[ResistYeNotEvil]

Went to change oil filter housing gasket only to find the housing itself is cracked. There was another post like this on bimmerfest. Seems like between 60k and 70k the OFH for B48's go on vacation. I noticed the first symptoms around 65k. At 70k I decided to tackle the job by replacing the OFH gasket. Only to find that one of the grooves a gasket sits in was completely broken off allowing fluids to mix regardless of the gasket being there. Attached is a not so good picture of the cracked area.

Symtoms:

-Oil temperature cooling unable to keep up with driving.
-Oil in engine coolant NOT the intercooler air to water coolant.
-Smelling oil/coolant mix.

[Boundless46]

Originally Posted by ResistYeNotEvil

Went to change oil filter housing gasket only to find the housing itself is cracked. There was another post like this on bimmerfest. Seems like between 60k and 70k the OFH for B48's go on vacation. I noticed the first symptoms around 65k. At 70k I decided to tackle the job by replacing the OFH gasket. Only to find that one of the grooves a gasket sits in was completely broken off allowing fluids to mix regardless of the gasket being there. Attached is a not so good picture of the cracked area.

Symtoms:

-Oil temperature cooling unable to keep up with driving.
-Oil in engine coolant NOT the intercooler air to water coolant.
-Smelling oil/coolant mix.

I have also had this issue. Mine completely cracked and leaked all my coolant out but I got it done with another pair of hands.

[ResistYeNotEvil]

Originally Posted by Boundless46

I have also had this issue. Mine completely cracked and leaked all my coolant out but I got it done with another pair of hands.

Yeah the worst part wasn't even removing the intake manifold to get to the oil filter housing. The bolt on the bottom long part of the OFH was a nightmare getting to.

[redsee5]

Originally Posted by ResistYeNotEvil

Went to change oil filter housing gasket only to find the housing itself is cracked. There was another post like this on bimmerfest. Seems like between 60k and 70k the OFH for B48's go on vacation. I noticed the first symptoms around 65k. At 70k I decided to tackle the job by replacing the OFH gasket. Only to find that one of the grooves a gasket sits in was completely broken off allowing fluids to mix regardless of the gasket being there. Attached is a not so good picture of the cracked area.

Symtoms:

-Oil temperature cooling unable to keep up with driving.
-Oil in engine coolant NOT the intercooler air to water coolant.
-Smelling oil/coolant mix.

Really hoping that is the issue with my 2017 430i. Massive sudden loss of coolant and the shop can't find where it is coming from so they have to pull the intake manifold. Only 57k on mine.

What is weird is that my water pump was also weeping, but the smoke/vapor was mainly coming from behind the oil filter housing.

[admranger]

Looks like the housing is a $300-$400 part via bmwpartsonline if I'm looking at the right thing. Bummer of a failure.

[bkdc]

Are there any online instructions on removing the OHF in the B48? I’ve DIY replaced on the N26 and the N55 engines but I’m looking to buy a F30 with a B48 engine, and I’m a little hesitant on the B48 as it is a new layout.

This looks like the source of another class action lawsuit. BMW lost the water pump suit years after many many many engines died on the road due to sudden water pump failure.

This is the sad mentality of the executives in the board room….. make sure the parts last just enough to get past the new car warranty.

[PradoRdz]

Hello I think I have the same problem. But after removing the intake manifold I couldnt find the leak. Any suggestion?

[mike25resident]

Originally Posted by PradoRdz

Hello I think I have the same problem. But after removing the intake manifold I couldnt find the leak. Any suggestion?

If you are looking under the manifold there are 3 areas you can look for:

• The connector that goes to the block and to the radiator hose
• Of course the coolant vent line that always fails that goes to the expansion tank
• Water pump assembly Gasket (this one is tricky because you can't see the leak)

[CincyBearcats]

So, is the general consensus that one should replace the OFH as a preventative maintenance item? I'm a new owner of a 2017 LCI F31 (B48) with 70k miles. This topic has me quite concerned. I really don't want to get stranded by this issue, and I would like to avoid getting a bunch of coolant in the engine oil and/or vice versa. Thanks!

[CincyBearcats]

Originally Posted by ResistYeNotEvil

Symtoms:
-Oil temperature cooling unable to keep up with driving.
-Oil in engine coolant NOT the intercooler air to water coolant.
-Smelling oil/coolant mix.

Thanks for this list!

Is there any chance that your issue (and/or similar issues) was caused by over tightening the cap on the OFH when doing an oil change?

[BigTDogg (MA)]

58k on mine and the housing cracked. What kind of crap design is that?

[GOLDENDUSt86]

mine cracked about 70,000 km , It leaked all the coolant in no time.

[Mr.Smartepants]

Originally Posted by bkdc

Are there any online instructions on removing the OHF in the B48?

I'm wondering the same thing?
My 320i B48 has 55k+ miles and I'm worried this will fail soon and leave me stranded. My cyl-head vent line blew this weekend and the OFH is made from the same grade plastic so might not be too far behind.

[alexonahurry]

Originally Posted by Mr.Smartepants

I'm wondering the same thing?
My 320i B48 has 55k+ miles and I'm worried this will fail soon and leave me stranded. My cyl-head vent line blew this weekend and the OFH is made from the same grade plastic so might not be too far behind.

Well, it's the same work for a mechanic. If you replace the vent line then you only need to purchase the OFH - it's almost the same cost of labor. The OFH is not cheap tho!

[Mr.Smartepants]

Originally Posted by alexonahurry

Well, it's the same work for a mechanic. If you replace the vent line then you only need to purchase the OFH - it's almost the same cost of labor. The OFH is not cheap tho!

Yeah, but the vent line was relatively easy. Disconnect the charge pipe and remove the throttle body support bracket, then pop both connectors of the line. Because the vent line is a rigid pipe, it's easy to fish it around the back of the alternator to link up with the nipple fitting on the cylinder head and press it into place.
Replacing the OFH requires you to remove the entire intake manifold OR remove the engine management computer and bracket...or both. To get to that bottom screw, most people remove the bottom plastic screen to get to it from below.
I read somewhere that BMW dealers are quoting $2k+ to replace the OFH. I haven't yet called mine to get a quote.

[Kike 1967]

Hi to everyone !!!!
I´m planning to replace the oi filter housing (OFH) on my 2017 LCI F30 with B48 engine, 72.000 Kms, no leaks so far.
I have some questions and I'm sure one of you can help me.

1. All 4 OFH attaching bolts head size?
2. Any special tool to remove the lower bolt?
3. Heat exchanger to OFH attaching bolts tightening sequence and torque?
4. OFH to crankcase attaching bolts tightening sequence and torque?
5. Intake plenum to cylinder head bolts tightening sequence and torque?

Also, I´m going to replace the coolant hose connector next to the OFH.
6. Connector tightening torque?

Thanks in advance.

[jcdub]

Originally Posted by Kike 1967

Hi to everyone !!!!
I´m planning to replace the oi filter housing (OFH) on my 2017 LCI F30 with B48 engine, 72.000 Kms, no leaks so far.
I have some questions and I'm sure one of you can help me.

1. All 4 OFH attaching bolts head size?
2. Any special tool to remove the lower bolt?
3. Heat exchanger to OFH attaching bolts tightening sequence and torque?
4. OFH to crankcase attaching bolts tightening sequence and torque?
5. Intake plenum to cylinder head bolts tightening sequence and torque?

Also, I´m going to replace the coolant hose connector next to the OFH.
6. Connector tightening torque?

Thanks in advance.

Have a look here. You'll have to register to view

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...s-n20/HjUoZjgW

[Kike 1967]

Dear Mr. JCDUB, thanks for your help, but I think $32 for 24 hrs subscription access is very expensive.

I´ll apreciate if any of you have the requested data. I think this is the reason for this forum, share some technical info, isn´t it?

[cfm56d7b]

There are aftermarket B48 OFH options, such as

https://www.bimmerworld.com/Engine/B...g-B46-B48.html

and aluminum OEM equivalents readily available on eBay. These parts are most likely made in China.

BMW, like any other manufacturer, has 3 main options to reduce costs:

- Less expensive materials: it's cheaper to mold the part than use CNC machine make the part from an aluminum block
- Reduced warranty costs: if the part fails after manufacturer's warranty expires - it's a revenue opportunity instead
- Less labor to assemble the car: doesn't apply in this case

The most practical option: proactively replace B48 OFH at 50K miles.

[peco2000]

Hi. I have a 220i sportline with the same problem.
I allready changed a cracked OFH less than one year ago. And now I have the same problem. I'm crying.
Does anyone try the URO replacement or the aluminiun replacements from China?

[septim]

hello, today I replaced the ofh as a precaution. The car has 139,000 km. He still looks fine.

[quakerroatmeal]

Originally Posted by septim

hello, today I replaced the ofh as a precaution. The car has 139,000 km. He still looks fine.Attachment 3421342

Attachment 3421343

Attachment 3421344

Attachment 3421345

Attachment 3421346

You're quite lucky it lasted that long. Mines cracked around 40k miles. Did you go ahead and replace it anyways? The amount of common coolant issues these car have is crazy for its age.