Oil Leak...puddling near Oil Filter Housing Cap

KieronAHBryan · 03-19-2015, 07:45 PM

Newbie here. Just picked up a 2009 135i Vert a couple months ago. Love it! I have a JB4 and BMS DCI's on my garage shelf, ready to install this this spring after I do some general maintenance, e.g. walnut blasting, spark plugs.

The cars at 93k, so maybe transmission fluid as well? Anything else?

Anyway, back to my main issue: I noticed a small leak when I popped the hood for some engine cleaning...oil is puddling next to the Oil Filter Housing Cap.

Any thoughts as to why? O-ring the likely culprit? Any other possibilities besides that?

If I do replace the o-ring, any leads on where to purchase? Thanks!

Pics:

Dackelone · 03-19-2015, 07:52 PM

Probably due to a sloppy oil change. Use some "Brake Kleen" (CRC's is non flammable I believe), spray and wipe off oil residue. Then monitor that area. Usually the OFH gasket leaks between the head and housing.

For peace of mind.. I would change the oil and filter(and replace that o-ring on the filter cap) and see IF your puddle returns.

PA135i · 03-19-2015, 08:04 PM

I had the OFH gasket replaced in january when I had the car in for other service. The gasket was leaking and needed to be replaced. Not a cheap repair because of the labor.

Ultimateone · 03-19-2015, 08:09 PM

Yup, could be the gasket for the housing, I had mine changed when I did my walnut blasting.

Dackelone · 03-19-2015, 08:14 PM

oil filter housing gasket(s)... #4 & #5

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KieronAHBryan · 03-20-2015, 03:31 PM

Welp...after cleaning up the oil and driving around for a while..the oil is back. Definitely a small leak somewhere.

Random related question. I was already thinking about getting walnut blasting service done. While they are doing that, in theory, is it a cheap fix to have the Oil Filter Housing seals replaced at the same time as well???

It should be, too much extra labor, right...and the seals themselves are pretty cheap.

Likewise, should I just do new spark plugs as well?

This car is at 93k miles, so I want to make sure I'm getting it the service it needs...but also getting 2, 3, maybe 4 birds with one stone wherever I can.

TUN3D · 03-20-2015, 03:46 PM

KieronAHBryan > I had oil deposits as well on the oil-cooler (same as the pics you showed). Changing #5 made it go away. It's an easy 20 min job.

Iron Man · 03-20-2015, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KieronAHBryan

Welp...after cleaning up the oil and driving around for a while..the oil is back. Definitely a small leak somewhere.

Random related question. I was already thinking about getting walnut blasting service done. While they are doing that, in theory, is it a cheap fix to have the Oil Filter Housing seals replaced at the same time as well???

It should be, too much extra labor, right...and the seals themselves are pretty cheap.

Likewise, should I just do new spark plugs as well?

This car is at 93k miles, so I want to make sure I'm getting it the service it needs...but also getting 2, 3, maybe 4 birds with one stone wherever I can.

Is it leaking/seeping at the bottom of the housing or near the cap? My cap was seeping, but it was due to the dealer not replacing the oil filter gaskets when they changed my oil.

lainmike0710 · 03-25-2015, 03:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron Man

Is it leaking/seeping at the bottom of the housing or near the cap? My cap was seeping, but it was due to the dealer not replacing the oil filter gaskets when they changed my oil.

Pure laziness on the dealer's part and truly makes me wonder about getting anything done by them :/

KieronAHBryan · 03-30-2015, 12:38 PM

I had the Walnut Blasting done last weekend. While they were taking care of that, they did the Oil Filter Gaskets as well. No more leak!

Also took that opportunity to install the JB4 + BMS DCI's.

Intake 2 Before Blasting:

Intake 1 After Blasting:

03-19-2015, 07:45 PM	#1
KieronAHBryan Registered 2 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 2009 E88 BMW 135i MSport Conve Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Washington DC iTrader: (0)	Oil Leak...puddling near Oil Filter Housing Cap Newbie here. Just picked up a 2009 135i Vert a couple months ago. Love it! I have a JB4 and BMS DCI's on my garage shelf, ready to install this this spring after I do some general maintenance, e.g. walnut blasting, spark plugs. The cars at 93k, so maybe transmission fluid as well? Anything else? Anyway, back to my main issue: I noticed a small leak when I popped the hood for some engine cleaning...oil is puddling next to the Oil Filter Housing Cap. Any thoughts as to why? O-ring the likely culprit? Any other possibilities besides that? If I do replace the o-ring, any leads on where to purchase? Thanks! Pics:
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03-19-2015, 07:52 PM	#2
Dackelone European Editor 10539 Rep 22,992 Posts Drives: N54 e82 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany iTrader: (1)	Probably due to a sloppy oil change. Use some "Brake Kleen" (CRC's is non flammable I believe), spray and wipe off oil residue. Then monitor that area. Usually the OFH gasket leaks between the head and housing. For peace of mind.. I would change the oil and filter(and replace that o-ring on the filter cap) and see IF your puddle returns. __________________ Dackel's European Delivery Museum Guide
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03-19-2015, 08:04 PM	#3
PA135i Brigadier General 968 Rep 3,323 Posts Drives: 08 135i 08 CR-V Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pennsylvania iTrader: (0)	I had the OFH gasket replaced in january when I had the car in for other service. The gasket was leaking and needed to be replaced. Not a cheap repair because of the labor. __________________ Sparkling Graphite Metallic / 6MT / Terracotta Boston Leather / Sport Package / Comfort Access system / Gray Poplar wood trim / Heated front seats / iPod and USB adapter / HD radio / Premium hi-fi system / OE Tuning / VRSF Intercooler & charge pipe / BMW Performance short shift kit / BMW M Performance Handbrake Handle / BMW Stainless steel pedals / V1 hardwired / rear sun shades *Pennsylvania 20 electoral votes*
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03-19-2015, 08:14 PM	#5
Dackelone European Editor 10539 Rep 22,992 Posts Drives: N54 e82 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany iTrader: (1)	oil filter housing gasket(s)... #4 & #5 __________________ Dackel's European Delivery Museum Guide
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03-20-2015, 03:31 PM	#6
KieronAHBryan Registered 2 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 2009 E88 BMW 135i MSport Conve Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Washington DC iTrader: (0)	Welp...after cleaning up the oil and driving around for a while..the oil is back. Definitely a small leak somewhere. Random related question. I was already thinking about getting walnut blasting service done. While they are doing that, in theory, is it a cheap fix to have the Oil Filter Housing seals replaced at the same time as well??? It should be, too much extra labor, right...and the seals themselves are pretty cheap. Likewise, should I just do new spark plugs as well? This car is at 93k miles, so I want to make sure I'm getting it the service it needs...but also getting 2, 3, maybe 4 birds with one stone wherever I can.
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03-19-2015, 08:09 PM	#4
Ultimateone OG E46Fanatic 173 Rep 845 Posts Drives: 24 Champ White CTR Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (4)	Yup, could be the gasket for the housing, I had mine changed when I did my walnut blasting.
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03-20-2015, 03:46 PM	#7
TUN3D Major 193 Rep 1,181 Posts Drives: none Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: none iTrader: (17)	KieronAHBryan > I had oil deposits as well on the oil-cooler (same as the pics you showed). Changing #5 made it go away. It's an easy 20 min job. __________________
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03-30-2015, 12:38 PM	#10
KieronAHBryan Registered 2 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 2009 E88 BMW 135i MSport Conve Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Washington DC iTrader: (0)	I had the Walnut Blasting done last weekend. While they were taking care of that, they did the Oil Filter Gaskets as well. No more leak! Also took that opportunity to install the JB4 + BMS DCI's. Intake 2 Before Blasting: Intake 1 After Blasting:
	Appreciate 0 Quote