Oil leak. - Oil filter housing Gasket

N

nick_l

Senior member
 Essex
So I seem to have bit of an oil leak. I think it’s the filter housing gasket. Oil seems to be leaking into my alternator and belt and is then getting flung about my engine bay.

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I’ve heard changing this gasket is a PIA. Has anyone done this on the N52 engine. Any tips?
 
I have a leak in the same place....I think. my belt is slightly off to which makes a whirring noise. took it to mechanics today who said the need a seal from bmw and a special tool for the altinator.. im guessing around 200 quid
 
Yes a PIA, even taking off the plastic cover on the intercooler. A special tool isn't actually 'needed', if you know what you're doing, but would certainly make it easier. I've watched it done (sadly not in your part of the world) - and have no desire to do it myself.
 
Changing the oil filter housing gaskets is a cheap and easy DIY. There are two gaskets, one that is between the oil cooler and oil filter housing, and one between the oil filter housing and the engine block. There are like two(?) bolts holding the cooler on and three(?) bolts on the filter housing, I am not sure why people think this job is a pain? I did this on my E91, so not sure if the pain comes from clearance issues or what?

Either way, a tip would be to combine this job with a coolant change, as the oil filter hosing has both oil and coolant running through it, and draining the coolant just removes the possibility of getting coolant in the oil or vice versa. Another tip would be to make sure you use the correct torque specs. This is a pretty good tutorial - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUr28WV_blM
 
Its fiddly but I wouldn't say its particularly difficult, changed both of mine on the housing in about 2 hours taking my time with tea breaks and watching the youtube tuorials included
 
Sidewaze Samm said:
Yes a PIA, even taking off the plastic cover on the intercooler. A special tool isn't actually 'needed', if you know what you're doing, but would certainly make it easier. I've watched it done (sadly not in your part of the world) - and have no desire to do it myself.
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What does PIA stand for?
 
PIA = pain in the arse.

That YouTube link posted is very useful and makes me confident I can change the gaskets myself. From looking at the placement of the gaskets I’m confident it’s the oil cooler gasket which is the one that’s leaking....but I’m going to change both. :thumbsup:
 
I'm currently mid-way through this job. Got stuck with the bolt that's covered by the intake manifold. Currently awaiting Amazon to deliver a E12 ratchet spanner so I can finally remove it. Including removing the auxilary belt & tensioner, cleaning oil spillage and dropping the oil from the engine I'm about 2 hours in. So it is easy enough to DIY with the right tools

I ordered my gaskets from BMW (which was a mistake I think), £22 each.
 
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