff.

P.S. don't put off this repair for too long. That leaking oil is doing a number on your alternator.

Thanks for the info. No I haven't worked on an audi, but have been thinking of getting one soon, I hope they are not too bad of a problem to work on otherwise I might have to rethink that.

We haven't been driving the vehicle since we found the leak, it just sits in our driveway, if we need to drive it, it is only like a 1 mile drive to pick the kids up from school and back, but not often, only when really needed, we have been managing ok using 1 car for now but it's getting harder to do, so the push is on to get this fixed!

[SlickGT1]

Originally Posted by paulieb81

Thanks for the info. No I haven't worked on an audi, but have been thinking of getting one soon, I hope they are not too bad of a problem to work on otherwise I might have to rethink that.

We haven't been driving the vehicle since we found the leak, it just sits in our driveway, if we need to drive it, it is only like a 1 mile drive to pick the kids up from school and back, but not often, only when really needed, we have been managing ok using 1 car for now but it's getting harder to do, so the push is on to get this fixed!

Yea research your Audi before you buy it.

Keep us updated on your progress.