BMW vehicles have been carefully engineered and designed to provide you with high-performance driving experiences for many years to come as long as you keep up with your scheduled maintenance. Therefore, if you notice changes in your vehicle’s performance, you should initially look for visual evidence of things like oil or fluid leaks. Normally, the oil in your BMW does not get used up, so if your engine oil is low and you need to add to it, there may be an oil leak somewhere. Fortunately, if you adhere to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule the oil leak will be identified and repaired before you experience serious performance issues or even engine failure. That’s why it is important to have a reputable BMW repair shop like Supertech Auto Repair North Vancouver check your BMW for oil leaks as soon as possible.
Possible BMW Oil Leak Sources
Valve Cover Gasket
The valve cover gasket is one of the most common sources of oil leaks in BMW vehicles, especially after being on the road for over 100,000 kilometres. The valve covers are located at the top of the engine. Their basic function is to protect the rocker arms and valves. Between the covers and the engine block, there is a gasket, usually made of rubber or cork, to prevent oil from leaking out. Unfortunately, over time, this gasket begins to crack or break down (please note that leaks can sometimes occur with newer valve covers as well). As a result, your BMW’s engine oil begins to leak out.
Oil Pan Gasket
The oil pan gasket is another source of oil leaks for your BMW. Many BMW models have an oil pan underneath the engine to provide easier access to it. Like the valve cover gasket, the oil pan gasket also develops leaks over time. However, a leak can also be the result of human errors, for example not failing to tighten the oil cap enough or not plugging the oil pan gasket properly after your oil change.
Rear Main Seal
The rear main seal is also a common source of oil leaks in BMWs. The rear main seal can fail because of excessive wear on the crankshaft. As a result, the lip is unable to control the leaking fluid. The rear main seal keeps the oil sealed inside the back of the engine where the crankshaft and the transmission meet. Repairing such a leak can be costly since it can mean dismantling the transmission and even part of, or all of, the engine. It’s also important to note that if the rear main seal is not replaced or if it is not detected, your BMW engine could be damaged permanently!
Additional Sources of BMW Oil Leaks
Failing gaskets in the oil filter housing and timing cover can cause your BMW to leak oil as well. It is possible that if you detect an oil leak on the left side of the engine or one that seems to be from the oil pan, that it is oil leaking from the oil filter housing. As with most gaskets, this is also made of rubber which means that it can harden over time and begin to leak oil. What’s more, the timing cover gasket can fail due to normal wear and tear. This can result in oil or coolant leaks.
How to Deal with BMW Oil Leaks
Your BMW leak issues can be resolved by replacing the failing gaskets. However, when fixing oil leaks, it’s important to get highly experienced and qualified BMW mechanics to inspect and repair your vehicle as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage to your BMW engine.
At Supertech Auto Repair North Vancouver, our dedicated mechanics provide you with the highest quality BMW auto repair services that ensure you will be able to get back on the road with confidence. Our BMW mechanics will make sure the repairs are performed properly and will only use quality OEM parts without charging you dealership prices. Take the worry out of your driving with our Complimentary Multi-Point Visual Checkups during every visit, as well as 3-year/60, 000 Km Nationwide Warranties.
If you are searching for exceptional BMW service and repairs, contact us online or call us to book your appointment. We’ve built our company by removing the frustration from auto repair.