N55 seeping oil at back of engine

Ohio Enthusiast · 07-28-2024, 09:19 PM

Recently purchased a 2011 335i E93 (N55) with about 45,000 miles. PPI was good except for a recommendation to replace the oil pan gasket, but they told me no rush on that, can do it in a year or two.

Today I did an oil change. Removed the belly pan and checked out the seepage. Looks like it's located at the rear of the engine, with the transmission having some oil on it and only the rear of the belly pan showing signs of oil. It looks to me like the oil seepage is from higher up than the oil pan gasket, and I'd like a second opinion about the need for replacing it (as it shouldn't be an issue with such low miles based on my readings). Then again, this is my first BMW and the shop that did the PPI is a respected indy specializing in European cars, particularly Porsches and BMWs.

TriumphTim · 07-31-2024, 06:09 AM

Honestly, the underside of powertrain looks very clean and seepage is minor for this family of engines.

I would wash everything down, clean the pan off, enjoy the car for a year, and check again.

If you look around this forum, you will see what a leaking N51-55 engine looks like, lol.

07-28-2024, 09:19 PM	#1
Ohio Enthusiast Private 60 Rep 54 Posts Drives: '11 E93 335i, '18 BRZ Join Date: May 2024 Location: Dayton, OH iTrader: (0)	N55 seeping oil at back of engine - oil pan gasket? Recently purchased a 2011 335i E93 (N55) with about 45,000 miles. PPI was good except for a recommendation to replace the oil pan gasket, but they told me no rush on that, can do it in a year or two. Today I did an oil change. Removed the belly pan and checked out the seepage. Looks like it's located at the rear of the engine, with the transmission having some oil on it and only the rear of the belly pan showing signs of oil. It looks to me like the oil seepage is from higher up than the oil pan gasket, and I'd like a second opinion about the need for replacing it (as it shouldn't be an issue with such low miles based on my readings). Then again, this is my first BMW and the shop that did the PPI is a respected indy specializing in European cars, particularly Porsches and BMWs. Attached Images
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07-31-2024, 06:09 AM	#2
TriumphTim Private 78 Rep 69 Posts Drives: 2008 328xi Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Perkasie PA iTrader: (0)	Honestly, the underside of powertrain looks very clean and seepage is minor for this family of engines. I would wash everything down, clean the pan off, enjoy the car for a year, and check again. If you look around this forum, you will see what a leaking N51-55 engine looks like, lol.
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