2004 BMW X3 Oil Leak repair

KTPAES94

MEMBER
2004 BMW X3

Engine Mechanical problem
2004 BMW X3 Front Wheel Drive Automatic 105000 miles

My 2004 X3 2.5i has an oil leak. It is small. I lost about two quarts of oil between oil changes (3500 miles of driving). After getting it checked out it appears that I have several leak points. One is from the oil pan gasket and the other(s) are from the engine but I don't know where exactly. My mechanic says it's safe to drive as long as I top of the oil once a week.
What do you think I should do? I am torn between trading it in (I am not sure how much I will get for it even without the oil leak) and getting it fixed which will cost $2000+ because of the labor involved to remove the engine and diagnosis and fix the leaks.
What is your suggestion/recommendations?

1 Reply

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

Replacement of the profile gasket might be needed, it is a typical failure, here is a link, it's part #6: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=PA73&mospid=47793&btnr=11_2201&hg=11&fg=30

I recommend spending some time diagnosing the problem. Having a recommendation to remove the engine for some oil leaks is not realistic. The above mentioned profile gasket is a typical failure and may stop the majority of the leakage due to the fact that it under pressure, it is about a 3 hour job. Try that before you throw in the towel on your X3, and if there is anything else, we are here.