Oil leak under my 2005 X5 4.4i
 

Hello all,

I've noticed about a 6-7 inch diameter oil leak on the garage floor this morning. I haven't driven the X5 in about a week or so. I have never had experienced any oil leak so far, and today's discovery came as a shock. The oil leak is not under the engine, but somewhat midsection. Being that I live in the middle of Montana's nowhere, I do my regular oil changes and minor services. It seems that the leak comes from this part, more exactly the left side near the nuts:

http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/3...ercarriage.jpg


http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/428...rcarriageb.jpg


It's raining terribly today therefore I used existing pictures from the oilchange DIY section.

Could anyone enlighten me on the part I need to refer to when I call BMW? The X5 is still under CPO warranty, any idea if it would be covered at all?

Appreciate all the responses.

Regards, Lev.

Is that the transmission pan? Where would the oil be coming from? This seems to be a bigger problem than I originally thought.

That looks like trans oil pan, now if the mechatronic-plug seal is bad you can have that slow leeak, it did on my 535i (very common problem even with only 30kmiles on it). I wouldn't worry too much unless you have a pool of oil on the floor.

HPIA,

Appreciate your input. Will call Spokane BMW and see if they can estimate coverage under CPO or not. I know it's pretty much diagnosing someone with a bleeding nose over the phone... but unfortunately cannot drive 500 miles to be told that it's not covered :)

It should, BMW even good-will some of these on E60 cars. Now the illogical thing is BMW wouldn't replace the filter(which is integrated to the bottom of the pan and will re-use the old trans oil, not refilling it with fresh 5-quart or so, they may add some due to leak though). GL.

Patiently waiting on a response. Due to a very busy day at Spokane(that's what I was told) they could not take my phone call, so I left a message...

Got the call and according to the gentleman I spoke to, most oil leaks are covered. This trip will not only put 800 miles on the car but will cost about 180-200 bucks in gas, plus $50 deductible and $100 for a hotel. Is this an easy fix by any chance? Or it's good to let them take a look at the whole vehicle as the CPO expires in September of this year.

You should definitely have them look at it and repair the leak, when its still under CPO warranty. It that the only BMW dealer in Montana?

Montana has no BMW dealerships, this is in Spokane, WA. Wonder if I could drive it like this to Phoenix next month? I would save some mileage and have it taken care by the Scottsdale dealership. The X5 will stay in Arizona with the wife.

Oil Leak 01 4.4 X5
 

I am also experiencing an oil leak similar to the one you describe. I took the X5 to the following repair shops/dealer with their diagnosis:
1. Baron BMW - Transmission input shaft seal leaking - Also High pressure power steering pump hose leaking -Parts and labor $1500 - $2000.
2.Autobaun Motors (Indie) - Motor mount oil seals (?) leaking - Valve covers leaking - Transmission input shaft not leaking. - Parts and labor $1,300. Also Rear Wisbone replacement needed and Driveshaft "clicking" when engaged in gear, needs to be replaced - Parts and labor $2,400.
3. Autopia (Indie) -Upper oil pan(oil separator?) leaking. Rear suspension squeek caused by worn wishbones. Driveshaft a little noisy but not serious yet (109,000 miles) parts & Labor oil leak -$800.00 Rear suspension $1100.

So, the oil leak has actually slowed down to a minor drip and I am ignoring it for now, mainly because I have been spending on average over $300 a month on repairs for this piece of crap since i bought it (used in 05'). Needless to say, this is my last BMW of any kind. What a disappointment.