2012 N55 Burning Oil - Passenger Side

[beattiecj]

Hi All,

I have just noticed today my 2012 135i N55 motor is burning oil.

Issue/Notes:
- Burning oil smell coming into the car when coming to a stop
- Puffs of smoke coming from passenger side of the engine bay, appears to be near the down pipe where the o2 sensor is located
- No significant oil loss, oil level still showing as full
- Does not appear to originate from the valve cover
- Car pulls and runs fine, no codes are appearing
- Car has 44k miles

Any input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

[Mr Gasser]

leaky pcv? or small valve cover gasket leak?

[mr.fabulous]

Oil filter housing gasket (something BMW still can't seem to get right)

[Mr Gasser]

Really? N55 has that problem too? Use the black sealer when replacing the gasket on the bottom especially. If you have an oil cooler, replace those 2 O rings.

[mr.fabulous]

Originally Posted by Mr Gasser

Really? N55 has that problem too? Use the black sealer when replacing the gasket on the bottom especially. If you have an oil cooler, replace those 2 O rings.

just a WAG...

[Mr Gasser]

Yes I'm familiar with that term lol.

[cjb762]

I just had the exact same symptoms (2013 N55). Mine was a leaking valve cover gasket.

[beattiecj]

Confirmed today it's the valve cover seal leaking onto the turbo and cat. Thanks for all the input. Great way to start off 2018 haha!

[Zombie_Head]

Originally Posted by beattiecj

Confirmed today it's the valve cover seal leaking onto the turbo and cat. Thanks for all the input. Great way to start off 2018 haha!

Why not replace the OFHG while you are at it? since the valve cover it getting off, might be a good idea since you have access to it.

Also how are the injectors and HPFP? I do not mean to hijack or start adding $$$ to your simple cover gasket work, but since a lot if getting removed and you have access right there to get the other items done (as proactive maintenance) i would personally bite the bullet and do as much work as possible (well just those atm) to have a peace of mind for miles and years to come. Bank account will not be too happy though....

[beattiecj]

Originally Posted by Zombie_Head

Why not replace the OFHG while you are at it? since the valve cover it getting off, might be a good idea since you have access to it.

Also how are the injectors and HPFP? I do not mean to hijack or start adding $$$ to your simple cover gasket work, but since a lot if getting removed and you have access right there to get the other items done (as proactive maintenance) i would personally bite the bullet and do as much work as possible (well just those atm) to have a peace of mind for miles and years to come. Bank account will not be too happy though....

Originally Posted by Zombie_Head

Why not replace the OFHG while you are at it? since the valve cover it getting off, might be a good idea since you have access to it.

Also how are the injectors and HPFP? I do not mean to hijack or start adding $$$ to your simple cover gasket work, but since a lot if getting removed and you have access right there to get the other items done (as proactive maintenance) i would personally bite the bullet and do as much work as possible (well just those atm) to have a peace of mind for miles and years to come. Bank account will not be too happy though....

I agree my bank account will not be happy! The OFHG looks like a PITA, though I'm willing to attempt that myself as for the others maybe some fun weekend projects along with the water pump. One thing I do miss about having an evo was being able to rip into the engine with ease.

[Mr Gasser]

Its not that hard, and a good time to clean the valves...saw you have 44K miles so valves be still be ok. If I'm not mistaken the N55 OFH may be accessible without taking off the intake manifold, if not its really hard to believe its leaking after 44K.

[Zombie_Head]

Originally Posted by beattiecj

I agree my bank account will not be happy! The OFHG looks like a PITA, though I'm willing to attempt that myself as for the others maybe some fun weekend projects along with the water pump. One thing I do miss about having an evo was being able to rip into the engine with ease.

Well i was stating what i would do if the valve cover was removed and if i am unsure the condition of the HPFP/OFHG are.

Whatever you decide on doing, good luck get her back on the road!

[beattiecj]

Originally Posted by Zombie_Head

Well i was stating what i would do if the valve cover was removed and if i am unsure the condition of the HPFP/OFHG are.

Whatever you decide on doing, good luck get her back on the road!

Originally Posted by Zombie_Head

Well i was stating what i would do if the valve cover was removed and if i am unsure the condition of the HPFP/OFHG are.

Whatever you decide on doing, good luck get her back on the road!

It's all good, she's all back together. I had a local shop do it. Currently 8 degrees out : .I appreciate the input and the preventive maintenance tips.