'Tis the season to break down. HUGE oil leak, ~1L of oil on driveway.
 

This thing seems to be perfectly timed to break down every winter during the busiest times at the University. Once again the X5 sits on the driveway in need of a flat bed. Just what I need during the already stressful end of semester crunch. Anyhow...

OH JOY! I just checked the forecast, it seems that Lethbridge is in for a winter storm warning tonight and into tomorrow! Only in Alberta, +15 to winter storm over night.


The Situation:

-- Washed car yesterday evening. The engine was on for a good 20 minutes, between washing, picking up food, and driving home. It only had 1 short ignition time which was when I turned off the car while washing. The remaining ~19 mins the engine was running at optimal temperature.

-- Before returning home, I did not notice any oil (parking lot, car wash), nor did I notice any unusual noises, warning lights, or change in engine response.

-- When I arrived home, after parking, as I walked to my door I noticed some stains in the driveway. I thought nothing of it, and assumed it was from excess water dripping off of the car after the wash.

-- Well, this morning I saw that the stains remained, and upon closer inspection I realized the stains are a result of oil splattered everywhere. I checked the oil level, which is low but not dry.

-- I fire up the X for 15 sec to see what happens. And then the shit storm.
Oil literally began to drain out of the engine with in seconds from somewhere located on the drivers side.

And here I am.

These are links to some videos of what I am describing, exactly when it happened.

First thing I saw, I have not started the vehicle yet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lE0dzugMV9Y

Minutes later the second video shows what happened after starting the vehicle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgxPH25Tjb4 --> Warning! Viewers may find the images disturbing.


Thank you for any help or comments. CCV failure? Major engine seal? Filter Housing?

Ned

that happened to me. the day after I brought the x5 home from the dealer with 82,000 miles on it. It's the CCV. water (condensation) gets in there freezes and the devil knows what is next. The dealer fixed mine for free.

You can fix it yourself for cheap or the dealer will charge about $500 or more to replace. there is a diy up top here. You need to make sure you have the heater to keep from freezing. Cold weather version.

Oil Separator and Intake Manifold DIY - E46Fanatics

Here's the diy link

Oil filter housing gasket is more gradual. Main bearing seal? I have not experienced this one yet, on a ford or chevy main seal failure is more gradual, at least in my own experience.

Hey, thank you for the info. Now that I am calming down, a little bit, I am beginning to agree that this is likely the common oil separator failure issue. I am hoping the damage is isolated. If all I have to do is replace the CCV and hoses that would be great. I hope there are no other failed gaskets involved (valve cover etc.) Or tons of oil and water in the engine.

Ahhh the ol' routine:

1. Break down
2. Immediately consult Xoutpost
3. Call flat bed
4. Get official diagnosis confirming what you already know ($100)
5. Listen to Indies/dealers astronomical quote
6. Source parts
7. Hesitate when deciding whether I want more time, or more money (DIY or take to shop)
9. Do I have the tools? will it be warm enough outside? When do I need the car? How cheap are the tools I don't have?
8. Decision TBD.

usually these don't fail at the same time. Valve cover gasket is a 3 or 4 hr job but very straight forward. the water stays contained in the os there should be any in the engine, also the extreme heat created drives out any moisture that gets in there. good luck.

wow really these cars just explode like this? Gay.

Be honest, are you really surprised? Sorry to hear about your misfortune.

haha it's true I was not surprised at all. When I realized there was trouble, it was just a big sigh, it is all just too familiar.

The worst part is that I tried to be proactive this year. I bought a new battery, installed an oil pan heating pad, and I would ensure that I took long trips as often as possible to burn off accumulated moisture. On top of it all, it has been warm as hell this winter!

The CCV must have been damned from the beginning, due to previous winters. In all likelihood, this was going to happen at some point despite my measures, short of actually cleaning out the CCV....of course this is all assuming it is the separator.

Ned, I'm sorry to hear.

You know your situation best. If that's your daily driver, don't have another vehicle, storm coming ... tough situation. :(

Shit happens and often its at the worst times. Hang in there man!

Thanks! In the end, I am grateful I have a car to break down in the first place.

*me trying to look on the brighter side.