Oil Leak help

[sapote]

Re power steering oil leak, the old rubber lines need new Jubilee clamps as the old crimp ones are loosen with aging hoses. The old cap o-ring leaks causing wet dirty bottle. I also used a sharp razor to smooth out the ridge line off the cap which can cut into the o-ring making a dimple or groove line which helps the leaking.

[eacmen]

I wonder if the M3 has better gasket material than the non M cars. The housing to the block is very similar so why M3 has no issue on this.

I think it has to do with the M54 block being aluminum and the S54 being Iron.

The gasket is the same part number IIRC.

[Obioban]

I wonder if the M3 has better gasket material than the non M cars. The housing to the block is very similar so why M3 has no issue on this.

Same material-- it's the same part, in fact.

I've never replaced mine, but if I'm in there form something, it'll be with this:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bavarian-autosport-parts/bmw-oil-filter-housing-gasket-high-performance-dupont-viton-synthetic-rubber-bavarian-autosport/11421719855v~bav/

[timmo]

need new Jubilee clamps

Lol are you Bri'ish? Learned that term (and so many more) from Project Binky


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[jet_dogg]

Harsh, but true. These are old, expensive, performance machines.

Exactly, I think people forget these are 60k cars and got theirs when they were at all time lows. I always said back then I wouldn't wish an m3 on my worst enemy due to the high maintenance.

It always amazes me how people own things they can't maintain ie houses, cars, businesses.

[bigjae46]

Power steering reservoir has a filter in it, so it's a good 100,000 mile item even if not leaking. Lines are also due for replacement. I shimmed the power steering pump to reduce boost by 25%-- improves the steering (IMO), reduces pressure on the lines, creates less heat and HP loss. Wins all around IMO.

The PS shims are awesome. Not sure why more people don’t do it.

The reservoir has a baffle in it, not a filter. It diffuses the return which is under pressure. Without the baffle, oil would shoot through the weep hole.

The reservoir should be changed if the system is opened because there is no filter in the system.

I’d check the steering rack. If you have a large PS leak (which will work it’s way down to the bottom of the transmission as well), it’s likely a blown pinion seal (splined shaft where the steering guibo attaches - pinion or input gear).


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[Tbonem3]

Exactly, I think people forget these are 60k cars and got theirs when they were at all time lows. I always said back then I wouldn't wish an m3 on my worst enemy due to the high maintenance.

It always amazes me how people own things they can't maintain ie houses, cars, businesses.

Let's suggest they upgrade to the E60 M5

[Obioban]

The PS shims are awesome. Not sure why more people don’t do it.

The reservoir has a baffle in it, not a filter. It diffuses the return which is under pressure. Without the baffle, oil would shoot through the weep hole.

The reservoir should be changed if the system is opened because there is no filter in the system.

I’d check the steering rack. If you have a large PS leak (which will work it’s way down to the bottom of the transmission as well), it’s likely a blown pinion seal (splined shaft where the steering guibo attaches - pinion or input gear).


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Hmm. Either your right, or it's just not listed.

The e39 M5 reservoir has a built in filter:

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-2364-power-steering-fluid-reservoir-with-filter/

It looks identical to the M3's so I I assumed BMW would use one on the M3, too. But, it's not in the description, like the M5's.

If they didn't, I wonder if the M5 unit could be used instead, to have a filter in the system.

[Obioban]

And the M54 has integrated filter:

https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/recommendation-to-clean-your-power-steering-fluid-reservoir-circular-wire-mesh-filter.559914/#post-6239701

[Tbonem3]

Don't you filter oil due to worn material (metal)? Would the ATF contain metals or just some harmless dirt that gets clean by reasonable change intervals?

As far as I can see, the fluid is for pressure, maybe some cooling?

Like us not filtering coolant or brake fluid.

[bigjae46]

Hmm. Either your right, or it's just not listed.

The e39 M5 reservoir has a built in filter:

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-2364-power-steering-fluid-reservoir-with-filter/

It looks identical to the M3's so I I assumed BMW would use one on the M3, too. But, it's not in the description, like the M5's.

If they didn't, I wonder if the M5 unit could be used instead, to have a filter in the system.

The white disc in the bottom is just hard plastic. Unless there is some sort of screen underneath but you can see through both ports on the bottom.


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[Obioban]

The white disc in the bottom is just hard plastic. Unless there is some sort of screen underneath but you can see through both ports on the bottom.


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Interesting.

As far as I can tell from poking around the internet, every BMW other than the e46 M3 has a filter integrated into the reservoir. I can't find anything either way on the M3's

[Tbonem3]

When I replaced my reservoir, and inspected the new/old, it really did look like just a white plastic disc

[cobra]

Why don't you get rid of the car if you're not willing to maintain it? It doesn't sound like you want to bother with expected upkeep.

You're right, I don't want to bother with upkeep - that's why it's up on jack stands and I'm crawling around underneath it trying to fix it. Doh. It's just frustrating that everything seems to be leaking all at once and bills are adding up, a guy can vent a little right!?

I am making a running list now of what items need replacement. Just did all 4 rotors and pads. Doing fluids and filters, solving any leaks and going through the VANOS. The only thing I'm not doing right now is rod bearings.

[bigjae46]

You're right, I don't want to bother with upkeep - that's why it's up on jack stands and I'm crawling around underneath it trying to fix it. Doh. It's just frustrating that everything seems to be leaking all at once and bills are adding up, a guy can vent a little right!?

I am making a running list now of what items need replacement. Just did all 4 rotors and pads. Doing fluids and filters, solving any leaks and going through the VANOS. The only thing I'm not doing right now is rod bearings.

I get it. BMW ownership is a frequent test of commitment. You get some really high highs…and then you will experience pain.

M ownership just makes it more of a roller coaster ride.

If you don’t get the occasional feeling that you want to drive the f@cking b!tch off a cliff….you’re not doing it right.


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