Thanks for the post and idea to run a/c on recirc., oil usually burns off when the motor warms up. Just had oil changed and dealer advised it was starting to leak along with oil filter housing, wish I would have done both then but it wasn't stinky and I'm such a cheap bastard. Still hits 100 between ramps and rides like a dream. I'll run the heater on recirc. for a bit then do a bit of maintenance for a summer road trip. Maybe my last one, you can't take it with you!
I have a small leak in mine getting fixed this week, the smoke comes through the vents after driving a short time which is not nice, I stop this happening by leaving the ac on recirculate. My mechinic will fit for about £50 labour plus £62 for the bmw gasket which i'm well chuffed about. Should have fixed it ages ago really!
@fleiva30 I think it is common on all cars but stands out on the M54 engine because the engine is issue free for the most part so when this gasket gets old and leaks oil then people begin to pop their hoods for the first time. Otherwise the engines last a long time.
You do have the normal valve cover gasket problem. But the valve cover gasket rarely results in the pool of oil you showed on the ground. Be sure to check the oil filter housing gasket, not the oil filter o ring around the filter cap. The oil filter housing gasket is by the engine block and commonly leaks much more oil that I find leave the pools on ground.
Have you solved the problem already? You probably can get better look of the leak if you removed the engine covers.. Thats some thing i would do.. But good luck on your journey and repairs; you have my fellow BMW driver blessing; and let me know if you have solve the problem =)
I had exactly the same problem on my M52TU engine. The oil would fall on the exhaust manifold and would burn and give horrible smell and smoke as well. I just changed mines today, but unfortunately I did not put any sealing gum where you pointed out, I just put the sealant where the half moon curve is and BMW TIS says only to put the sealant there. Well I've already done it now, will see how it goes. Its easy, you just need size 10 and 8 deep sockets. Here in UK I got the gasket for £32 frm euro
@skylabx2000 It's not the head gasket, it's the valve cover gasket, I changed mine when I replaced my double vanos, and I recently had to replace it again. It was a pretty cold day about -25 C and it started to smell burned diesel from the vent and when I popped up the hood I saw oil right on one corner of the VCG and it smelled like a 2 stroke engine (smell like burned oil)
Fix that shit.
djtijs1 1 week ago
Thanks for the post and idea to run a/c on recirc., oil usually burns off when the motor warms up. Just had oil changed and dealer advised it was starting to leak along with oil filter housing, wish I would have done both then but it wasn't stinky and I'm such a cheap bastard. Still hits 100 between ramps and rides like a dream. I'll run the heater on recirc. for a bit then do a bit of maintenance for a summer road trip. Maybe my last one, you can't take it with you!
1BMWdrvr1 2 months ago
I have a small leak in mine getting fixed this week, the smoke comes through the vents after driving a short time which is not nice, I stop this happening by leaving the ac on recirculate. My mechinic will fit for about £50 labour plus £62 for the bmw gasket which i'm well chuffed about. Should have fixed it ages ago really!
skaven2100 4 months ago
why is common on e46..im doing mine right now!
fleiva30 10 months ago
@fleiva30 The rubber seals age over time and crack during the cold seasons. Remember that most of these cars are now 13 to 6 years old at present
olaf2046 10 months ago
@olaf2046 good to know..thanks!
fleiva30 10 months ago
Same thing is happening to me, thanks for the video - makes getting it fixed easier.....
Finkell 5 months ago
Same thing is happening to me, thanks for the video - makes getting it fixed easier.....
Finkell 5 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@olaf2046 Same thing is happening to me, thanks for the video - makes getting it fixed easier.....
Finkell 5 months ago
@fleiva30 I think it is common on all cars but stands out on the M54 engine because the engine is issue free for the most part so when this gasket gets old and leaks oil then people begin to pop their hoods for the first time. Otherwise the engines last a long time.
olaf2046 4 months ago
You do have the normal valve cover gasket problem. But the valve cover gasket rarely results in the pool of oil you showed on the ground. Be sure to check the oil filter housing gasket, not the oil filter o ring around the filter cap. The oil filter housing gasket is by the engine block and commonly leaks much more oil that I find leave the pools on ground.
werenotwhatTheyare 1 year ago
Have you solved the problem already? You probably can get better look of the leak if you removed the engine covers.. Thats some thing i would do.. But good luck on your journey and repairs; you have my fellow BMW driver blessing; and let me know if you have solve the problem =)
lightdark101 1 year ago
I had exactly the same problem on my M52TU engine. The oil would fall on the exhaust manifold and would burn and give horrible smell and smoke as well. I just changed mines today, but unfortunately I did not put any sealing gum where you pointed out, I just put the sealant where the half moon curve is and BMW TIS says only to put the sealant there. Well I've already done it now, will see how it goes. Its easy, you just need size 10 and 8 deep sockets. Here in UK I got the gasket for £32 frm euro
cmdrusa 1 year ago
i just replace my Valve Cover Gasket and it cost me $20 installed. brand new again.
ginjopowder 1 year ago
Head gasket
skylabx2000 1 year ago
@skylabx2000 why do you say that?
olaf2046 1 year ago
@skylabx2000 It's not the head gasket, it's the valve cover gasket, I changed mine when I replaced my double vanos, and I recently had to replace it again. It was a pretty cold day about -25 C and it started to smell burned diesel from the vent and when I popped up the hood I saw oil right on one corner of the VCG and it smelled like a 2 stroke engine (smell like burned oil)
oxOsicknessOxo 1 month ago