Multiple Gasket Leaks 2015 N13 335 XDrive

[CptRobert]

A few weeks ago my dealership identified a leaking oil pan gasket on my 2015 335 XDrive M-package, along with a blown and leaking strut at 84,000 mi. I took the car to a local Audi and BMW specialist shop and in addition they identified leaks of the valve cover gasket and the oil filter housing gasket. I authorized repair; the shop replaced those three gaskets for $4200 USD.
I replaced the struts with a pair of Bilstein B4s during the same service episode. The ride on the new struts is definitely improved but not revolutionary. New struts probably need a couple months to loosen up a little which will make them even better.
Anyway, that’s a lot of expensive leakage for a middle-aged inline-6 (N55). Is this experience typical?

[328 Power 04]

The engine in your car is the N55; the N13 is a 1.6 liter 4-cyl used in Minis and some BMWs, which is originally a Peugeot engine.

I had Bilstein B4 in my xdrive car and they are pretty bad. They are way too soft and the chassis will bounce up and down like the shocks are blown.

[CptRobert]

Thanks for the information. Corrections made.
R

[dworthy]

I run the B-6's on both E-46's which feel pretty close to stock, much better than the old shocks of course but I like them. If you didn't replace the rears, it will feel a bit off as you have a new set up front and original shocks in the rear still.

[E24man]

UK car here, a 2015 435d xdrive, which developed a small but persistent oil leak at around 40k miles that despite the car being under warranty BMW refused to address. I took it to my independent guy (who is far better than the main dealer and he eventually traced to exactly the same thing - leaks from between the block and the oil. He said some of the bolts had come a little loose which was unusual but not unheard of, and there was no gasket - just sealant between the faces. Anyhow, he fixed it and it's been tight and dry since.

I probably ought to start a separate thread but now our car has got to 73k miles we are switching to 10k oil chnages and I'm also getting the gearbox oil and filter changed next month -ZF 'sealed for life' is the biggest lie since 'trust me I'm a doctor/priest/lawyer*' so I decided to ask him to get it done.

[CptRobert]

Thanks for the info, E24man. My local BMW repair shop is very good and my service advisor told me they get at least weekly an N55 engine with one or more of the 'big three' leaking gaskets: valve cover, oil pan, and oil filter mount. My SA made no mention of any bolts in the oil filter mount but I didn't know to ask. In any case, the leaking gaskets are known issues in the N55 engine and as far as I know, BMW has failed to address it, even for cars like yours still under warranty. I doubt they ever will.
When you wrote you were switching to 10K oil changes, what interval were you switching from? What is your opinion on purchasing an extended warranty at time of purchase to cover things like leaking struts and gaskets? Would such problems be covered?
On a positive note, my 335 is running and riding noticeably smoother and quieter since new run-flat tires were installed, gaskets were replaced, front brakes were completely rebuilt, and new B4 struts were installed. I'm hoping no further work is needed for a long time.
R

[E24man]

Our car is still under full BMW warranty just in case of major failures, I will stop paying it at 100k miles as it becomes bonkers expensive per month/year - and we're going to 10k oil changes from the approximate 18 to 20k that the service computer indicates.