oil leak - please help! - BMW Forum

harobe · 01-09-2011, 02:44 PM

I have a 1995 325i with an oil leak somewhere on the drivers side. The oil drops off a metal piece not directly from the block.
Lately, I realized that it is real bad when I first start the car & not so bad once warmed up. It seems a gasket expands & the leak diminishes.
What is on the drivers side that can leak?
Thanks for your help!

johnnyBgood · 01-09-2011, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harobe

I have a 1995 325i with an oil leak somewhere on the drivers side. The oil drops off a metal piece not directly from the block.
Lately, I realized that it is real bad when I first start the car & not so bad once warmed up. It seems a gasket expands & the leak diminishes.
What is on the drivers side that can leak?
Thanks for your help!

Can you point out, where on the driver's side using the pic below:

harobe · 01-09-2011, 03:32 PM

It is about where the brace holds up the motor.

johnnyBgood · 01-09-2011, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harobe

It is about where the brace holds up the motor.

that looks like it could be the oil pan gasket.......# 8 in link below:

RealOEM.com BMW E36 325i OIL PAN/OIL LEVEL INDICATOR

jbg

harobe · 01-10-2011, 10:44 AM

If that is the problem, how difficult is that to change?

johnnyBgood · 01-10-2011, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harobe

If that is the problem, how difficult is that to change?

Be sure it is leaking between the oil pan & engine block, you will see seepage & wetness on the oil pan.

Pelican Technical Article: BMW Oil Pan Gasket Replacement

94BMW325i · 01-12-2011, 06:01 PM

Clean of engine with a few cans of brake clean and drive car for a day or 2. Look for highest point. If it is a pretty good oil leak I would check the oil filter housing, otherwise may be valve cover gasket, or oil pan.