2005 BMW 320 E90 - small oil leak at top of cylinder head

SMITHIE

MEMBER
2005 BMW 320

Engine Mechanical problem
2005 BMW 320 Front Wheel Drive Manual 50000 miles

Hi All,

Newbie post would appreciate some help?

I have a 2005 E90 320i - I have had a small oil leak where I can see oil collect on the metal plate that sticks out under the cylinder head, I can also seel oil at the back of the cylinder, when I run a tissue around the back.

I have had the profile gasket replaced, and the problem went away for about a week, but now its back? - Small collection of oil on the metal plate an oil on tissue when run around the back of the cylinder head.

Its very hard to pin point exactly where its from but checking from the top to bottom it seems to start at the cylinder head.

My problem is what is it - I called BMW in Europe and UK and they tell me they never really have to sell or replace the complete cylinder head (plastic housing). My mechanic has suggested it could be warped but to be honest the oil leaks seems lower down and this part is about Ã‚ £250 without labour!

Anyone able to help or had the same problem.

Many thanks
Smithie

2 Replies

DAYCLONE

MEMBER
16 POSTS

A picture would help. But a 05' BMW it could be the valve cover gasket, or head gasket that's causing the leaks.
The BMW engine is usually made out of magnesium block and coated in aluminum for its durability to heat I may be incorrect on this point but I remember reading it somewhere. Never the less, it shouldn't warp at least the block, and you could take off the top head cover of the engine to determine if its warped but I've never experienced this issue before.

And your car being so new it in fact shouldn't really have this problem, but your mechanic could be right that its a warped cover, but it also could be a gasket that's blown.

Are there any other leaks? Such as leaks on your oil pan below?

Goodluck.