[ElCerdoLoco305]

Good afternoon all, I obviously not experienced with these motors as I am asking for support on this. What is the item in the picture called and why would it be leaking around the cap?

Thanks for the help.

[jared21927]

Oil filter cap. Your oil filter is right underneath it. Check to make sure it's tight

[Billfitz]

Chances are whoever last changed the filter didn't install a new O-ring, and that's why it's leaking, if it's leaking, because that green stuff looks like grease, not oil.

[bmwchue]

I've heard of aftermarket oil filter causing leaks so I always buy the oem filter mann HU816x and never had any issues. they sell 2 of them for under $16 on ebay.

[Gen13 F36]

Look like someone with a greasy hand work on your car.

[Imperial328i]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Chances are whoever last changed the filter didn't install a new O-ring, and that's why it's leaking, if it's leaking, because that green stuff looks like grease, not oil.

There's a puddle of oil on the alternator. No bueno!

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by bmwchue

I've heard of aftermarket oil filter causing leaks so I always buy the oem filter mann HU816x

The HU816x is for xdrive only. It includes O rings and a new washer for the oil drain plug. RWD uses the HU816z, which includes a new plastic drain plug, because that's for one time use only, just like the O rings.

[bmwchue]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

The HU816x is for xdrive only. It includes O rings and a new washer for the oil drain plug. RWD uses the HU816z, which includes a new plastic drain plug, because that's for one time use only, just like the O rings.

thanks guess I've been lucky with the old plastic drain plug lol

[BettyFkinCrocker]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

because that green stuff looks like grease, not oil.

Pretty sure it's a wax marker. After they change the oil they mark the pan plug and filter. Places like Walmart etc use it so they can say "it's not our fault" when there is an oil leak and the wax is "broken". Even though regular engine vibration can crack the wax.

[Billfitz]

That's as useful as a screen door on a submarine.

If whoever changed the oil didn't change the O ring, usually because they used a cheap filter that didn't come with a replacement, or the replacement O ring was junk, it wouldn't matter how tight the cap was. For that matter if you've ever changed your own filter you know that the cap is very tight even if you don't torque it down. It's not the torquing of the filter that prevents leaking, it's the O ring.
There's absolutely no excuse for not using an OEM Mahle or Mann filter, a crap filter is only a couple of dollars cheaper. But if you get your oil changed at Walmart then crap filters are probably all you're going to get.

[Gen13 F36]

Originally Posted by BettyFkinCrocker

Pretty sure it's a wax marker. After they change the oil they mark the pan plug and filter. Places like Walmart etc use it so they can say "it's not our fault" when there is an oil leak and the wax is "broken". Even though regular engine vibration can crack the wax.

Seriously.... you pay Walmart do your oil change.

[BettyFkinCrocker]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

That's as useful as a screen door on a submarine.

If whoever changed the oil didn't change the O ring, usually because they used a cheap filter that didn't come with a replacement, or the replacement O ring was junk, it wouldn't matter how tight the cap was. For that matter if you've ever changed your own filter you know that the cap is very tight even if you don't torque it down. It's not the torquing of the filter that prevents leaking, it's the O ring.
There's absolutely no excuse for not using an OEM Mahle or Mann filter, a crap filter is only a couple of dollars cheaper. But if you get your oil changed at Walmart then crap filters are probably all you're going to get.

Agreed 100%. The purpose isn't to indicate how tight etc though. It's to show if another place has changed the oil (or you've done it yourself) so they can pawn of liability if something goes wrong.

I only know this because I used to work at a tire shop that did this same thing. Most quick lubes etc do this.

Originally Posted by Gen13 F36

Seriously.... you pay Walmart do your oil change.

Not I. Just know what they do from working at a place long ago that also does this.