[T_Bone]

Earlier in the year I had my oil changed by a local dealer. They advised that my oil filter housing gasket was leaking and needed immediate replacement. I later tried to confirm this through visual inspection and feeling around the gaskets as best I can, but I can find no hard evidence of a leak.

The parts are a bit dirty (172,000 miles!), but the dirt build-up is not wet. The belts and the belly pan appear to be clean. I have had no significant or recent increases of oil consumption--I usually need to add a quart after around 13 or 14K miles, which I didn't think was excessive, given the high mileage. Engine seems to be running fine.

From what I've read, replacing these gaskets is not uncommon, but I also don't want to replace them if there's no need.

Does it sound like the need is legit? Any suggestions for how to more definitively confirm the need, without pulling everything apart?

Thanks guys!

[sspade]

Which engine do you have?

[perryo91]

I mean at 172k it’s most likely leaking... I would clean the area for now and keep an eye on it. A quart a year is kind of high for an n55/52. So you’re most likely leaking somewhere!!

[T_Bone]

Originally Posted by sspade

Which engine do you have?

Sorry, it's an N55.

I would clean the area for now and keep an eye on it.

Makes sense. This may be a dumb question, but would you just wipe it down best you can with a paper towel, or would you blast the area with an engine cleaner product?

A quart a year is kind of high for an n55/52

Oh, OK... Good to know...

[Billfitz]

Next oil change use this:
https://products.liqui-moly.com/moly...n-5w-40-5.html

You can see any leaks using a UV light.

[Elvisfan]

Originally Posted by T_Bone

Earlier in the year I had my oil changed by a local dealer. They advised that my oil filter housing gasket was leaking and needed immediate replacement. I later tried to confirm this through visual inspection and feeling around the gaskets as best I can, but I can find no hard evidence of a leak.

The parts are a bit dirty (172,000 miles!), but the dirt build-up is not wet. The belts and the belly pan appear to be clean. I have had no significant or recent increases of oil consumption--I usually need to add a quart after around 13 or 14K miles, which I didn't think was excessive, given the high mileage. Engine seems to be running fine.

From what I've read, replacing these gaskets is not uncommon, but I also don't want to replace them if there's no need.

Does it sound like the need is legit? Any suggestions for how to more definitively confirm the need, without pulling everything apart?

Thanks guys!

Wouldn’t you need to change the oil before 13k or 14k anyway?

[Orion4]

Not a scam. It is somewhat a common issue with the N55 Oil Housing assembly. Normally, if the front gasket is leaking you will get some pooling in the recesses in front of the oil filter housing. If the rear gasket is failing its more difficult to see unless you can get your hand in that area after pulling engine cover off or pull the belly pan and look up with a flashlight. If you pull the pan, examine it for fresh oil, that is another sign of a potential leak of the rear gasket.

[T_Bone]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Next oil change use this:
https://products.liqui-moly.com/moly...n-5w-40-5.html

You can see any leaks using a UV light.

Thanks! Interesting--I'll definitely look into that!

Originally Posted by Elvisfan

Wouldn’t you need to change the oil before 13k or 14k anyway?

I know there's some controversy around this, but I typically follow the BMW recommendation of 15K miles between oil changes...

Originally Posted by Orion4

Normally, if the front gasket is leaking you will get some pooling in the recesses in front of the oil filter housing. If the rear gasket is failing its more difficult to see unless you can get your hand in that area after pulling engine cover off or pull the belly pan and look up with a flashlight. If you pull the pan, examine it for fresh oil, that is another sign of a potential leak of the rear gasket.

Thanks, Orion... I didn't see any pooling, and best I can tell, the pan looked clean when I looked from above with a flashlight... Perhaps, though, I'll pull the pan for a better look...

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by T_Bone

I know there's some controversy around this, but I typically follow the BMW recommendation of 15K miles between oil changes...

It's now 10k miles/12 months. I do mine every 4k, but only because that's all I drive per year.

[jparnes1]

Brake cleaner is your friend. Clean up all around the housing and see if oil seeps out anywhere. This isn't an emergency. You have time to look this over.
And BTW this is an easy R & R if you're so inclined

[sspade]

For what its worth...

I absolutely DO NOT believe that it is abnormal for a vehicle with this many miles on it to consume 1 qt of oil every 10k or so.

This does not mean your gasket isnt failing. Just saying - all high mileage motors consume a bit of oil, whether it be from burning or leaking. The key is to make sure the oil level stays appropriate. As long as you do, there will be no damage even if you do have a small leak or two.

On a different note, Im shocked you've been so lucky with extremely long oil change intervals. I change mine every 5k and Id normally suggest you do the same but since you've had such good luck this long, why change now!

[insanecoder]

Originally Posted by T_Bone

Earlier in the year I had my oil changed by a local dealer. They advised that my oil filter housing gasket was leaking and needed immediate replacement. I later tried to confirm this through visual inspection and feeling around the gaskets as best I can, but I can find no hard evidence of a leak.

The parts are a bit dirty (172,000 miles!), but the dirt build-up is not wet. The belts and the belly pan appear to be clean. I have had no significant or recent increases of oil consumption--I usually need to add a quart after around 13 or 14K miles, which I didn't think was excessive, given the high mileage. Engine seems to be running fine.

From what I've read, replacing these gaskets is not uncommon, but I also don't want to replace them if there's no need.

Does it sound like the need is legit? Any suggestions for how to more definitively confirm the need, without pulling everything apart?

Thanks guys!

Swing it by an indy mechanic and just quickly ask to see if the oil filter housing gasket is leaking
2nd opinion

[paul e]

Or ask the dealer to show you the leak.

[T_Bone]

Thanks, guys, for all the great info/advice... I really appreciate it!

Didn't know about the changed oil service recommendation... I'll go ahead and start doing changes at 10K... (which means I'm due now!) I'll also pull the pan, clean things up, and keep a close eye on the gaskets.

Thanks again!

[YasM3]

Post of a picture of the leak... You do not have to see it dripping. It could be caked on there, it gets extremely hot in that area and dirt clings to it. You probably aren't getting scammed. Its very common for that gasket to leak.

[Bmwman325]

Very common like stated in the thread, oil was dripping from mine onto the belt tensioner. Dealer wanted $1,400. Had Indy shop do for $600

[TF3090]

Oil filter housing gasket seems like a common issue that you'll have to address on these N55 cars.

I'm at 65k miles and will be doing mine soon. Dealership wanted $1000, I ordered the parts for $20 and my mechanic is charging $200.

From what I understand, the issue with oil leaking from this gasket is that the belt tensioner can weaken and break, leaving you stranded (and with a more expensive bill) if not addressed.

[yoon_209]

i replaced my oil filter housing gasket and oil cooler gasket at 35K miles

[YasM3]

Originally Posted by TF3090

From what I understand, the issue with oil leaking from this gasket is that the belt tensioner can weaken and break, leaving you stranded (and with a more expensive bill) if not addressed.

There are a couple other issues that can come about if this goes unattended.

1 is what you mentioned. If the belt stays saturated with oil too long, it will eventually come apart. It is very common for the belt to come apart, get wrapped around the balancer pulley then get sucked through the front crank seal. When this happens, it gets ran through the timing chain and can result in engine damage.

Also, the gasket can internally leak between the coolant and oil ports. Then coolant will mix with the oil and oil will mix with the coolant. Then you know what happens next.....

@175k miles, I am pretty confident the dealer is not lying about it....

[T_Bone]

Thanks for the additional comments! I'm going to be changing my oil either this weekend or next... I'll pull the pan and take a closer look at everything. Not saying that the dealer is definitely scamming me--I know this problem is not uncommon--but when I see no evidence of a leak, I gotta at least raise the question...

Thanks again!

[YasM3]

Just post a picture. Takes 2 seconds

[Savageenterprise]

very common problem. My wifes E90 328 had the oil filter gasket leak...not too hard of a fix but there was oil all over the place from dripping down onto the belt. If I were you I'd clean it up with some brake cleaner and a rag and keep an eye on it to see. Her leak happened at around 75k miles