[Dooka4u4]

Hello All,

I am currently trying to troubleshoot a top-of-engine oil-leak that is behind the oil pressure sensor in valley underneath the valve cover gasket. This section is a bit behind the timing part of the head. Please see attached picture for idea of where the oil puddles overtime. Approximately an ounce or so can be sucked out of the valley after a few hundred miles.

The valve cover gasket does not seem to be the obvious source - it is bone dry on the left hand side and around the front where you would normally see it leak down onto the headers. Right-hand side (facing the car) it is hard to tell but do not think it is the source.

I inspected the oil pressure sensor and portion of the Oil Filter Housing Gasket (OFHG) all around and does not appear to be the source. No oil on the front of the engine from the OFHG. The oil filter cap also does not seem to be leaking either.

If I look through the runner gaps in the intake manifold I do see some light oil mist and going front-to-back towards the front knock (I believe) sensor.

Other Information: Car has 107k. Valve Cover Gasket was done by BMW for the previous owner about 6 years ago @ 62k.

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,
Jim



UPDATE 2/18: After a longer drive I noticed a slight oil bubble or two on the bolt nearest the bottom red arrow on the picture. I believe this is a head bolt. Does not look like this could be replaced or tightened without removing the manifold. Thoughts/suggestions?

[Dooka4u4]

Hi All,

An update to the above. It appears my N52 suffered from a similar problem to others where the external "head" timing cover bolt head has sheared off. Sure enough, when I used some pillars I was able to just pickup the head of the bolt. I believe this is the main source of my leak. Refer to the below post for additional information.

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1787933