Engine oil leak

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z3 roadster
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Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
Posts: 2136

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Engine oil leak

Post by Del »

The Z3 has developed an engine oil leak which seems to be getting a bit worse. :( It seems to be coming from either the timing chain cover or from the oil filter housing gasket from where it is running down over the timing chain cover. I wondered if anyone else has experienced (and cured) something similar which might give me some clue about the likely culprit?

1.9 M44 engine
Brian4
Joined: Mon 19 Dec, 2011 19:02
Posts: 541

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Hinckley

Re: Engine oil leak

Post by Brian4 »

You need to clean all the spilt oil off so that you can identify where it is coming from. Oil filter area could be easy timing chain cover is more involved.
Brian
3.0I Topaz Blue


2000 E36/7 Z3 3.0i
2016 F31 335d
2015 F21 118i
Brian4
Joined: Mon 19 Dec, 2011 19:02
Posts: 541

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Hinckley

Re: Engine oil leak

Post by Brian4 »

Her's a link on replacing the cover gaskets and other bits.
http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showt ... ain-Guides
Brian
3.0I Topaz Blue


2000 E36/7 Z3 3.0i
2016 F31 335d
2015 F21 118i
Jonco
Joined: Sat 04 Jun, 2011 07:24
Posts: 402

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: Engine oil leak

Post by Jonco »

I've got the same or a very similar problem @Del. I cleaned mine down as @Brian4 suggests and am fairly confident it is the oil filter to block joint.
I bought the gasket a month or so ago but have not had time to get at it yet. You have to take the alternator out to withdraw mounting bolts.
I have also got new O ring seals for NRV in filter assembly while I'm in there.

Edit - I also changed the rocker cover joint earlier this year - leak from that was from the back and along exhaust heat shield.
Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
Posts: 2136

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Engine oil leak

Post by Del »

Thanks Brian and Jonco.

Jonco - that's interesting. I've learnt over the years that similar problems crop up on similar cars and I've heard that that "oil filter housing to engine block" paper gasket can be an problem. It also looks like the easiest (to change)to start with - I'll order one tomorrow plus o-ring - clean everything down and watch what happens next :)

Not really looking for car work this time of year when I'm being press-ganged into pre-Christmas duties :D
Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
Posts: 2136

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Engine oil leak

Post by Del »

For anyone interested, I visited my local BMW parts department yesterday and the chap I spoke to seemed a bit of an enthusiast himself and was very helpful. Whilst they obviously avoid giving any sort of diagnosis, he gave a useful "hint" by saying they sell a lot of the little "kits" to cure leaks around the oil filter housing gasket (I think they are the same on several engines) and that are rarely asked for timing chain cover gaskets.

He recommended buying the whole spring valve (carrying 2 0-rings) part B11.42.1.432.228 and the gasket B11.42.1.709.800. Total cost including VAT £12.37. :) Hopefully this will cure the problem.
Jonco
Joined: Sat 04 Jun, 2011 07:24
Posts: 402

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: Engine oil leak

Post by Jonco »

Del wrote:.............He recommended buying the whole spring valve (carrying 2 0-rings) part B11.42.1.432.228 and the gasket B11.42.1.709.800. Total cost including VAT £12.37. :) .........
Doh! Forgot the spring - only ordered Gasket 11421709800 and Oil Filter non-return O rings (2 off) 11421709513 - will rectify - thanks for info
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