F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > Mechanical Maintenance and TSBs: Break-in / Oil & Fluids / Servicing / TSBs and Service Bulletin > Oil leak 328i 2013 help
Extreme Powerhouse
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-08-2018, 05:45 PM   #1
RogerMcGowan
New Member
United_States
13
Rep
26
Posts

Drives: Red 2013 BMW 328i
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Charlotte

iTrader: (0)

Oil leak 328i 2013 help

Hey everyone. Bought a 2013 BMW 328i about a week ago. Got the oil smell and smoke coming from the back toward the passenger side. Did the research, figured it was a VCG and had it replaced. Car continued to smoke (not as bad) and still had that smell occasionally. I chalked it up to residual oil burning off, but it wouldn't go away so I decided to really get in there and clean it. Went back out tonight and found this "puddle" so obviously there's still a leak. Assuming the VCG is good, what else could be the issue? Oil pan gasket? OFHG? Something much worse? Thank you.
[ATTACH]Name:  rsz_img_2977.jpg
Views: 9247
Size:  28.0 KB[/ATTACH]
Attached Images
 
Appreciate 0
      11-08-2018, 05:54 PM   #2
RogerMcGowan
New Member
United_States
13
Rep
26
Posts

Drives: Red 2013 BMW 328i
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Charlotte

iTrader: (0)

96,000 miles BTW
Appreciate 0
      11-08-2018, 06:15 PM   #3
sspade
Major General
sspade's Avatar
United_States
2460
Rep
5,451
Posts

Drives: F30
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Stevenson, WA

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
2016 BMW 320i  [7.87]
2014 BMW 328i  [6.83]
OPG or OFHG would be my next guess.

Both should be fairly easy to spot.

Keep us posted on outcome!

How much did you pay for VCG repair?
Appreciate 1
      11-08-2018, 06:27 PM   #4
RogerMcGowan
New Member
United_States
13
Rep
26
Posts

Drives: Red 2013 BMW 328i
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Charlotte

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by sspade View Post
OPG or OFHG would be my next guess.

Both should be fairly easy to spot.

Keep us posted on outcome!

How much did you pay for VCG repair?


Thank you for responding. I'm getting both done next week. Even if it's only one of them, I figure at this mileage it won't hurt to just get them both done. VCG replacement was $500 from an INDY.
Appreciate 1
sspade2460.00
      11-08-2018, 06:53 PM   #5
RogerMcGowan
New Member
United_States
13
Rep
26
Posts

Drives: Red 2013 BMW 328i
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Charlotte

iTrader: (0)

Forgive my ignorance on all of this. That's the subframe it's dripping onto, right?
Appreciate 0
      11-08-2018, 06:59 PM   #6
sspade
Major General
sspade's Avatar
United_States
2460
Rep
5,451
Posts

Drives: F30
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Stevenson, WA

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
2016 BMW 320i  [7.87]
2014 BMW 328i  [6.83]
Quote:
Originally Posted by RogerMcGowan View Post
Forgive my ignorance on all of this. That's the subframe it's dripping onto, right?
I dont believe thats the subframe. It appears to be made from cast aluminum and the subframe is not made of that material.

Looks like a bracket of sorts.
Appreciate 1
      11-10-2018, 10:48 AM   #7
RMachuca3d
Captain
RMachuca3d's Avatar
722
Rep
943
Posts

Drives: F30 328i Msport
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: WA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
Thats the downpipe bracket.
Appreciate 2
sspade2460.00
      11-10-2018, 11:09 PM   #8
sspade
Major General
sspade's Avatar
United_States
2460
Rep
5,451
Posts

Drives: F30
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Stevenson, WA

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
2016 BMW 320i  [7.87]
2014 BMW 328i  [6.83]
Quote:
Originally Posted by RMachuca3d View Post
Thats the downpipe bracket.
Good call.

Its actually not cast aluminum then (like the motor mount in the same pic)...

Just knew it wasnt the subframe.
Appreciate 2
      11-11-2018, 09:10 AM   #9
RogerMcGowan
New Member
United_States
13
Rep
26
Posts

Drives: Red 2013 BMW 328i
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Charlotte

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by RMachuca3d View Post
Thats the downpipe bracket.
Thank you.
Appreciate 0
      11-25-2018, 05:32 AM   #10
juld0zer
Lieutenant Colonel
Australia
480
Rep
1,600
Posts

Drives: Prev 135i 7DCT, Now 130i 6sp
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: 2153

iTrader: (0)

Turbo oil drain seals are known to leak. Make sure it gets installed the correct way up though.

Otherwise i'd check around the perimeter of the sump.
But if it is genuinely smoking as if the oil was burning off, it would have to be coming from above the cat as i've never seen a sump or turbo oil drain leak bad enough to produce smoke. Oil could be trapped between the head and the heat shield, that is a possibility but that would indicate a lazy repair or a failed rocker cover gasket replacement. You might also want to check the HPFP seal as it can leak too. If it really is residue, it will subside once it is all gone. You can speed up the process by washing the area off with brake cleaner, then letting the engine run for about 20mins to get some decent heat around the area and then spraying it with a hand operated spray bottle of water. The steam will carry away the remaining oil
Appreciate 0
      11-27-2018, 08:09 AM   #11
RogerMcGowan
New Member
United_States
13
Rep
26
Posts

Drives: Red 2013 BMW 328i
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Charlotte

iTrader: (0)

It ended up being the vacuum pump. Not sure if it had bad seals or of the whole thing was bad, but I replaced the whole thing. The old pump was caked in oil when it was removed.

I purchased one from a junked engine for $200 (regular new price is around $500) and had an indy switch it out for $180. I may have been able to replace it myself, but that is a tight space and I know how impatient I can be. I've had no problems for a couple of days now, so hopefully all is good....for now.
Appreciate 1
sspade2460.00
      11-28-2018, 11:16 PM   #12
RMachuca3d
Captain
RMachuca3d's Avatar
722
Rep
943
Posts

Drives: F30 328i Msport
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: WA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by RogerMcGowan View Post
It ended up being the vacuum pump. Not sure if it had bad seals or of the whole thing was bad, but I replaced the whole thing. The old pump was caked in oil when it was removed.

I purchased one from a junked engine for $200 (regular new price is around $500) and had an indy switch it out for $180. I may have been able to replace it myself, but that is a tight space and I know how impatient I can be. I've had no problems for a couple of days now, so hopefully all is good....for now.
From what I remember from being under the car, theres quite a bit of room on that side of the engine bay if you go from beneath, might be an option in the future if you have a couple of jack stands.
Appreciate 1
      01-08-2019, 08:56 AM   #13
eddyz99
Registered
0
Rep
1
Posts

Drives: Bmw 328i 09/2013
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Spain

iTrader: (0)

Hello guys i have a problem with my 328i n20 too anyone can help pls? How can i put pictures?
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2019, 05:34 AM   #14
juld0zer
Lieutenant Colonel
Australia
480
Rep
1,600
Posts

Drives: Prev 135i 7DCT, Now 130i 6sp
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: 2153

iTrader: (0)

Vac pump is replaced from above. The bell housing is too big to access it from beneath. It is definitely a closed eyes job with a bit driver and T40 from memory after you shift some hoses out of the way.
The cowl and brace can be removed for better access.

You would have removed the pump to replace the rocker cover gasket as you can't take the cover off without removing the pump.
Appreciate 0
      03-18-2019, 07:22 PM   #15
Pauloxxi
Captain
Pauloxxi's Avatar
United_States
339
Rep
659
Posts

Drives: 2014-320Xi / 2017-330Xi
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Northwest

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Apparently I have oil leaked in the same spot. I'll post when I confirm. It is sad for a car not abused with 5 years showing oil leak from the lower engine side.
Appreciate 0
      03-18-2019, 07:25 PM   #16
sspade
Major General
sspade's Avatar
United_States
2460
Rep
5,451
Posts

Drives: F30
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Stevenson, WA

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
2016 BMW 320i  [7.87]
2014 BMW 328i  [6.83]
pauloxxi

I wouldnt jump to conclusions yet...

And to be honest - you should start your own thread with pics if you want an accurate opinion on your leak.

Not busting your balls, trying to help.

***unless you LITERALLY have a puddle in the same spot. I guess you have your answer on the issue at that point...
Appreciate 0
      03-18-2019, 07:44 PM   #17
Pauloxxi
Captain
Pauloxxi's Avatar
United_States
339
Rep
659
Posts

Drives: 2014-320Xi / 2017-330Xi
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Northwest

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
SSpade, I clearly understand your message, however it seems to be from low side of engine. On my current 2009 I had the OFHG (twice because OEM BMW gasket re-leaked in 1 year, and was replaced second time for free), on my older 2007 I had VCG.
All cases I saw the oil on upper side of the engine.
This now is 2014 320Xi, mildly driven by my wife, 4.5 years old and 32,000 miles. I feel disappointed with BMW quality.
But again, I'll look for checking with my "Indy". It is time to replace my 2009, and I wonder if I'll stick with this brand.
Thanks
Appreciate 0
      03-18-2019, 07:52 PM   #18
sspade
Major General
sspade's Avatar
United_States
2460
Rep
5,451
Posts

Drives: F30
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Stevenson, WA

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
2016 BMW 320i  [7.87]
2014 BMW 328i  [6.83]
Quote:
Originally Posted by pauloxxi View Post
SSpade, I clearly understand your message, however it seems to be from low side of engine. On my current 2009 I had the OFHG (twice because OEM BMW gasket re-leaked in 1 year, and was replaced second time for free), on my older 2007 I had VCG.
All cases I saw the oil on upper side of the engine.
This now is 2014 320Xi, mildly driven by my wife, 4.5 years old and 32,000 miles. I feel disappointed with BMW quality.
But again, I'll look for checking with my "Indy". It is time to replace my 2009, and I wonder if I'll stick with this brand.
Thanks
Keep us posted on the outcome. I understand your frustration about ANY oil leak at that low of mileage.

Theres a bunch of us with the same engine who may be facing similar issues down the line.

Let us know what your indy says!
Appreciate 0
      03-26-2019, 09:40 PM   #19
Pauloxxi
Captain
Pauloxxi's Avatar
United_States
339
Rep
659
Posts

Drives: 2014-320Xi / 2017-330Xi
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Northwest

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Since my car is 36000 miles, expired warranty, but less than 5 year in service, I decided to give a try and called BMW NA. I was asked to take my car do a BMW Service Center for diagnosis. they cannot guarantee they will help me, but at least I'm trying. I'll keep the team posted. If they cannot help, I'll take my car to an independent mechanic.
Appreciate 1
sspade2460.00
      04-02-2019, 05:08 PM   #20
Pauloxxi
Captain
Pauloxxi's Avatar
United_States
339
Rep
659
Posts

Drives: 2014-320Xi / 2017-330Xi
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Northwest

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Update: My car was fixed, the valve cover gasket was leaking. BMW also performed smoke test to confirm the valve cover was not damaged. At the end BMW charged me only $50.00 fee for the whole service and parts, and I'm happy they were willing to help.
Appreciate 1
      04-02-2019, 05:56 PM   #21
sspade
Major General
sspade's Avatar
United_States
2460
Rep
5,451
Posts

Drives: F30
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Stevenson, WA

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
2016 BMW 320i  [7.87]
2014 BMW 328i  [6.83]
Quote:
Originally Posted by pauloxxi View Post
Update: My car was fixed, the valve cover gasket was leaking. BMW also performed smoke test to confirm the valve cover was not damaged. At the end BMW charged me only $50.00 fee for the whole service and parts, and I'm happy they were willing to help.
Thanks for update. If Im understanding correctly...

They re used the original plastic valve cover? And just replaced the gasket, correct?

Im kinda surprised if thats the case. Some modern plastic valve cover gaskets are intergrated into the plastic and replaced as one unit. I coulda swore ours was like that too but maybe not...

Can you share part number(s) that were replaced from repair order when you get a chance?


Glad they took care of you with hitting your wallet too hard.
Appreciate 1
Pauloxxi339.00
      04-03-2019, 10:23 PM   #22
Pauloxxi
Captain
Pauloxxi's Avatar
United_States
339
Rep
659
Posts

Drives: 2014-320Xi / 2017-330Xi
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Northwest

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by sspade View Post
Thanks for update. If Im understanding correctly...

They re used the original plastic valve cover? And just replaced the gasket, correct?

Im kinda surprised if thats the case. Some modern plastic valve cover gaskets are intergrated into the plastic and replaced as one unit. I coulda swore ours was like that too but maybe not...

Can you share part number(s) that were replaced from repair order when you get a chance?


Glad they took care of you with hitting your wallet too hard.
I'm sorry, you are correct... They replaced entire valve cover, but they did as following comments: "Valve cover appears to be leaking from back side near vacuum pump. Smoke tested valve cover and doesn't appear to be a crack. Run vacuum test and found valve cover was over spec. Problem may lie with PCV on valve cover, it will need to replace entire valve cover to prevent problem re-occurrence."

PN replaced 11127588412... Just this part around $370.00. Not sure how long is the labor for this... probably beyond 3 hours... Car stay overnight to have this fixed.

Thanks
Appreciate 1
sspade2460.00
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:54 AM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST