318 Touring Oil Filter Housing Gasket

[colb]

ZShed Cymru activity today on a 318 Touring, oil filter housing gasket which was leaking quite badly. Should have been easier than the Z4's as there is no need to take the alternator out but accessing one of the retaining bolts for the housing brought us to a standstill when the torx socket couldn't get on the head as the plastic inlet manifold prevented getting the socket on. Resorted to using a Dremel to trim back the plastic flange on the manifold just enough to seat the socket on it. Interestingly BMW TIS makes no mention other than removing the bolt, no mention of removing the inlet manifold to make room. Once removed the gasket was well flat and very hard, time and heat cycles had certainly taken its toll. All put back together and fired up to check for leaks oil and coolant as the housing also has coolant running through it. Glad to say no leaks seen, oil change carried out, drained off three and a half litres so it was low. Refilled with 5litres and when checked with the electronic oil level it was smack on 100%. Close examination of the old oil filter element revealed that it was about to fall apart, very crumbly, it just fell to bits in my hand. Reckon a bullet was dodged just in time doing this job. Got to change the drive belt asap as its had a fair amount of oil contamination and has a bit of fraying to start.