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Thread: 2001 325i oil leak... help...

  1. #1
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    2001 325i

    2001 325i oil leak... help...

    Hey guys, so I have a 2001 325i E46 (obviously) but I’ve had this oil leak for about 3 weeks since I bought it and can’t figure it out at all.
    I’ve replaced the OFH gasket and oil pan gasket and yet it still leaks... a lot. Basically a puddle. I can get my hand around the ccv and hoses and they feel dry. I have not driven it for a week now and still see a little dripping. I can see it’s coming right above the rack and dripping down the pan onto the floor. Any ideas or suggestions at this point?

  2. #2
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    2001 525it
    What about power steering hoses

  3. #3
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    No. It’s oil. ATF is a different color and in my opinion that would be an easier one to track down.

  4. #4
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    98 Euro M3, 04 M3, 06 M5
    Burnt/old atf can look like engine oil. Dont rule it out based on color alone.

    You need to get underneath the car and follow the wetness. Its impossible for us to tell you whats leaking.
    Current:

    - 09 335i MSport, FBO.
    - 98 Euro M3, Estoril Blue
    - 04 M3, Carbon Black, 6 Speed Coupe
    - 06 M5, Black on Black, Full Leather.
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    Ex's: 1984 325e, 1988 325IX, 1992 525I, 1995 540i/6, 2002 330i, 2005 330xi, 1992 850i, 2003 330i #1, 2003 330i #2, 2002 330ci, 2004 330ci, 2007 328CI, 2007 335i, 2001 M3, 2006 M5 6 speed

  5. #5
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    2018 BMW M240i
    Check the ps reservoir. Just because.

  6. #6
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    I have brand new synthetic oil in it. I’m sure I’d be able to tell the difference between that and ATF.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
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    2004 325XI/2008 GL320
    The original ATF used in the ZF and GM transmissions is not red, nor does it smell like ATF. But if you say its engine oil, then I don't doubt it. Can you see what area its dripping from (front, middle, back of engine?)

  8. #8
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    2001 325i
    Basically middle of oil pan to the floor. I can see it leaking onto the front of the oil pan down then to the floor. Thing is I’ve already replaced the OFHG and not sure how often the housing actually cracks. I want to say it’s coming from somewhere above the middle of the motor considering it’s dripping on to the rack.

  9. #9
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    Check to see if its leaking from the intake vanos oil line or copper seals.

  10. #10
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    2001 330i and 2005 330i
    Also check the valve cover gasket. If you did not replace the grommets, you can get a leak even with a new gasket.
    Did you do the oil pan gasket? That's a hideous job (ask me how I know). Those bolts take almost no torque at all. I had to buy yet another wrench just for the low torque values. For the motor to drip onto the floor, you have a serious problem. Get under the car and look. Looking is free.
    Johnny Murray

  11. #11
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    325e 535i M5 325iT 330i
    "Looking is free." ROFL (under the car). Always remember that gravity is your friend. Put some newspaper or better yet, butcher paper, under the car. See the puddle. Look straight up. Trace it up to the leak. I'd wager it's the oil filter housing. Ask me how I know - I own more than one of these bloody cars.

  12. #12
    Join Date
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    E46 wag. E36 convertible
    It is very hard to make eye's on a source of leakage of oil for the 'inline' as we know.....Usual are for the 'inline' are "oil filter housing gasket" the twin-cam..valve cover...they are reported to LEAK oil......

  13. #13
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    EXOTICS
    Quote Originally Posted by dhurley34 View Post
    Check to see if its leaking from the intake vanos oil line or copper seals.
    It's been posted once, I'll repeat it as the most probable cause, unless the OFHG was damaged or incorrectly installed.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    May 2017
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    Maple Valley
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    2001 BMW 325i
    I have a '01 325i and replaced the OFHG several months ago, but it still leaks. Get under the car, wipe every clean and use cardboard or something to catch the oil. Next day, check it and trace the leak. Most likely valve cover or OFHG. I know many E46 owners and they ALL say it's one / two of the most common leaks. Go luck!

  15. #15
    Join Date
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    2001 E46 325ti Compact
    Cracked valvecover? It’s seen before and pretty hard to see if you’re not looking specifically for it....


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  16. #16
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    Mar 2017
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    E46 wag. E36 convertible
    The most common oil leak issues I have researched for the 2.5 almost always involve the 'oil filter housing gasket'...almost always! It is the most common...Mine leaks, I add a cup of oil about every 2nd tank of fuel usage..700+ miles or so......I'm lazy...it is on my list for things to do coming spring...

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