[nparsons75]

Hi all, during my annual complimentary health inspection check I was informed that my BMW 320D F30 M-Sport has a gearbox sump oil leak. I was also informed that the whole sump needs to be replaced, even though it is a seal leaking. Approx £800 to replace.....

The car has only covered 38,000 miles so I am surprised and very dissapointed to see a leak at this age. Is this common with this type of car? Do I need to do as BMW say and replace the whole sump etc.

Im looking for advice before paying out the horrendous £800...

Appreciate any help or advice, thank you.

[Watsey]

Is there any sign of impact damage ? If not I'd argue the case with BMW that it's a manufacturing defect and ask them to replace it FOC. If you are outside of the warranty period you should still be justified in making a case for replacement under legislation relating to merchantable goods and fitness for purpose : 38K miles on a 3-4 year old car is below average annual mileage and low in total.

Has the car got a FBMWSH ?

[nparsons75]

Hi, thank you for your time, I was thinking the same thing to be honest. I do not believe there is any impact damage, just a fine mist leak they described it as. Sorry, what is FBMWSH?

[Watsey]

Originally Posted by nparsons75

Hi, thank you for your time, I was thinking the same thing to be honest. I do not believe there is any impact damage, just a fine mist leak they described it as. Sorry, what is FBMWSH?

Full BMW Service History.

[nparsons75]

Of course it it....should have knew that!!, yes it has got a full service history.

[Watsey]

Did the dealer take pictures or video when the car was on the ramps ?

There's a big difference between a slight weep compared to an active leak (dripping). If it's a weep, and it's not dripping onto an under tray where it could pool and then dump transmission fluid onto your drive, then I'd be tempted to leave it if BMW won't replace it FOC.

The reason for the size of the bill will be primarily due to the cost of the transmission fluid; usually around £500 for an elective change if BMW does it.

[nparsons75]

They never aid about any images. I do not see any oil evidence on my drive. I did have a friend look at it and he rubbed a finger on it and shown me he oil. His finger tip was slightly wet with dirty oil off the side of the sump. I do some long ish distance driving throughout the year, trips of around 600 miles in one trip. I would be unsure if it was safe to travel this distance with the leak, worried that the gearbox may be damaged.

[Watsey]

If it's just a weep then it's extremely unlikely that you'd lose enough transmission fluid such that it could compromise the gearbox.

If BMW won't replace the sump you could ask them, as a gesture of goodwill, to check the transmission fluid level and top it up if necessary. Then just keep an eye on things. If the weep develops into a drip you'll most likely start to notice spotting on your drive (or parking place if you park on the road).

I'd still push BMW for a FOC replacement of the sump though. That's not normal for a young car with low miles.

[nparsons75]

Yes I agree, I have just emailed the customer services and will see what response I get. Thanks for your assistance.