check oil leak source

[philrosenberg]

Hi
I've just purchased my first BMW, a 2001 325 Ci Sport. Very happy with the way it drives, but just a few small things to sort, which is to be expected for a car this age.

Ive read a common oil leaks thread. Can't remember if it was here or another forum. The cam cover is definitely leaking oil - I see residue on the exhaust manifold heat shield and get a bit of a burning oil smell in the cabin. The power steering reservoir also leaks. However down the front right of the block there is a lot of oil and the AC compressor is covered in oil too. Looking at it, I would guess this could also be the cam cover at the front, but I wanted to check if there is another likely source as I'll try to tackle both at once if possible.

Thanks
Phil

[johnjmurray]

Oil filter housing gasket too. Don't get the cheap ebay gaskets unless you want to do the service again in 2 months. If it foes in or on my motor, it needs to have a roundel on it. Always replace the rubber grommets when replacing the valve cover gasket (a few extra bolts are good insurance too).

[andyleonard]

Oil filter housing gasket too. Don't get the cheap ebay gaskets unless you want to do the service again in 2 months. If it foes in or on my motor, it needs to have a roundel on it. Always replace the rubber grommets when replacing the valve cover gasket (a few extra bolts are good insurance too).

The little grommets are not negotiable. Get them and use them.

[philrosenberg]

Thanks
Annoyingly my gasket didn't come with the grommets. Guess they're another part number. Just replaced it today using the old ones. I guess I'll have to get some grommets and redo the job another weekend.

Thanks for the tips.

Phil

[andyleonard]

After I left my old grommets in out I got a leak at the front corner from the new gasket. I put a thin washer under the suspect grommets as a temp fix and it worked. Just don't warp the cover.

[philrosenberg]

I've had to reassemble using the original grommets, but I suspect that they have shrunk as you suggested as all bolts wound down to the end of the threads. I found the grommets as a separate part on ebay at a reasonable price. Hopefully I'll get chance to replace them over Christmas.