Changing valve gasket and oil pan gasket
 

2004 BMW X5 e53 3.0i


Hey guys, going to get my oil pan gasket replaced, and I ordered a new valve cover, gasket, ignition coils, and spark plugs.

My car is having oil leaks and I was told fixing all this I mentioned above would fix the leaks. Just double checking here if this sounds about right or is there any other parts I should be looking at?

Thanks, Fahu.

Oil filter housing gasket has likely failed as well, unless that's been changed recently.

OFHG is the prime suspect if it's a lot of oil. The others are very minor rarely get though the foam on the stiffening plate


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Wow thanks for the feedback, I never even thought about the oil filter gasket, will definitely get that checked also.

So I'm guessing there isn't any more gaskets on the engine I should look for right lol?
(fingers crossed)..

also side question if anyone knows im looking to get 19inch tires 285/45r19 on all fours without having to buy adjustable struts since I read that's what a lot of people uses just wanting to make sure that's correct.

Thanks for the help everyone.

Fahu,

It's the Oil Filter *Housing* Gasket that people are talking about here. One of the prime suspects for oil leaks on these engines. Search on here for lots of info on that. I did mine early on in my ownership. It's a good intro to a lot of the parts in your air intake, etc. since things get removed in getting to it. You'll also be able to see your alternator - make a note of the brand (Valeo vs. Bosch) and Amperage (e.g., 120A vs. 140A) so you will know what you have if ever needing to figure out an alternator problem.

In general, I don't think it makes sense to replace all those gaskets you are talking about, especially the OPG, until you are sure they are problems significant enough to warrant the risk and cost of replacement. It could be that the OFHG is the only one you need - due to its location at the top front of the engine, air flow and gravity will send that oil to cover a lot of your engine if it is leaking well. And it could be that your VCG is not perfect, but you can wait until you're "in there" for a VANOS or head rebuild, or other work.

And the OPG is enough work, and low enough on the car, that you might eventually find yourself talking yourself into living with a little oil under your car, like I do. The OPG is also completely separated from all the other work you are talking about - no advantage of doing it while you're "in there."

If you replace the coils, with no problems, you might want to save the old ones. People like me might want one to carry as a spare. On most cars, coils can last a ridiculously long time. I'm at about 200k miles now, on the original coils, running great. Also as with most cars, be careful about what coils you replace them with, staying as close to Genuine or OE as you can.

On the tires, my 2001 3.0i has non-adjustable original spring suspension. I've got those 285/45r19 107V on the rears and 255/50R19 103V on the fronts. The spare is 235/65R17, and those 3 sizes are all almost exactly the same rolling circumference, as BMW requires.

These are on the 9Jx19 EH2 (front) and 10Jx19 EH2 (rear); 7.5Jx17 SEH2 (spare; S is for special) BMW Style 63 wheels. Everything stock as BMW designed it, all good.

Hope that helps - not knowing exactly what suspension you have, wheels, etc., I can't know what will work for you. But that all works for me. Many people on here are really into the tires and suspension mods, so you should find some good info and answers if you need more.

I had an oil leak on the ground ,picked up a 5.00 OFHG and that fixed the problem,I did it myself.Its been good for about 5 yrs now.the old gasket was dry and brittle.I would try the OFHG first.Sent from my SM-G781W using Xoutpost.com mobile app

- The OFH Gasket: start with that first bc it is easy.
Use only Genuine BMW gasket, about $6.
DIY info in forum.
I usually tighten the bolts in stages to avoid warping the OFH, this also allows the gasket to adjust to the tightening force...

- The oil pan gasket, I'd hold off for now. Just do the OFH gasket first.
The oil pan gasket is a BIG job...

I agree. I was adding about 1 quart every 500 miles until I did the housing filter gasket. Since the alternator has to come out, I did the vanos line and banjo washers. On mine, it looks like I installed its third seal. It was leaking but definitely not the OEM one.

Agree on the OFHG. Recommend getting a Viton one from ECS. They're more expensive, but will last almost forever. Much longer than a stock rubber one. I put one on mine and I expect I'll never have to touch it again.

Wow appreciate the info guys, The OFHG was the main culprit in the oil leaks lol you guys saved me 1200 from almost replacing my oil pan gasket lol.

And I will follow yo info and get 285/45r19 on all fours thanks for the help.