In process of buying a 2012 X5 xDrive35i: oil/coolant issues

[json]

I am in the process of buying a 2012 X5 xDrive35i with 82k miles.
There is a fairly significant oil leak under the hood, a shop says its the gasket between oil filter housing and valve block, and also between oil filter housing and oil cooler.

Doesn't sound like too big of a deal, however;

With the engine cool, I stuck a straw into the coolant reservoir to pull out a sample. There is a layer of oil sitting on top of the coolant. The coolant appears to be a yellow-green color (thought its supposed to be blue?).

How serious is the issue? Should I walk away? Do I need to check the oil? Inside the oil cap looks ok...

I'm ok with spending some money fixing a few things... maybe $800. But I need to know if there is any permanent damage to the engine.

How should I proceed?
Thanks.

Edit: added attachment image

[hyelifels]

Originally Posted by json

I am in the process of buying a 2012 X5 xDrive35i with 82k miles.
There is a fairly significant oil leak under the hood, a shop says its the gasket between oil filter housing and valve block, and also between oil filter housing and oil cooler.

Doesn't sound like too big of a deal, however;

With the engine cool, I stuck a straw into the coolant reservoir to pull out a sample. There is a layer of oil sitting on top of the coolant. The coolant appears to be a yellow-green color (thought its supposed to be blue?).

How serious is the issue? Should I walk away? Do I need to check the oil? Inside the oil cap looks ok...

I'm ok with spending some money fixing a few things... maybe $800. But I need to know if there is any permanent damage to the engine.

How should I proceed?
Thanks.

Edit: added attachment image

I would walk away with a coolant like that. Unless you are getting the car for a really cheap price.

[json]

Originally Posted by hyelifels

I would walk away with a coolant like that. Unless you are getting the car for a really cheap price.

Hmm, not sure if I would clarify it as "really" cheap, but it is the lowest priced one in a 250 mile radius. Interior/exterior is in good condition, has comfort access, heated rear seats and heated steering wheel.

One owner... I talked to previous owner and he said he didn't have any problems with it.

[nezarnuaimat]

Mixing coolant with oil should mean only one thing: worn engine head seals; a semi-overhaul is needed. Sorry for this pal!

[json]

Originally Posted by nezarnuaimat

Mixing coolant with oil should mean only one thing: worn engine head seals; a semi-overhaul is needed. Sorry for this pal!

Really? It can't get mixed together in the oil cooler if that gasket has failed?

[Ozer]

Take that to the BMW dealer near you and ask what they think, then ask another one and maybe an indi shop to see what they say. Then decide from there but i agree, oil and coolant mix is a bad thing. The owner will not tell you its a bad car if he knows the issue - he is trying to get rid of it.

[json]

Originally Posted by Ozer

Take that to the BMW dealer near you and ask what they think, then ask another one and maybe an indi shop to see what they say. Then decide from there but i agree, oil and coolant mix is a bad thing. The owner will not tell you its a bad car if he knows the issue - he is trying to get rid of it.

I have taken it to an indy, he didn't sound concerned at all, said its very common and to just do a coolant flush when you replace the gasket. I guess this is why I am still considering purchasing.

Its now owned by a dealership. I don't think the previous(original) owner has any incentive to talk it up.

Edit: I plan on changing the oil tomorrow and see how it looks.

[Pierce330]

On a scale of 1-10, how important is this particular X5 to you?

[IslandRoad]

has anybody actually ever dealt with this issue before or just saying "ooo that's bad don't touch ect" and leaves the thread...?

I had the same issues, its very common for that gasket to go bad. If you search around on a few others n54/n55 forums you will find it also. On all N54/N55 engines this leaks sometimes as early as 40k. When they leak this can happen as there is a coolant gasket and oil gasket within the same housing. It's not something I would be worried about at all, the job is about 4hrs to and the parts are under $15 for both gaskets my indy wanted 400 I normally do all my own work.

As for the coolant being a different color that all depends on who filled it last and with what brand.

The engine does not need a overhaul, it's not shot and for the miles this is typical.

I have 4 BMWs with N54 and one with N55, I have replaced this gasket on 3 of them so far.

Originally Posted by json

How should I proceed?
Thanks.

If you are buying from a dealership use this to get a great deal on it say your taking a risk whatever. Take it to your local Indy have the gaskets replaced, do a coolant flush, change oil and your problem is solved.

[Ozer]

Come buy my 2011 35d from upstate NY