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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Powertrain and Drivetrain Discussions > NA Engine (non-turbo) / Drivetrain / Exhaust Modifications > Leak - what is this?



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      04-13-2013, 10:40 AM   #1
DarkEnigma
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Question Leak - what is this?

Hello guys

Over the last few weeks we have noticed a strong burning smell coming from the engine and since I planned to do a service and oil change I thought nothing of it.

Today I came to do an oil change after having the engine running for a few minutes to get things warm, turned off, opened bonnet and could see light smoke coming from the engine and a horrible smell.

After looking, I see there a small leak towards the back as pictured. Does anyone know what this is and what needs to be done?

The car is an E90 320i Pre-LCI. Oil change went smooth!

Please help!!

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      04-13-2013, 03:35 PM   #2
Delta0311
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You need to replace the valve cover gasket. Gasket and screws are like $80 but if you take it to the dealer you will get royaly screwed on labor. Get the part yourself and then do it on your own or take it to a good shop. Average time for this job is 1 to 2 hours. Dealer will charge you between $800-$1200
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      04-13-2013, 03:38 PM   #3
Delta0311
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Btw go and wipe the oil from the area as best as you can and drive around for like a week or so to see if there is more build up. There is always a chance that some oil spilled during the change.
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      04-15-2013, 01:38 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Delta0311 View Post
Btw go and wipe the oil from the area as best as you can and drive around for like a week or so to see if there is more build up. There is always a chance that some oil spilled during the change.
I'll do that but that picture was prior to the oil change It was already there!
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      04-15-2013, 02:17 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkEnigma View Post
I'll do that but that picture was prior to the oil change It was already there!
Slightly hard to tell from a pic but if that dark brownish is oil than yeah you got a bad gasket. One way to tell is to clean the area off and drive around for a while. If you get more oil build up than it is time to replace the gasket.
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      04-20-2013, 09:40 AM   #6
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I just had this done a few weeks ago for $620 out the door. Dealership wanted $1200... Go find a good euro indie shop.
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      04-20-2013, 02:11 PM   #7
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That looks like the gasket / seal around the valvetronic motor. I had a similar problem when I replaced my valvetronic sensor. Posts above are correct in that you have to remove the valve cover. Which means you need a new set of aluminum screws and 2 new gaskets for the valve cover. 1 goes around the entire cover, 1 goes around the cylinder holes in the middle. The valvetronic gasket if very easy to remove, just pops out with a bit of force. I agree with the poster above, either do it yourself or indy. Very expensive for BMW dealership.
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      04-25-2013, 07:09 AM   #8
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Thanks for the info would never take to BMW, will do it myself ASAP... need to do a bit more investigation!
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