Severe Oil Leak in the front passenger side of engine.

[michaeljchn]

I assume this the line we're talking about 11367837614 ?

When replacing the vanos line, I imagine you need to drop the engine oil?... and anything else you need to do?

Yep!

I got the Bimmerworld stainless steel one though

[Arinb12]

Hey guys im dealing with a severe oil leak in the passenger side front on my M3.

I attached some photos. I suspected the tensioner but i have a new crush ring installed on it and torqued down when i did my vanos/chain guide service.

The leak is covering the whole front passenger side... VANOS oil canister is wet (the bottom of it at least), my steering rack boot on the passenger side, a nd behind the harmonic balancer is wet as well.

The driver side of the engine is relatively dry.

Could it be an oil filter housing gasket leak? Vanos oil line cracked? The valve cover gasket isnt leaking from the top so im ruling that out.

Did you find any oil on the bottom of your AC pump? If so I'd say vanos gasket

[bigjae46]

One idea...have you ever shredded a drive belt? If so check the front main seal.

I would clean the area up, put dye in the oil, drive it and then use a UV flashlight to find the leak

[Arinb12]

One idea...have you ever shredded a drive belt? If so check the front main seal.

I would clean the area up, put dye in the oil, drive it and then use a UV flashlight to find the leak

Wouldn't the die just be everywhere the oil went so no further to find the leak than just oil everywhere, but now dye too?

[bigjae46]

Wouldn't the die just be everywhere the oil went so no further to find the leak than just oil everywhere, but now dye too?

It's easier to pinpoint where the leak is coming from.

[michaeljchn]

Update: Cleaned the oil up. Installed new vanos line. But the leak persists. It appears to be dripping from above but I have a new tensioner crush washer installed as well as the vanos gasket from a recent vanos job i did. So Im at a loss.

Note - this picture was taken right after installing the new vanos line w/ maybe 40 miles on it. If i keep driving, the entire front of the oil pan would be wet with oil.

[BMWE46M3]

Dude, that sucks... I too have an oil leak I've tried everything possible to fix with the exception of the rear main seal which I where I think it's coming from. Not exactly an easy repair...

[marksae]

I had a similar leak, which I originally thought was the vanos oil line. But after I pulled off the vanos solenoid pack, I saw that the freeze plug on the cylinder head was missing.

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/main-forum/e46-2001-2006/77773-massive-oil-leak?p=77901#post77901

[eacmen]

I know you changed the vanos gasket but it might still be leaking from the lower left bolt area. I’ve had to use sealant around that bolt hole before. Took oil dye and inspection mirror to find it.

[michaeljchn]

Is there any indication that this might be a front main seal?

[michaeljchn]

I know you changed the vanos gasket but it might still be leaking from the lower left bolt area. I’ve had to use sealant around that bolt hole before. Took oil dye and inspection mirror to find it.

I just went out to look at the area you specified and I do see some seepage...interesting development.

Where did you add sealant? Gasket then to the head? Or on the vanos unit to the gasket?

[eacmen]

I just went out to look at the area you specified and I do see some seepage...interesting development.

Where did you add sealant? Gasket then to the head? Or on the vanos unit to the gasket?

I added a *thin* layer of toyota FIPG to the head side bottom left bolt area. This is not a bead and squish style scenario. You’re basically filling a gap between the vanos gasket and the head.

Also scrubbed both surfaces with red scotchbrite to ensure good mating surface. Careful with any abrasive that’s harder than aluminum. Red sb is the hardest thing i would use.

Be very careful torquing those bolts as the threads in the head strip easily. Ask me how I know.

[michaeljchn]

I added a *thin* layer of toyota FIPG to the head side bottom left bolt area. This is not a bead and squish style scenario. You’re basically filling a gap between the vanos gasket and the head.

Also scrubbed both surfaces with red scotchbrite to ensure good mating surface. Careful with any abrasive that’s harder than aluminum. Red sb is the hardest thing i would use.

Be very careful torquing those bolts as the threads in the head strip easily. Ask me how I know.

Got it - ill definitely try that. thinking back on my vanos job, i didnt really clean that mating surface that well. I assume (just like the VCG) any oil or grime there would prevent it from sealing properly?

[Arith2]

The pictures look like a normal BMW. This is normal operation. I've seen 3 year old cars under warranty with worse leaks.