Serious oil leak
 

2002 X5 3.0, 142,100 miles

Hi I switched to Castrol 5-40 from M1 0w-40 EF, I had my suspension worked on new ball joints and front stabilizer. about 1200 miles ago. Right after that I changed the oil and put in Castrol 5w-40 141,00. It's down today a qt.+, in about 1000 miles (since the oil change) there are drops hanging on the skid plate under the oil pan. I can't see the source of the leak.

It was using about 1 qt every 1500 miles and it suddenly jumped to a qt/1000. I know that 1qt/1000 is still is within specs for oil consumption.

I'm concerned about the sudden acceleration of loosing oil. I don't mind topping off the oil I'm just concerned that it will continue to accelerate and require a major overhaul. The engine runs fantastic.

I don't see any signs of water or contamination in the oil. And can't see any leaks on the engine in the areas that I can see. I removed the skid plate but, that's all so far.

If you were me where would you look first, second etc.

I will keep topping off for now, but, I would like to know the source. I'm thinking about handing over $150 for the BMW dealer to find the source of the leak.

I know I'm going to get flamed for this but, is there any stop leak additive to put in the engine to help the leaking?

ambient temperature drop combined with driving factors (short trips cold).
drain plug failing / failed?
In my case it was the filter seal, and requires 3 hours at dealer to repair -- vehicle had oil changes done personally by previous owner, so dunno if it was an uh-oh due to him or if they just fail over time (120k, me)
good luck (and do I really need to say 'no' to 'stop-leak'? :bustingup)

mine did the same thing. when you placed the oil plug back in did you replace the metal o-ring on the bolt. I didn't at first and it leaked horribly. changed it and all whent back to normal.

My leak is the gasket on the oil filter housing. Search that to find writeups on changing and there are a few pictures showing you where to look for leakage, just behind housing on the block. Could be this. I am changing mine this coming weekend.

Just a flyer but, those oil drops may be residual from the oil change: unless one is very, very careful and cleans up like after a crime scene, some oil collects on the shield, and then drips for days/weeks.

And, did you or the oil change guy, fill with the proper amount? Sometimes a qt short fill shows up quickly.

Also, as Phr3D suggested, maybe a worn or improperly seated crush washer or drain bolt...

Qt every 1,000? I wouldn't blink if it were mine...

You did the change, or a dlr or Indie?
GL, mD