Oil Leak from Engine of my 316i

[smartsarath2003]

Hi,
I have recently purchased a BMW 316i (1999) from octions, but seller was BMW dealer. The car was declared as no major problems.

Just when I am about to declare proud owner of BMW, I have found some traces of oil in the middle of right side of the engine. There was no white smoke and coolant level was good. I haven't checked if it is keep on leaking when I parked.
Does any body think this is a big problem?

Also When I turn ignition ON, the display shows Oil service due -9000 miles and oil dipstick was just little below the min. I am going to give the car for oil change service from a local garage, but I am not sure about the oil leak.
Should I have to get the head gasket changed???

Many Thanks in Advance

[johnnyBgood]

Originally Posted by smartsarath2003

Hi,
I have recently purchased a BMW 316i (1999) from octions, but seller was BMW dealer. The car was declared as no major problems.

Just when I am about to declare proud owner of BMW, I have found some traces of oil in the middle of right side of the engine. There was no white smoke and coolant level was good. I haven't checked if it is keep on leaking when I parked.
Does any body think this is a big problem?

Also When I turn ignition ON, the display shows Oil service due -9000 miles and oil dipstick was just little below the min. I am going to give the car for oil change service from a local garage, but I am not sure about the oil leak.
Should I have to get the head gasket changed???

Many Thanks in Advance

Welcome to the Werkz.....

It is most likely the valve cover gasket, a minor repair!

Below is a DIY for a 6 cylinder valve cover gasket repair......

Doug's Domain :: BMW Valve Cover Gasket DIY

jb

[smartsarath2003]

Hi,
I have taken the car to KwickFit today. The guy thought it was some water from condenser, but when I shown him oil, He said it wasn't a major leak.

But the leak looks fresh.At present, Oil was bit low at min mark. when the oil service is done, this leak may increase further. Presently I only do 2x4 mile trips to work and didn't see any leak onto ground in the morning today. I can't wait to cruise on this car on motorway, but it is knocking my confidence to take long drives.

I have taken some pictures (around the head). I have marked where the oil is leaking in the Engine picture and some close shots of where oil leak appears.
Does any body see this is big problem.

I am taking car to some other garages tomorrow. Does any body have better idea after looking at pictures.

Thanks in Advance
Smartsarath2003

[smartsarath2003]

Hi,
I have taken it to several garages, but many say its not from head gasket, but from the front cover of the engine. Is this the valve cover gasket. I thought valve cover gasket is the top rocker cover???
The engine was mounted vertically on my model and there was a cover on the front of the engine (bottom half, below head, where all pulleys are connected to engine). When car was mounted up in air and with the bottom belly cover removed,I can see oil trace around this front cover.
Many were saying this is normal on many engines and is of a minor issue.Particularly with 10 year old car like mine, they say I can leave them like that.

Does any body agree with this???
Many Thanks
Smartsarath2003

[witeshark]

I think it's better to fix the leak.

[jimmy21]

Originally Posted by smartsarath2003

Hi,
I have recently purchased a BMW 316i (1999) from octions, but seller was BMW dealer. The car was declared as no major problems.

Just when I am about to declare proud owner of BMW, I have found some traces of oil in the middle of right side of the engine. There was no white smoke and coolant level was good. I haven't checked if it is keep on leaking when I parked.
Does any body think this is a big problem?

Also When I turn ignition ON, the display shows Oil service due -9000 miles and oil dipstick was just little below the min. I am going to give the car for oil change service from a local garage, but I am not sure about the oil leak.
Should I have to get the head gasket changed???

Many Thanks in Advance

ave a look at the oil filter housing gasket , had the same prob with my bmw