Is this an Oil Leak?!

[EdButler]

Hey all, my slightly annoying oil usage problem which seems VERY common in M54 engined cars got me curious... So i've just had a poke around the engine bay and found this. There is a distinct oil coloured discolouration amongst the slightly oxidised aluminium oil filter housing. It has a brown ring around the lip, but lots more on the engine side also! My girlfriend also pointed out to me that she can smell a slight odour on hard accelleration which seems to suggest its leaking somewhere and immediately evaporating. No exhaust smoke thankfully

Now I need a huge spanner to look inside, half hoping to find a gasket is missing or something!



What do you all think? Does yours look similar?? Thanks

 

[EdButler]

Eek, just seen this... Looks like i may have found where its all going!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qj1ogLlPyiw

 

[AlanJ]

Good find Ed, for the difference in cost have always used OEM filters even when doing my own changes but have been sorely tempted with a bulk purchase of aftermarket ones (box of 10) - will now give that a miss.