Oil Pan Gasket Leak

Xbimmer9 · #1 09-25-2021, 09:59 AM

Hi All, I brought my 2012 X5 (86K mile N55) in to BMW Service after seeing a bunch of small drops of oil on the garage floor. SA says the oil is coming from the oil pan gasket ($2700 repair), but may also be coming from the main seal ($2400 repair) given the amount of oil leaking. They advised to replace the oil pan gasket, clean the area, then drive the car a few thousand miles to see if the main seal is also leaking. Seems logical enough.

My question for the forum is...given that they have to drop the suspension for the repair, are there any other items I should have them inspect or proactively replace while they have the suspension down?

Many thanks!

2012 X5 35i, Sport Pack, no adaptive steering or drive, no air suspension.

Sponsored Links

andrewwynn · #2 09-25-2021, 10:31 AM

I would start with a good cleaning and a can of liqimoly oil saver and some UV dye to confirm where use the leak really coming from.

ClutchKickChris · #3 09-26-2021, 11:34 AM

Definitely the motor mounts.

andrewwynn · #4 09-26-2021, 12:05 PM

Not sure if the n55 followed the method of oil filter as n52 but the oil filter housing is far more likely to cause oil leaks and far less costly to repair.

bcredliner · #5 09-26-2021, 01:52 PM

More troubleshooting is in order before any teardown. As mentioned, clean the bottom of the engine and toward the top as much as you can. Then let the engine run until oil reaches operating temperature. With a bright small beam flashlight check for oil leaks from the bottom up. Source of leak can be deceiving so be sure to trace to highest point. If nothing shows, let it sit overnight and check again. I haven't had a case I needed UV dye but no downside.

If you are using a high mileage oil or even most premium brands they have additives for seals. I avoid aftermarket additives other than buying gas that contains Techron over concern then will cause other problems and they are masking the problem rather than a permanent fix. But, not being familiar with oil saver, if a can of oil saver will do the job it is a huge cost savings.

andrewwynn · #6 09-26-2021, 02:58 PM

Oil saver has no fillers. It makes rubber softer that has hardened due to heat and age. it's a time tested product but still it's stop gap treatment not a fix.

CLS70 · #7 09-26-2021, 03:36 PM

Seems the SA is not sure about where the oil is coming from...., so suggest that before you throw $$$$ to chase the source of the leak, clean the area and confirm what is the true source; as someone mentioned before, there are other more likely causes, with much less effort and cost to fix.

tumbler · #8 10-03-2021, 11:58 PM

get your front diff examined!!! easy to overhaul when doing this. bushings for suspension, also engine ground and axel bushings.

msan · #9 10-06-2021, 12:16 PM

I have a 2012 X5 N55 and I had to replace the lower oil pan gasket in 2020 at around 103k miles. I would recommend buying a Lemforder front suspension arms kit and replace them , bushings will be worn and have a lot of play. I replaced the lower arms and tie rods and had an alignment done after. Also I replaced the motor mounts. Also did front diff oil change and seals. ($840 labor and $1,700 in parts)

Also FYI I did valve cover gasket myself a few months before this.

Right now, no drips of oil and I am at 110k miles now. My indy mechanic keeps checking the oil filter housing gasket but so far no leaks from that , knock on wood.

Sponsored Links