1997 528i BMW Oil Leaking IDK WHERE

[iunknown]

Hi, Guys I need a little help with an oil leak in my car. I came out this morning to heat up my car and i noticed alot of oil on the floor i turned off the car and looked under and it was leaking oil drip after drip and not small little drips but like when someone gently squishes a bottle and you get water to drain out.

I really can't see where the leak is coming from i checked the engine and i see no leaks on top from the oil filter housing or even the where you put in new oil. I checked any lines on top and nothing so its coming from under the engine somewhere. Also at the bottom the leak is about 5 inches away from the oil pan itself. I really cant see where the oil is coming from because of the plastic cover. I really cant take it off because I don't have the tools to do it. I have to wait for my dad to come later tonight and bring some tools. But in the mean time I am here asking for some help to see what you guys might think is going on or what can possibly be broken.

I also attached some pics of where i see the leak to give you a clear view.

[bkgreene39]

All you need is a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the cover and some ramps or jacks to get underneath. Not sure where your leak is coming from, can't tell from the pictures. You sure it's oil? Have you checked your oil level? Check the power steering reservoir just in case as well.

[cwise12]

Sounds like an oil filter housing gasket to me. Common problem on the I6 engines. Common spots these engines leak oil are from this gasket, the valve cover, the oil pan gasket itself, and potentially around the top of the oil filter cap. There aren't many other places where leaks are common.

You're sure the fluid is engine oil and not fluid from your power steering system? The PS fluid is actually ATF and should be red in color.

If you don't have the tools to remove the cover, I'd shy away from trying to fix this issue yourself...

[iunknown]

All you need is a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the cover and some ramps or jacks to get underneath. Not sure where your leak is coming from, can't tell from the pictures. You sure it's oil? Have you checked your oil level? Check the power steering reservoir just in case as well.

Yeah i checked the fluid levels. Power steering reservoir was in perfect shape at level, Oil was extremely low because of the leak. was right under last notch.

[auaq]

That is a serious leak. Really you are going to have to search in deeper to find where the leak is coming from.

[moots]

looks like it has been leaking for a while as the oil is sprayed all over the bottom.as stated by others...remove the plastic bottom cover.
you may have to clean the gunk up to see the leak...but best to clean it anyways...