Oil leaks

Derrick E · 20th June 2000, 00:39

Today I noticed an oil leak near the middle of the car, close below where the shifter would be. I did not look really close, but does anyone have an idea where this leak is coming from, i.e. rear seal,etc?. How big of a job is this ($$)?

Thanks

Derrick

Mike Thomas · 1st July 2000, 10:25

Oil leak possibly from prop seal into gearbox.
Just had mine done on a '92 3.6l Euro M5. The exhaust has to come off but the seal is cheap and the whole job cost just under £200 UK Sterling.

S,KERR · 3rd July 2000, 20:04

Just a note to say that most proberly the leak you describe is the gearbox output/selector shaft seals. £200 is a fair price to pay at a BMW dealership.A couple of things to watch out for,1.If the leak is visable under the car the oil leak must be bad (the first sign is smoke from under the car as it burns the oil on the cat/exhaust and 2.After the seals are replaced keep an eye on the back of the gearbox because depending on how well the new ones are fitted they sometimes leak and you will get them replaced again under warrenty.

ChesS · 4th July 2000, 23:05

I also see a leak around my oil pan gasket.
Is this do yourself job? Are there any special instructions? In some E34 models there is a need to raise engine and in others one needs to turn crankshaft in order to get oil pan out..

mikek · 27th August 2001, 12:12

to remove a M5 sump and change the gasket requires the engine to be lifted up a few inches from the car to enable the sump to clear the front cross member/subframe.

regards

Mike k

sscaro · 28th August 2001, 04:43

Could be a leaking detent cover plate - they warp and leak. I was getting fluid on the exhaust and it would smell bad every time I got out of the car - finally it began to drip.

My tech straightened mine & used some kind of adhesive gasket compound to seal it - no parts, just about $175 labor. He says it will likely happen again in about a year - common problem.