leaking in whittier

Hello All:
First time writing into these pages but I own and will continue to own a BMW I am hooked and will continue to be so until I can no longer afford these wonderful machines. I have gotten into a situation and I need some help. let my nephew wash my 2000 323I and he also wanted to change the oil for me, I didn't think that would be a problem but now there is. it seems he overfilled it and the car is now leaking oil. Does anyone that already has had a problem like this before would like to share some information as to where the oil leak is coming from. I cannot seem to find it and I do not want to just give in just yet and take it to the stealer ship to get hosed hard. if you know what I mean.
Please help Leaking in Whittier
Sincerely
Junebug

Ok - I'll bite only because when I read the post title, I thought it said "leaking in whit bier" and I thought "that sounds like a good leak to have!"

How do you know he over filled the oil? Did you check the dip stick? If it is indeed over filled, it needs to be drained of the excess oil through the oil drain plug or through the dip stick tube using an extractor. If its significantly overfilled, you can do damage to the engine by starting or driving it.

Its hard for any of us to provide any substantial help unless you do a little investigating on your own. Take off the plastic belly pan and put a piece of card board under the car to help identify where its coming from. Crack the hood open and inspect the areas around the oil filter and valve cover for leaks (check the wiki/DIYs here on the 'fest for more info). If you want our help, you have to help us help you.

If you suspect it was a direct result of the oil change, my guess would be the oil drain plug (either cross threaded, stripped, or the crush washer was reused or is missing) or the filter housing (either cross-threaded, loose or the o-ring was reused, is pinched or is missing). Beyond that, I'd guess you have a coincidental oil leak from one of the likely places such as oil filter housing or valve cover gasket.

Comments above are good.

A *slight* over-filling is not a big deal, but if it's more than about an eighth of an inch above full on the dipstick then you do need to drain some out to proper level.

The filter housing cap needs to be loosened and tightened with a socket wrench and properly torqued, otherwise the gasket can be disturbed in the process and leak. This is a common mistake and even oil change outfits and mechanics do it.

After a drive, you can also blot a paper towel around the valve cover gasket (15 bolts on top of engine hold it on) where it meets the engine head and see if you see fresh oil. Careful of the hot exhaust manifold.

thanks to the replies as it turns out he tried to do the oil change and got as far as draining the oil and when he tried to unloosen the oil filter cap housing since it is plastic I am guessing it was torqued on there too tight by the mechanic that changed the oil and when he heard it sort of creak and crack he thought he had damaged it, indeed he did. there was a hairline crack on the unit and as we know when the oil gets pumping and hot it tends to get all over the place, I thought there was just an overfilling problem like he had original told me. I have replaced the unit and not over tightened, I have cleaned the area with engine degreaser and am no longer leaking oil all over Whittier California. thanks to all.
Junebug53

Jackass trying to use the wrong tool without regard for other people's property. Consequence of immaturity.

Reason I hate to let others touch my car. But that's just me.

I hear you brother. it is rare that I lend out my vehicle to anyone. for a while there before the ex was my ex she had to ask me for permission and sometimes that wasn't even enough or a reassurance that she would get to borrow my ride. I've learned my lesson. I'm glad it wasn't a costly one.