Oil leak source help

Hi,

Can anyone help me identify the source of the oil leak I saw from under the car please? I saw that the oil traces above the steering pump line. I can't see any oil from above the engine (covers off). So I assume its somewhere in the middle. I know Im not loosing any significant amounts of oil because I've been checking it weekly and didnt notice it from the dipstick. I was only aware of it after I crawled under the car.

Attached are some pictures I took from the driver's side and passenger's side from underneath the car. The oil is mostly on the driver's side

Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

Does ur car have oil cooler or no? I had a couple of leaks and the main one was on the drivers side behind the alternator bracket.

Hi, thanks for the reply.

Im afraid I dont know if I have an oil cooler. How can I find out? vin is DR10510 if it helps. Thanks

U will have to call ur local dealer and give them last six digits of vin# number and they will let u no if u have oil cooler. If u don't its a good chance that your the seal behind the alt bracket may by worn out.

Most common places for oil leaks is, valve covers-front timing covers-alternator bracket seal if not equipped with oil cooler. Cheers

Thank you for the help. Do you think I should use any leak blockers before I try to change the seals? and also, do you think I need to change the seals right now or wait until there is significant oil leak? because right now, i cant detect it leaking from the dipstick.
thank you

No, you should never add leak blocker to this motor it will never run the same again.

ok thanks. is there any "more" harm I can do if dont fix the leak yet and wait until it gets worse? I can keep an eye on the oil every week until then maybe?

Originally Posted by 7Figurez

No, you should never add leak blocker to this motor it will never run the same again.

Agreed!

I thought what could be the harm, took my 7 to Toyota just to have the oil changed the other day, now I see leaks, there were no leaks at all on my car. I took it back swears that it had nothing to do with them changing the oil. Go figure!!!

Why would you take it to toyota for oil change? They most likely dont have the oil you need. And if the tech isnt familuar with bmw oil filter it may not be on properly.

Originally Posted by tatarogl

ok thanks. is there any "more" harm I can do if dont fix the leak yet and wait until it gets worse? I can keep an eye on the oil every week until then maybe?

My alternator bracket seal leaked for 6 months before I replaced it.
It really never got any worse, but I got tired of the burned oil smell and the constant squealing from my belts as the oil leaked down on the power steering pump/hydraulic pump.
Whenever you DO get it fixed, may as well do your driver;s side valve cover gasket and upper timing cover gasket.

Don't think i'm not kickin myself, just thought oil change how hard could it be for experienced mechanics!!