E53 2004 engine oil leak replace pan gasket
 

I need help finding threads on how to replace the oil pan gasket on my 2004 x5.
E53 6 cyl 120k miles. Running perfectly.

I'm good at research, but I've come up empty on this site. I've found posts on other sites re sedans with the same 6cyl engine, but not here for the x5. I've struck out and need your help.

My oil pan is leaking at two bolts in the front of the pan so identification was simple. The leak has reached the annoying threshold and I cannot keep it out of my mind. Plus my brother, the Chevy owner, has been beating the oil leak jokes to death for long enough.

Please help me Xoutpost community - you are my only hope!

This should get you started. E39 5-series is the chassis our X5's are based on. Lots of similarities.

E39 6-Cylinder Oil Pan Gasket Replacement

Do some googling around the E39 and you may find more.

also look for the M62 oil pan gasket so that you have an idea on how to remove the front diff and axles. Its not 100% the same but it have its similarity.
Good luck

Done three, I can walk you through it. Also have the bentley if you need more photos and/or torque specs.

You guys are awesome. Many thanks. Tecboy99 - 3? Ouch. I will certainly reach out to you after I get back from my first real vacation in 2 years. I have the Bentley manual but it does not have a designated process for the oil pan.
Again. Many thanks.

Here's a great R&R video for a pan gasket on an E46. Same M54 engine except no front CV axles/Differential to remove.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1c2...F7FwcCNE8sy81t

Isn't the oil pan gasket on the E53 M54 a real pain in the ass with the subframe needing to be lowered or something stupid like that?

YES. And then some

Yes, and the axles that run through the oil pan have to be removed. Along with the differential.

That's why I determined I could live with the "seepage" and the extra two quarts of oil needed between changes (besides, it keeps those additives freshened). As long as there's no drips on the driveway, all is tolerable.

2002 X5 3.0 293,900 miles
2014 428i 14,600 miles

2004 325i sold at 123,600 miles
2001 325i sold at 66,000 miles