Hello guys,

First off, great thread a lot of useful information in here. I have been compiling a list of supplies needed to do the job, I was browsing some other forums just to be on the safe side, and came across some items and wondered if I do indeed need them in completion of this job. The items are axle seals, screw plug , sealing sleeve and Banjo bolts o-ring I am not sure what these items even refer if I do indeed them. Can anyone confirm this information and that I do indeed those parts or not? any answers would be greatly appreciated I am tackling this job soon and want to have all the bases covered, some additional information my car is a X3 3.0i built in 2005 with a M54 engine. Any guidance on the matter what be great, I just want to make sure that I will have a complete list of supplies so I can complete the job within a reasonable time. Thanks guys and again great thread.

My dealer quoted $1837 for the oil pan gasket and main seal. My oil consumption is a quart every 2000 miles. So I figure I'll be able to drive another 400,000 miles before I'd hit breakeven on the gasket change! As long as there's no drips or smoke, I'll live with the seepage.

2002 X5 3.0 252,000 miles
2004 325i 113,000 miles

Just got mine back from service. LF axle and VC gasket (third one is 2 years)... They found oil pan seeping too. Price w/ labor - $1949. Check my service history in my sig and look at the invoice from BMW of Columbia.

Ouch!

For 2013 and 2014 has been tough for me too (Repairs)
* VC Gasket
* Oil Filter Gasket
* PS Steering Suction Hose
* PS Hose (Radiator Return line) leaking to Coolant Hose (Cooling System Water Hose)
* Basic Module 3 // The most expensive part that I have paid for!
* Door Carrier

Now: Side mirror gears busted / motor optional :(

I keep telling myself, this is cheaper than a constant monthly payment or lease.

After all this, hopefully my SUV will be back to a stable state for the next 50k miles ( I can only hope :) )

Our repairs seem awfully similar. Although I had to do the complete filter housing, because when they replaced the gasket they damaged a valve or something.

Mine where one time only ( again, one can only hope!)
Hopefully I won't see them again in the next 50k miles

I went with the hard core approach (preventive maintenance) phase, having the mind set of while I am in there, replace this+replace that... But I got tired!

Now I just go with -> #1 when the part fail permanently.......#2 "clear" and "heavy sign" imminent failure...

I am by the book for the recommended maintenance/care .... my reference BAVAUTO maintenance schedule

Good luck! I've paid more for maintenance and service than I paid for the car. I'm debating whether I need to cut my losses and sell it. But damn, I love my X.

Three VC gaskets in 2 years is not normal at all. Sounds like it is not being done properly or there is some other realated component causing a problem. I replaced my first one at 245,000 miles.

2002 X5 3.0 252,500 miles
2004 325i 113,000 miles

Are you sure they are replacing the 15 grommet seals as well when doing the VC Gasket? I'd look at it on your invoice.

If they haven't, I guarantee that's the reason it's leaked 3 times in 2 years, those 15 grommet seals NEED TO BE DONE each time the VCG is replaced or it will leak.

Ha! Another old thread, but I realized I never came back to update...

I finally caved in and paid $$$ to have the oil pan gasket replaced. That was definitely the culprit. That was back in February... It is now October and I have yet to see a single drop of oil.

However, ever since they did that work, I am having other issues with the vehicle. Anyway, at least the leak is finally gone... LOL